The "Parathon" show, presented by the Weekend Sunrise team of Andrew O’Keefe, Angela Cox, Simon Reeve, Talitha Cummins, James Tobin and Sally Bowrey, was broadcast live from Sydney’s Martin Place.

It featured a combination of Paralympic athletes and special guests, and seeked to uncover the stories behind the country's Rio 2016 hopefuls.

Among the contingent of Para-athletes taking part was wheelchair rugby star Ryley Batt, who was joined by reigning Paralympic swimming champion Ellie Cole and dual World Championship winning wheelchair basketballer Tristan Knowles.

Paralympic legends were also present, including Australia’s fastest-ever speed-skier Michael Milton and International Tennis Hall of Famer David Hall.

Former Australia cricket captain Michael Clarke and four-time Paralympic gold medal-winning swimmer Libby Trickett completed a star-studded sporting line-up.

Members of the public were encouraged to come down to Martin Place to be a part of the telecast, meet their favourite personalities and experience fundraising activations hosted by Australian Paralympic team partners Cadbury, Woolworths and Toyota.

The Australian Paralympic Committee is aiming to send a 170-strong team spanning 15 sports to Rio 2016 at a cost of AUD$7 million (£3.7 million/$5.3 million/€4.7 million).

All money raised above the funding target is set to be used for community driven programmes aimed at identifying future generations of Paralympians and inspiring people with disabilities.

Last month, three-time Paralympic wheelchair racing champion Kurt Fearnley and former wheelchair tennis player Daniela Di Toro were named as captains of the Australian Paralympic team at Rio 2016.

Australia finished fifth on the medals table at London 2012 with 32 golds, 23 silvers and 30 bronzes.