Thousands travel far and wide to win cash in Mega Bingo

Perth Now

2 days ago

A full house was just the ticket as more than 5000 players packed the Perth Convention Centre hoping to win a piece of the $137,000 prize money offered in the annual Telethon Mega Bingo yesterday.
Players — both experienced and novice — intently followed calls like 'legs eleven' and 'clickety-click' with dreams of spending big on a new kitchen or overseas holiday.
And when first-time player Natasha Newberry shouted 'bingo' to secure $37,500 cash, a huge round of loud cheers filled the room.
Ms Newbery, who has seven children and one grandchild on the way, said she couldn't wait to share the winnings with the family.
'It's like a dream come true, I came in with high spirits but I never thought it would actually happen,' she said.
Players came dressed for success, some in rubber duckie onesies, others wearing floral headpieces, all adding to the vibrancy of the day. Doreen Hughes (97) at the Telethon Mega Bingo 2025 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. Credit: Ross Swanborough / The West Australian
Among the enthralled crowd was 61-year-old Gary Thomas, who flew all the way from England to take part in the bingo extravaganza.
Mr Thomas had been hearing about the Telethon Mega Bingo from friends who had volunteered since the very first bingo event in 2008, and said he 'had to see what it was all about'.
'I arrived in Perth last night and I leave tomorrow evening,' he said.
'I always knew I was going to come do it one day... I will be back for sure, I am having a lot of fun.'
Monique Archer racked up some frequent flyer points too, jetting over from Brisbane for a quick two-day break to take part in the Mega Bingo. The crowd at the Telethon Mega Bingo 2025 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre Credit: Ross Swanborough / The West Australian
'I'm from Perth originally but I've lived in Queensland for 17 years. All my best girlfriends are still here so I often come back for the event,' she said.
'I grew up watching Telethon on TV. When I go home I feel like my soul is filled having spent time with my best friends and sister and helping raise money for children in WA.'
Karen Raftos — the first-ever prize winner at the very first Telethon Mega Bingo — was there with her daughter Rachel Wright and mum Helen Raftos. Karen Raftos, Rachel Wright and Helen Raftos, who are 3 generations playing at the Telethon Mega Bingo 2025 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. Credit: Ross Swanborough / The West Australian
Ms Raftos has been a Telethon lover for as long as she can remember and experienced the true magic of Telethon first-hand when her daughter was diagnosed with Kabuki Syndrome.
'Knowing how generous and supportive everyone in this room is of sick children, that is why we haven't missed a year, the atmosphere is just incredible,' Ms Raftos said. Noreen Dickerson, Sharon Dawson, Christine Wilson and Lorraine Dickerson at the Telethon Mega Bingo 2025 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. Credit: Ross Swanborough / The West Australian
While this year there was a lower age limit of 12, there was nothing stopping 97-year-old Doreen Hughes — who has attended the event since 2009 — from trying her luck.
Tony Ashford was the lucky winner of a brand new GWM Haval Jolion Luxury. There is another to be won on Sunday; each vehicle is valued at nearly $30,000.