The first on-air appeal was conducted in 1960.

Up to 100 local, national and international artists arrived at the studios of Channel 9 to provide their time and performances free in a 24-hour non-stop entertainment show.

Regulars included Ernie Sigley, Denise Drysdale, Bobby Limb, Garry McDonald, Jimmy Hannan and Pete Smith.

Volunteers would answer phones and take donations and hundreds of community groups, families and friends, collected money across the state as part of the 'telethon'.

The Crippled Children's Association was the first beneficiary and the appeal raised $25,000. Through funds raised, Crippled Children's Association established a new classroom building at Ashford House, known as the Channel 9 Telethon Building.

The 'telethon' marathon appeal continued in this format until 1983.