WA Stands Together and raises $627,000 for victims of the Yarloop-Waroona Bushfires

Nine Perth’s special community event – WA Stands Together: The Nine News Bushfire Appeal – raised an incredible $627,000 last night. The appeal was broadcast live on Nine Perth and across the regional WIN Network to raise money for those affected by the recent bushfires that claimed two lives in the town of Yarloop, destroyed more than 160 homes and more than 71,000 hectares of land.

Music legend Daryl Braithwaite, Perth singer-songwriter Samantha Jade, ARIA chart-topper Taylor Henderson and blues great Rick Steele and his daughter Katy Steele from Little Birdie took to the stage at the Harvey Amphitheatre. They performed for the audience made up of volunteer firefighters and victims of the blaze. One firefighter handed his uniform jacket to Braithwaite, who opened the show with it on.

Host Tim McMillan and Nine’s Liam Bartlett were also handed volunteers’ jackets which they donned for the entire broadcast. The TODAY Show’s Richard Wilkins introduced and interviewed the singers, while Allison Langdon from 60 Minutes and Nine’s Peter Stefanovic and Scherri-Lee Biggs spoke to the victims and the firies in the audience and encouraged donations.

Nine News Perth’s Michael Thomson and Lisa Fernandez were at various locations in the state’s south-west, hearing the residents’ stories of loss, heartache and triumph. Local stars including Matt and Kim from Matt and Kim to the Rescue, The Block’s Luke and Ebony, The Hotplate’s Christina and Tania, and WA farmer Matt from the upcoming series of The Farmer Wants a Wife also went down to Waroona to lend a hand.

The Sunday Times Phone Room was abuzz with volunteers and sporting personalities, including boxer Danny Green and West Coast Eagle Mitch Brown, taking donations from viewers throughout the night. Nine News Perth’s Emmy Kubainski and Louise Momber announced donations from BHP Billiton ($250,000), Crown Perth ($50,000) and Harcourts ($15,000).

Meanwhile Nova 93.7’s Nathan, Nat and Shaun were busy tallying bids in The Sunday Times Phone Room Auction. Among the items sold were American pop and country music singer Taylor Swift’s 1989 signed acoustic guitar ($9,500), the New York Fashion Week experience with Russell James ($11,750), and a new car from the DVG Automotive Group ($12,500).

Nine Perth managing director Ray Wardrop was overwhelmed by the support.

“The generosity of the people of Perth never ceases to amaze me. It was our honour and privilege to present this live television event for our community. That’s what Nine stands for.”