It’s official. Further to the press release here, hosts and some stars have been announced that will be involved with the Channel 9 telethon on Sunday night. Such a great cause – hopefully the whole nation will get behind it. You’ll be able to follow along on Twitter using the #9FloodAppeal hashtag. This press release reads:

The Nine and WIN Networks will band together to help victims of the worst floods in Queensland’s history with a two-hour LIVE telethon this Sunday, January 9, from 6.30pm.

Nine’s Flood Relief Appeal – Australia Unites will raise money for the devastated population in a flood-ravaged area larger than New South Wales and bigger than France and Germany combined. More than 200,000 people are affected, entire towns have been evacuated and many others remain cut off from supplies.

At this stage the damage bill is predicted to run into billions of dollars and the situation is still worsening in some areas.

Bruce Paige and Heather Foord will launch the night at 6pm with Nine News bringing Queensland all the latest on the flood affected areas around the State.

We then cross LIVE to the telethon hosted by Nine’s Eddie McGuire, Leila McKinnon and Karl Stefanovic from Brisbane’s Suncorp Piazza in Southbank.

Nine’s Allison Langdon will host the flood relief call centre along with Queenslanders Natalie Gruzlewski and Ian Healy who will keep viewers informed on the donation tally. Familiar faces Andrew Lofthouse, Melissa Downes and Wally Lewis will be joined by a host of Channel Nine stars and sporting heroes, who’ll support the appeal by manning the phones to take donations.

The telethon will also have the flood-stricken region covered, with Channel Nine reporters appearing live from some of the worst hit areas. Liz Hayes, Peter Harvey, Michael Usher, Sarah Harris and Ben Fordham will have updates throughout the evening on the latest news coming out of the flooded State.

Some of Australia’s top music acts will perform live to raise money for the telethon, including Tina Arena, Jessica Mauboy, David Campbell, Altiyan Childs, and Lee Kernaghan.

Managing Director of the Nine Network, Mr Jeffrey Browne, said: “In this great tragedy the telethon gives all Australians the opportunity to support the people of Queensland who have been touched by this natural disaster. I urge all viewers to get behind the appeal and donate generously to help alleviate the suffering and long-term effects of these floods.”

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh, who on Tuesday inspected flood damage and clean-up efforts in Alpha and Jericho, congratulated the Nine Network for organising the telethon. “The star power of Channel Nine will really help to kick along donations to the Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal. There will be thousands of people reaching for their phones on Sunday night to donate money and I’ll be helping to answer the calls,” Ms Bligh said.

Mr Bruce Gordon, of the WIN Network, said: “Throughout Australia the WIN Network has long supported local communities in times of crisis. Being Australia’s largest network, we understand our responsibility to the communities in which we live and we have committed the full resources of WIN to support this telethon.

“Seven of our 26 news bureaus across Australia are located in Queensland. The communities of Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Mackay, Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba rely on their local WIN News bulletin daily, particularly in difficult times.

“Fortunately we have managed to stay on air with all stations throughout the crisis. Now we will lend the support of the whole WIN Network, which covers every State as well as the capital cities of Adelaide and Perth, to this fund-raising effort for those WIN viewers who have been disadvantaged by these disastrous floods.”

Mr Gordon said WIN news presenter Paul Taylor and weather expert Peter Byrne were locals who know the flood area. Their expertise, knowledge and experience will play a major role in the telethon.

“Flood information has been and will continue to be covered by the WIN Network for our viewers throughout Australia,” he added.

The only way to secure tickets for this Sunday night’s telethon is to REGISTER at www.thecouriermail.com.au

Donate by phone:
To make a donation call the toll-free number 1800 219 028 and donate by using your credit card.

Donate in person at:
Commonwealth Bank
NAB
Westpac
ANZ
Bank of Queensland
Suncorp
Coles

Donate online:
www.qld.gov.au/floods

NINE’S FLOOD RELIEF APPEAL – AUSTRALIA UNITES – Sun 09/01 6.30pm, Channel 9