With WA’s favourite weekend of the year just two weeks away, beloved children’s entertainer Emma Memma has touched down early to spread a little Telethon magic where it matters most.
The countdown is officially on for Telethon 2026, the giant annual weekend that captures the heart of the state and raises millions for vulnerable, sick, and disadvantaged kids.
Ahead of the main event, Emma Memma made a special stop at Telethon beneficiary Teach, Speak, Hear to visit local children and their families, bringing endless smiles, bright colours and a whole lot of excitement.
For Emma, coming back to Perth for Telethon is always a highlight.
“Being from the East coast, we never really understood how big and important this was for children right across the State,” she said.
“When we finally realised what Telethon really was — like the biggest, giant, most exciting sleepover where everyone has a ball and raises heaps of money — we were thrilled to be back and a part of that.
“This time, we’re bringing over our biggest Emma Memma team yet. We’ve got more of our dancers coming who also sign as part of the show.
“But for me personally, the best part is visiting the children and families before the main celebration starts — it really puts into context why we’re all here together.”
Fellow performer Elvin Melvin shared the enthusiasm, describing the WA Telethon community as feeling “just like family” as they head into their third year of involvement.
“Meeting all the different children, seeing the happy expressions on their faces, and watching their reactions is just great,” he said.
Among the lucky kids meeting their hero was five-year-old Imogen Duffy, who was identified with moderate hearing loss at birth.
Her dad, Liam Duffy, said the household had been in complete overdrive since Imogen found out she was going to meet the star.
“She was super excited — we haven’t been able to get her to sit still at all,” Mr Duffy said.
“We’ve been reading the books non-stop, watching all the TV shows, and trying to learn all the dance moves. In the car this morning, it was just non-stop, ‘Are we there yet?’”
Mr Duffy explained how TSH’s supportive environment, combined with Emma Memma’s inclusive performance style — which incorporates Auslan and key word sign — has made a world of difference for Imogen.
“She was a bit hesitant at first about wearing hearing aids and feeling a bit different,” he said.
“Since coming here for an hour a week, the kids are so supportive of each other to the point where she’s now happy to wear her hearing aid and is super positive about it.
“Even her little teddy bear has matching hearing aids now. She’s definitely found her people here.
“What Emma Memma does is fantastic because it makes these kids feel seen and supported. There’s so much mainstream content out there, but for kids who feel a little bit different, seeing someone promote what they’re learning in class makes it so much easier.”
For Imogen, the meeting was pure joy.
After giving Emma a giant hug to say thank you, the five-year-old summed up what the character means to her in five simple words.
“Emma Memma makes me feel happy, brave, kind, smart, and loved,” she said.
Also waiting eagerly to meet the entertainer was Saanvi Sanichurwah who was diagnosed at birth with Branchio-Oto-Renal syndrome, a rare genetic condition.
“We always put Emma Memma on the TV—she loves watching it and tries to imitate the moves with her sister,” Sunjay Sanichurwah, Saanvi’s father, said.
“Ever since we told her we were coming to see Emma Memma today, she’s been so excited.”
The heartwarming visit offers a poignant preview of the generosity, community spirit and pure excitement set to take over the state when the Telethon weekend officially kicks off at RAC Arena on October 17 and 18.
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