Australia Unites: Red Cross Flood Appeal: guide

In a rare move, tonight Seven Network, Nine Network and Network 10 will jointly present Australia Unites: Red Cross Flood Appeal to help the people and communities who have suffered from the devastating floods across Queensland and New South Wales.

All of the funds raised during the Telethon will go to people affected by the floods.

The hosting ensemble will include Channel 7’s Natalie Barr, David Koch, Sonia Kruger and Mark Ferguson, Channel 9’s Scott Cam, Sylvia Jeffreys, Ben Fordham and Peter Overton, and 10’s Carrie Bickmore, Dr Chris Brown, Amanda Keller and Osher Günsberg.

Performers include Tones And I, Delta Goodrem, Jon Stevens, Missy Higgins, Vanessa Amorosi, Kasey Chambers, Gang of Youths, Ruel, Genesis Owusu, Budjerah, Hunters & Collectors, John Williamson, Guy Sebastian, Kate Miller-Heidke, The Living End, Fijian Heroes, Sheppard, Baker Boy, and The Wiggles.

Red Cross call centres around the country will include Channel 7’s Mark Ferguson, Rebecca Maddern, Sharyn Ghidella and Manu Feildel, along with a special appearance from Kylie Gillies, Channel 9’s Eddie McGuire, Brooke Boney and Tim Davies, along with a special appearance from Hamish Blake and Andy Lee, and 10’s Narelda Jacobs, Sandra Sully and Sarah Harris.

Viewers will have the chance to donate and speak with some of biggest names in the country, including Home and Away’s James Stewart, Ada Nicodemou and Georgie Parker, Grant Denyer, Dami Im, Karen Martini and Melissa King from Better Homes and Gardens, Magda Szubanski, Dave Hughes, NRL legend Johnathan Thurston, Shane Webcke, Rob Mills, Shannon Noll, Jock Zonfrillo, Catriona Rowntree, I’m A Celebrity’s David Subritzky, Melissa Leong, Georgie Parker, Debra Lawrence, James Stewart, Abbie Chatfield, Poh Ling Yeow, The Living Room’s Barry Du Bois, Kerry and Johnny from Married At First Sight, and The Block’s Jimmy and Tam.

Channel 7’s Larry Emdur, Channel 9’s Renee Bargh and 10’s Daniel Doody will host special coverage from flood devastated Brunswick Heads, in northern New South Wales, along with special guests and local residents Mick Fanning and Bridie Carter, and courageous volunteers who have been helping out selflessly after the floods.

Presenting inspiring stories from the flood-affected regions and evacuation centre heroes will be Mark Ferguson, Karl Stefanovic and Lisa Wilkinson.

Kym Pfitzner, Australian Red Cross CEO, said: “Red Cross is delighted and grateful to join with the major TV networks to raise money for flood-affected areas. We have all seen the enormity of the flood damage across large parts of New South Wales and Queensland, and these communities now face a long and tough road to recovery.

“Everyone coming together during this telethon will help Australian Red Cross provide financial assistance to people at a time when they really need it.

“We can only give out what we raise, so we ask everyone to dig deep and really come together to support the people who have lost so much.”Whenever disaster strikes, Australian Red Cross works side by side with organisations such as the St Vincent de Paul Society, The Salvation Army, Lifeline, and GIVIT to get help to where it’s needed most. They do an incredible job and the Red Cross is grateful to work alongside all of them.”

 Donations to the Telethon will help Red Cross teams provide humanitarian support to people and communities smashed by the floods, which may include:

• Enabling volunteers and staff to help with evacuation and relief centres and outreach services
• Supporting people and communities to recover and build resilience to disasters

So far, 468 Red Cross emergency response team members and volunteers have provided support in 49 evacuation centres – and donations help to make that support possible.

Apart from the Telethon, Australian Red Cross has already launched a flood appeal. You can donate to it now at redcross.org.au/floodsappeal or by calling 1800 733 276.

Tonight’s Telethon will also be highlighting the great work from organisations such as the Foodbank, Rotary, Good Food 360, Koori Mail Flood Appeal, and Rural Aid.

7:30pm AEDT tonight on Seven, Nine and 10 (7plus, 9Now, 10Play)*
* check local guides.