Elon Musk gave more than $76 million to his political committee, America PAC, in the first two weeks of October to back Republicans ahead of the midterms. The group spent nearly $43 million in that period, with $15.2 million going to the Texas Senate race. Much of that money targeted Democrat James Talarico, whose race against Republican Ken Paxton remains close. Musk has given more than $445 million to Republican groups this cycle, making him the biggest known individual donor. If Democrats win the House, lawmakers have signalled they will investigate his government role and his companies' federal contracts.
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has called on Energy Minister Chris Bowen to resign following the latest cost blowout on the Snowy 2.0 pumped hydro project. Taylor has also rejected claims that he underestimated the project's likely expense when he backed it in 2019. The live coverage gathered the day's developments and reactions from the political debate, though the exact revised cost figures and the government's formal response are not clearly detailed in the available material.
Australians have donated more than $350,000 in less than 24 hours to Save the Children in honour of independent MP Helen Haines. Her husband Phil asked supporters to give to the charity instead of buying flowers. Dr Haines remains in critical condition after an alleged attack outside her Wangaratta electorate office on Monday. Her husband said surgeons amputated both of her legs, but that she is alive and stable. A man has been charged over the alleged attack and is expected to face a committal hearing on February 4, 2027.
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Telethon has raised a record $101,277,705 for sick West Australian children, passing $100 million for the first time. Call centre donations rose 10 per cent on last year, and community fundraising jumped 20 per cent. The Premier handed over an $18 million cheque, the largest WA contribution on record. Schools, firefighters and individuals also raised funds through events and endurance challenges. Organisers say next year's 60th anniversary event will aim for $1 billion in total funds raised since the first Telethon.
More than 500 local children received gifts in 2026 through the Banyule Children's Gift Appeal, funded by community donations. The appeal supports families facing financial hardship, including single-parent households and those affected by disability or sudden changes in circumstances. Tax-deductible donations are made through Diamond Valley Community Support and used to buy toys and gift cards. New gifts can be dropped off at contactless bins at several Greensborough, Watsonia and Ivanhoe locations from 19 October 2026. Volunteers are also needed to pack, deliver and collect donations.
Telethon has reached a new record total, with business leaders, politicians and celebrities announcing large donations. Premier Roger Cook handed over an $18 million cheque on behalf of WA taxpayers on Sunday night. Chevron donated $1.5 million, Rio Tinto gave $5.5 million and BHP's latest gift took its total to more than $56 million. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese committed $6 million to WA children and research. The ball raised $25 million in two hours.
Canberrans can have unwanted clothes collected from their doorsteps for free today, as part of the annual Uber x Red Cross Clothing Drive. Between 10am and 4pm, Uber couriers will collect good quality, pre-loved clothing for Australian Red Cross Shops, with proceeds funding humanitarian programs in Australia and overseas. The drive is also running in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Bags or boxes should weigh no more than 20 kilograms and contain clean, wearable clothing. Red Cross cannot accept homewares, underwear or worn-out or dirty clothing.
The Rotary Club of Laurieton has donated $1000 to Shelterbox Australia and $1000 to the Rotary Club of Dhulikhel after floods and landslides devastated Nepal. Club president Caroline Hall said shelter items such as family tents, tarpaulins and water filters help people survive and rebuild. The club raises funds through twice-yearly book sales, and coordinator Philip Town said donated quality books are being sought for the next sale in January.
After visiting Ronald McDonald House Greater Western Sydney in Westmead, Troy Dodds writes that the House gives families a place to stay, eat and keep working during hospital stays. The charity offers hospital hospitality carts, family rooms at several hospitals and a tutoring program. It relies mainly on public donations, not government funding. A 48-hour Double Donations drive starts at midday on Wednesday, October 21, with every donation matched by partners including FDC.
Residents of the City of Wanneroo are being urged to donate to this year's Council Christmas Appeal, formerly the Mayor's Christmas Appeal. From 26 October to 23 November 2026, gifts can be dropped off at 10 collection points across the city, including schools, community groups, shopping centres and City facilities. Five charities will receive the donations to support families struggling this Christmas. Items sought include non-perishable food, Christmas treats, new toys and gifts for children and teenagers, sporting and craft items, and toiletries. Bin locations will be announced later in October.
A record 147 LGBTQIA+ not-for-profits and projects are taking part in GiveOUT Day, returning this Thursday, October 15. The campaign asks supporters to donate, host a fundraiser or share a love note for a cause. Organisers say LGBTQIA+ groups receive five cents of every $100 donated in Australia. Under the Give option, eligible donations will be doubled through funding partners, subject to limits. In 2025, the day raised more than $635,000 for 134 causes. Donations go directly to the organisations, with Rainbow Giving Australia covering running costs.
Wollongong Homeless Hub and Housing Services has launched its 12 Weeks of Christmas campaign, asking the public to add one easily bought item to their weekly shop. The items will fill Christmas hampers for people in need. CEO Mandy Booker said demand is exceeding what the organisation normally provides, with more than 180 people in crisis accommodation over the holidays. Financial donations also help cover fuel for family visits and last-minute gifts. The weekly item is announced on the organisation's social media pages, and donations are collected at several locations across the Illawarra.
A family-owned newspaper is urging readers to support its sustainability through donations. The printed edition remains free, but financial contributions will help secure its future operations and online news coverage.
Angus Taylor, Opposition Leader, faced criticism after seeking donations for the Liberal Party's campaign. A letter to the editor questioned his migration policy promises, citing past inaction and broken commitments. The writer accused the Liberals of betraying constituents, particularly regarding water rights, alleging constitutional violations and corporate influence. The letter suggested energy corporations with Chinese Communist Party ties might fund the Liberals, given their policy favours. The author refused to donate, expressing disillusionment with both major parties.
Vinnies WA faces mounting costs from unsuitable donations, including soiled nappies and broken electrical goods, which must be disposed of at landfill. The charity reports a decline in quality donations, with household waste and unsellable items filling donation bins. This issue costs Vinnies hundreds of thousands annually, diverting funds from supporting those in need. Additionally, the charity experiences theft and vandalism at donation sites, creating safety hazards. Despite challenges, Vinnies WA has saved over 4 million items from landfill this financial year and urges thoughtful donations.
