One of the great challenges in discovering effective treatments for MND (also known as ALS) is that each person’s experience differs and the progression of the disease is unique for each individual.  

While there is no known cure for MND, available treatments can have varied results in reducing the impact of the disease. Treatments for MND essentially focus on retaining function, slowing disease progression and improving quality of life.  

The drug Riluzole, which blocks the release of glutamate, is the only available treatment for MND in Australia, and is reported to extend a person’s life by an average of about three months. 

In most cases, we do not know what causes or triggers MND. Researchers believe the combination of a person’s genetics, environment and lifestyle that leads to the development of MND. This combination may affect people differently, meaning that any single treatment for MND is unlikely to be effective for everyone, and this is why ongoing research and funding remain critical.  

Research remains our best weapon against the Beast, with mounting confidence in developing promising treatments for MND provided by two new and research discoveries.  

An extended clinical trial for the drug Tofersen shows promise in slowing MND progression 

Researchers investigating the effectiveness of the drug Tofersen in people with familial MND have found it can slow its progression if taken over a period of 12 months.  

The trial investigated the effects of Tofersen in 108 people with MND known to have the faulty SOD1 gene, which is thought to account for around 2 percent of all cases of the disease.  

Tofersen is a type of potential treatment known as an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapy that targets a specific genetic mutation that causes MND. Tofersen has been designed to work by stopping the production of abnormal SOD1 protein that is toxic to motor neurons. Recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers reported that Tofersen reduced the amount of SOD1 protein as well as a protein called neurofilament which is biomarker of MND progression. They also reported a notable reduction in the rate of decline in mobility and lung function in a person living with MND, after taking the drug for a year.   

These results give mounting confidence that Tofersen is having both a biological and a beneficial effect in people living with SOD1 MND.  

The drug has not yet been approved for use as a treatment for MND anywhere in the world. It is under review by the FDA in the USA and there is an early access program in the UK. In Australia, all medicines must be approved for sale by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). 

For more information, check out this summary from the MND Association UK.

FDA approves new treatment for ALS/MND 

Overnight, the US Food and Drug Administration announced it has approved the therapy RELYVRIO™ (sodium phenylbutyrate and taurursodiol), developed by Amylyx, for the treatment of adults with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).  

RELYVRIO™, previously known as AMX0035, is an oral, fixed-dose combination therapy that slowed the loss of physical function in people living with ALS in a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. 

The approval of RELYVRIO is based on data from CENTAUR, a multicenter Phase 2 clinical trial in 137 participants with ALS. Detailed data from CENTAUR were published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Muscle & Nerve, and the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry. 

“Any time we have a new tool to slow the progression of this disease represents an important milestone in how we battle ALS. The published data on both function and survival in a randomized trial – and what this means for people living with ALS – are a step forward for the ALS community,” said Sabrina Paganoni, M.D., Ph.D., principal investigator of the CENTAUR trial, investigator at the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Massachusetts General Hospital, and Associate Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. 

At present, RELYVRIO is now approved as a treatment for MND in the US and Canada.  

The FDA approval is significant for the MND community and adds to the growing momentum and progress we’re seeing in MND research around the world. This is the first new treatment since Edaravone was approved in 2017 (available in Japan, South Korea, the U.S, Canada, Switzerland, and China) and Riluzole (available in Australia) was approved in 1995.  

For more information, see the Amylyx press release and FDA statement.  

You can also read MND Australia’s statement here.  

When it comes to MND treatment or access to clinical trials, FightMND recommends that you speak to your health care professional.  

FightMND investment in research  

We know that we will need many treatments to end MND and our job isn’t done until we rid the world of MND.  

With every project we fund, we are learning more about the Beast and how best to fight it.  

Since 2014, FightMND has invested more than $55.9 million into cutting-edge research in Australia and overseas, to find effective treatments or a cure – including 12 clinical trials and 22 drug development projects. We are also investing in targeted research that looks to uncover the causes and triggers of MND. 

For more about FightMND’s investment and impact, please visit https://fightmnd.org.au/cure/  

FightMND, partnering with the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and ALS Finding a Cure®, have selected three successful researchers for the global two-year ALS Scholars in Therapeutics program.

