Big Freeze 7: Much-loved FightMND fundraiser to proceed at MCG
Melbourne’s chances of hosting the Big Freeze were plunged into doubt amid the latest Covid outbreak. But a decision has been made on where to hold the event.
Victoria
Don't miss out on the headlines from Victoria. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The much-loved Big Freeze slide fundraiser will stay in Melbourne this year even though the Queen’s Birthday clash between Melbourne and Collingwood will move to Sydney.
The Saturday Herald Sun has confirmed celebrities and footy stars will take the icy plunge at the MCG as usual with the fun beamed into the football telecast.
There had been speculation about how the event — which has helped contribute to more than $48m invested in research through Neale Daniher’s FightMND charity — would go ahead given Victoria’s coronavirus outbreak.
Campaign director Bec Daniher, Neale’s daughter, told the Saturday Herald Sun: “We’re really pleased we’re able to continue to have the Big Freeze at the MCG.”
“Dad’s mantra is to play on. And that is what we will be doing on June 14,’’ she said.
“We know the event is going to be a fantastic event — just a little bit different.
“We’ve got such fabulous supporters across Australia.
“This campaign is a national campaign and we know we will get the support of the Australian public who have been so generous over the last seven years. We will see that again no doubt.
“We’re so excited we’re able to continue the Big Freeze at the MCG.”
FightMND chief executive officer Fiona McIntosh said: “This event is enormously important to our organisation and those across Australia living with MND, as we continue the battle against this insidious disease.”
“I am extremely proud of the combined efforts of our FightMND team, and we thank all our stakeholders including our broadcast partner Channel 7, the Melbourne Cricket Club, the AFL and the Victorian State Government in helping us maintain this tradition in challenging circumstances.”
AFL executive general manager clubs and broadcasting Travis Auld said although is was disappointing to not host the game at the MCG it was great to be able to take a marquee match on the fixture to NSW.
“Out of adversity comes some silvers linings and this is a great opportunity for not only the AFL to showcase a marquee game into the Sydney market, but for the FightMND organisation to further shine a light the inspirational Neale Daniher and his fight against motor neurone disease,” Mr Auld said.
“On behalf of the AFL I would like to thank both Melbourne and Collingwood, Bec Daniher and the FightMND organisation, our broadcast partner Channel 7 and the NSW government for welcoming us to Sydney.
“The Big Freeze slide will remain at the MCG with details on further activations at iconic Sydney locations to unfold next week.
“To all the footy fans in Victoria we will continue to work closely with the state government on when we can get matches back in front of you in the coming rounds.”
Billy Brownless, Shane Crawford, Ray Chamberlain, Sharni Norder, Sarah Jones, Abbey Holmes, Craig Bellamy, Jeff Farmer and Daisy Pearce have all been confirmed to take the plunge for the Big Freeze 7.
Money raised goes to research to help find a cure for motor neurone disease.
The average life expectancy of someone who has MND is just 27 months.
To support the cause and MND research, buy a Big Freeze beanie at Coles, Bunnings or fightmnd.org.au.
Beaconsfield teacher who sexually preyed on nine boys dodges jail
A former Beaconsfield Primary School grade 6 teacher who sexually assaulted and groomed young boys over more than a decade has escaped jail in a sentence slammed by his ex-teaching colleagues as “a joke”.
Accused ‘Pam the Bird’ graffiti attacker unmasked
The alleged culprit behind the infamous Pam the Bird graffiti tags on Melbourne landmarks — including the Flinders Street Station clock — has been unmasked as a 21-year-old from Yarraville.