Target Reached at World Refugee Day Telethon

Because of you, we did it.

Together, the ASRC community raised an extraordinary $1,593,789.41 during this year’s ASRC Telethon, reaching our $1.5 million target.

But this incredible total represents far more than just a financial result. It arrived at the end of a challenging week for our community, a week where fear, division and scapegoating once again dominated the national conversation.

Together, we rejected that narrative. Instead, we wrote a different story about Australia: one of love, welcome and unwavering solidarity.

We saw this spirit everywhere we looked throughout the day. From supporters gathering before dawn to cheer on the Socceroos, a team shaped by so many migrant and refugee stories. From a powerful Welcome to Country celebrating 65,000 years of First Nations history and culture to people from dozens of cultures, faiths and backgrounds coming together under a simple message: our diversity is our strength.

We drew inspiration from our voices with lived experience. We heard from our 2026 Telethon Hero, Senada Suljagic, whose connection to the ASRC began 25 years ago when her family first walked through our doors as refugees from Bosnia and Herzegovina. We also heard from graduates of our ASRC Refugee Leadership Program, past Telethon Heroes and community advocates. Time and again, we were reminded of the extraordinary strength, resilience and leadership of refugees and people seeking asylum.

An impact of this scale requires a massive, collective effort. We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who brought this day to life. 

To our Telethon ambassadors, performers, guests and celebrity supporters who lent their voices, performed, staffed the phones and amplified our message. To every business and individual who donated auction items, helping raise $20,885.35. To our staff and many volunteers who gave their time, energy and hearts throughout the day. And to the extraordinary team at Jasper Picture Company, who for the second year in a row donated their time, equipment, expertise and creativity to bring our livestream to life.

Relive the magic of the day and watch the Telethon livestream.

To the incredible donors who stepped forward to match donations and whose generosity helped create the momentum that carried us to this extraordinary result:

• Trounson Family Foundation
• Professional Footballers Australia (PFA)
• The Metamorphic Foundation
• Steve and Jill from Canberra
• Nate & Raphie
• Ben Friis-O’Toole, Valeska Bloch and their children Oskar and Rory
• Maurice Blackburn Lawyers and CEO Jacob Varghese
• Swan Plumbing Supplies
• Epic Systems Melbourne
• Melbourne Primary Health
• and the many generous supporters who chose to remain anonymous

It was a day filled with joy, connection, generosity and community. Our hearts are still so full. To each and every one you who tuned in and donated, thank you for making sure there is always a seat at the table for refugee families. You showed what is possible when a community comes together in solidarity.

Thank you for helping us celebrate 25 years of ASRC. Countless stories. One community.

Together, we are helping power the next story.

Together, we are better, stronger and proudly part of a beautiful First Nations and multicultural Australia.

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If you missed donating to the ASRC Telethon, but still want to support our work, please make a tax-deductible donation to the ASRC’s Winter Appeal. Your support enables us to support people seeking asylum with food, housing, basic needs and medical care.