The ALS Scholars in Therapeutics program provides funding to young investigators, empowering them to gain training and experience in developing new treatments for people living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

ALS is the most common form of Motor Neurone Disease (MND), accounting for roughly 60-70% of all MND cases.

From an outstanding pool of applicants, this year’s successful ALS Scholars are:

• Dylan Galloway, PhD of the Washington University School of Medicine,
• Jacob Mann, PhD of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, and
• Roberta Piovesana, PhD of the University of Montreal.

All scholars will be part of the broader Healey & AMG Center, ALS Finding a Cure® and FightMND’s global community, and importantly, they will engage directly with people living with MND.

For more information about their specific areas of research, please visit this website.

FightMND is one of the largest independent funders of MND research in the world. Since 2014, FightMND has invested more than $55.9M into vital and urgent MND research.

The pillars that underpin FightMND’s investment to find a cure for MND include funding world class research, international collaboration, strengthening the research workforce and making targeted investments that facilitate MND research globally.

Every researcher we add to the fight means that effective treatments will be found sooner. By engaging motivated and creative individuals with a passion for bringing treatments to people living with MND, we are helping to expand the community of experts and expedite therapy development.

The eighth Big Freeze has broken another record in its fundraising for FightMND, generating $19.8 million for the national charity.

Announced on Global MND Awareness Day 2022, the funds, generated through the sale of Big Freeze beanies, donations and community fundraising efforts will be invested, almost immediately, in vital research to find effective treatments and a cure for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

This year marked the first time in two years that FightMND’s Big Freeze event, including the celebrity ice slide, was held at the MCG on Queen’s Birthday Monday, in front of a crowd of nearly 80,000 people.

Local communities, schools and sporting clubs across the country have also been hosting their own DIY Big Freeze fundraising events in support of the cause.

FightMND Campaigns Director Bec Daniher was overwhelmed by the support and ongoing generosity of the Australian public and the wider FightMND Army.

“I can’t help but get emotional thinking about the overwhelming support for the Big Freeze. It’s remarkable to think how this campaign has been embraced by the entire community and is now raising millions for much-needed MND research,” Ms Daniher said.

“From the March to the ‘G, to the slide and sea of blue beanies covering every corner of the MCG, Big Freeze 8 was an unforgettable day for so many reasons and to do it all with my dad by side made it even more special.”

“Thank you to everyone who supported this campaign. We know that our job is not done until we defeat this Beast, but with every dollar raised, we’re taking another step closer to a cure for MND,” Ms Daniher added.

FightMND CEO Dr Fiona McIntosh said that FightMND was honoured to be able to make today’s Big Freeze 8 fundraising tally announcement on Global MND Awareness Day – further cementing the organisation’s position as one of the world’s largest independent funders of MND research.

“MND is relentless – it knows no borders and touches every corner of our community. We are extremely proud to announce that Australians have helped raised $19.8 million for the fight against MND on Global MND Awareness Day.”

“Research continues to be our best weapon against this Beast. By funding innovative and urgent research both at home and abroad, we’re increasing our chances of finding better treatments or a cure sooner,” Dr McIntosh said.

“Every day, we are learning more about the disease and how best to fight it. We don’t know when the big breakthrough will come, but when it does, every single person who bought a beanie or donated to FightMND can know that they played a part in making it happen.”

Since 2014, FightMND has invested $55.9 million in MND research, including 12 clinical trials and 22 drug development projects both in Australia and globally.

As part of the Big Freeze, the Victorian State Government announced a generous $250,000 donation, with the Federal Government also announcing $4 million in funding for FightMND.

AFL Chief Executive Officer Gillon McLachlan said he was thrilled to hear about the generosity of football fans in supporting FightMND and getting behind the Big Freeze.

“It was so inspiring looking out across the MCG at The Big Freeze and seeing close to 80,000 football fans all united with a sea of blue beanies. As a football community, we’re incredibly proud of the important work that FightMND continues to do and celebrate this recording-breaking milestone in donations.” Mr McLachlan said.

FightMND’s partners are integral to the success of the Big Freeze 8, and this year was no different.

