Reasons to feel proud of being an Australian have been fairly thin on the ground in recent years, but I am today proud to tell you that last night the three commercial free-to-air television networks jointly hosted a telethon for three and a half hours, during which Australian individuals and companies pledged more than $15 million.

Prior to that the total donated by Australians was already $110 million.

The government has pledged $1 billion.

My 7 yr-old son and 10 yr-old daughter have been busking for the last three days and raised $200.

Proud today.

John