Coles Express Executive General Manager Michael Courtney said Coles was delighted to have raised more than $8.5 million in six weeks at Coles supermarkets and Coles Express stores.

“Our team members, customers and Aussie pork farmers are incredibly passionate about raising funds to help find a cure and better treatments for MND and it’s now our single biggest fundraising campaign at Coles,” Mr Courtney said.

“Through the sale of beanies and Coles’ pork, we’ve raised more funds than ever before and from inner-city Melbourne to Albany in rural Western Australia, our team members have been pulling off their own ice bucket challenges in stores, car parks and support centres.”

Bunnings Managing Director Mike Schneider said that Bunnings was humbled to be part of the most successful Big Freeze to date.

“We are really humbled to have played a part in supporting FightMND’s biggest and best Big Freeze campaign yet,” Mr Schneider said.

“It has been great to see our team and customers passionately get behind fighting the Beast and proudly wearing their beanies throughout the campaign.”

“Thank you to everyone that bought a beanie from their local Bunnings and helped us contribute to this important cause, MND is a brutal disease and the incredible amount of funds and awareness raised take FightMND a step closer to finding a cure,” Mr Schneider added.

FightMND wants to extend a special thank you to all Big Freeze partners including Coles, Bunnings, the AFL, Federal Government, Victorian State Government, Sportsbet, SEN, the Collingwood Football Club, the Melbourne Football Club, the West Coast Football as well as the wider FightMND Army and volunteers for their tireless support of this year’s record-breaking campaign.

Big Freeze 8 beanies are on sale in Coles Express stores until June 29 and Bunnings stores until June 30.

Since 2014, FightMND have been proud to invest over $63 million in cure and care initiatives, however we would not be able to do this without the generosity of our incredible supporters.  

As Australia’s largest independent funder of MND research, FightMND have been diligently investing in research initiatives for eight years, and in that time, has been at the forefront of exciting new advancements in the sector.  

With over $55.9 million invested in MND research since 2014, FightMND have been proud to work closely with the ongoing support of the Australian public to make real progress towards effective treatments and a cure.  

Thanks to the endless stream of support and donations from the FightMND Army, together we have been able to invest $50.5 million to fund 11 new clinical trials, 17 drug development projects, 15 IMPACT grants and 27 other research initiatives across Australia alone.  

But our reach doesn’t end there. FightMND have also been able to invest $5.4 million in international MND research, funding five drug development grants, and one clinical trial.  

Thanks to the support from everyone who has ever bought a beanie, held their own DIY Big Freeze, taken part in a SockIt2MND round, or raised funds through the 27 Challenge and Daniher’s Drive, more Australians living with MND than ever have had the opportunity to participate in research or clinical trials.  

FightMND Research Director, Dr Bec Sheehan said that with the support of our FightMND Army, research capacity in Australia has increased more than ever in the sector.  

“Thanks to your ongoing support, FightMND is able to progress vital research, and advance promising findings or discoveries through the research pipeline,” she said.  

“We have been able to support projects at all stages of the research pipeline, to better understand the disease and advance promising treatments towards a clinical trial.  

“By supporting researchers directly, through fellowships and scholarships, we are building research capacity in Australia, so the best and brightest minds are part of the fight against MND.” 

With your ongoing support, FightMND have also been able to invest $6.9 million towards the care of those living with MND. Every day, two people in Australia will be diagnosed with MND, and with the support of all of you, we have been able to fund vital assistive equipment to help care for and improve the quality of life for those who are battling the Beast of MND.  

Research is expensive, and it takes time, but together we have been able to bring the world closer to finding viable treatments, and one day a cure for this devastating disease.

Catholic College Wodonga is an inspiring example of how communities across Australia have been coming together to support the fight against MND with their own DIY Big Freeze.

On Friday June 3, Catholic College Wodonga will host their own Big Freeze event, which will feature a selection of local stars as sliders, including both Albury and Wodonga mayors, parent and business owner Seb Nedziak from the Gumtree Pies, and various student representatives.

As part of their support, the school has also officially changed their uniform for the week, allowing students to proudly wear their FightMND socks and beanies until Friday. Both beanies and socks are also on sale at the school.

The school’s fundraising efforts were inspired by colleague, friend and teacher, Carolyn Packer, who was diagnosed with MND in August 2021. Carolyn joined the school in 1997 and spent many years teaching across all year levels in the Maths Faculty.

Carolyn is a diehard Collingwood supporter, and students and staff will be encouraged to wear black and white, the Collingwood colours, in her honour for our Big Freeze Day.

The college is also hosting a trivia night, including silent auction and raffle, on Saturday 4 June which will see over 420 people come together to promote awareness of, and raise money for MND.

Karen Coates, Executive Assistant to Principal commented: “We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our local community and we sincerely thank them for coming together to support this very worthy cause.”

Hosting a DIY Big Freeze is the perfect opportunity to bring together your friends, work mates or community, have some fun and raise money for a worthy cause. Head to https://diybigfreeze.com.au/ for more information on how you can host your own Big Freeze event.

A new Australian clinical trial testing a cancer drug to treat MND is set to commence next month thanks to direct funding from FightMND.  

PharmAust, a Perth-based biotechnology company, is undertaking a Phase 1 trial of the effect of its lead drug candidate, monepantel, for the treatment of motor neuron disease (MND). This drug trial was made possible thanks to an investment from FightMND of $881,085. 

Monepantel has demonstrated preliminary evidence of efficacy in a previous clinical trial to influence cancers and shown effects in preclinical investigations of neurodegenerative diseases such as MND. 

The tablets involved in the trial are designed with a particular shape and size to help MND patients who often have difficulty with swallowing to take them and to reach specific blood drug levels targeted for this disease. 

The Phase 1 trial will test the safety and tolerability of monepantel in patients living with MND and will look for signs that monepantel can slow the progression of MND. The data gathered will determine whether monepantel will be tested through larger Phase 2 studies. 

This clinical trial is the latest of thirteen trials funded by FightMND since the organisation’s inception. These vital funding opportunities have been made possible due to the continued support of the Australian public, particularly as part of the Big Freeze campaign.  

FightMND’s Research Director, Dr Bec Sheean stated, “We are excited to support this Phase 1 study and to continue to provide access to clinical trials for Australians with MND. We thank people with MND for their participation in this study and our FightMND army for allowing us to support vital research in the search for effective treatments and a cure for this disease.”  Dr Bec Sheean, Research Director at FightMND.” 

PharmAust’s Chief Scientific Officer Dr Richard Mollard commented, “We are pleased with the development of our Phase 1 MPL (montepantel) trial for MND and look forward to commencing recruitment. We are grateful for the continued support from FightMND and thank everyone supporting the Big Freeze 8 and FightMND.” 

Find out more about the PharmAust clinical trial here.

Bunnings, a proud supporter of FightMND since 2019, is hosting a sausage sizzle fundraiser at six selected stores across the country this Saturday 28 May, with all proceeds going towards finding a cure for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Between 9am and 4pm on Saturday, drop by a participating* Bunnings store to grab a snag and a Big Freeze 8 beanie to help raise awareness and support the cause, and you might even spot a familiar face behind the barbecue.

Participating Bunnings stores:

• Bunnings Box Hill, VIC
• Bunnings Alexandria, NSW
• Bunnings Stafford, QLD
• Bunnings Mile End, SA
• Bunnings Glenorchy, TAS
• Bunnings Midland, WA

Local Aussie icons from around the country, including the likes of Peter Hitchener and Sam Mac, will be rolling up their sleeves and serving up snags alongside FightMND volunteers at selected Bunnings stores.

Now in its eighth year, FightMND’s annual Big Freeze campaign sets out to raise awareness and vital funds to find effective treatments and a cure for MND.

As MND takes away Neale’s ability to be the voice of the campaign, this year serves as an emotive and timely call to arms for all Australians to help lead the fight against this Beast of a disease – calling for the FightMND Army to ‘Beanie On, Play On.’

Bunnings Director of Operations, Ryan Baker, said that Bunnings is proud to be a part of the FightMND Army for the fourth year running.

“Our team and customers continue to get behind the campaign year after year, and I can’t think of a better pairing coming into the colder weather than a snag and FightMND beanie that will help raise important funds in their efforts to find a cure for this heartbreaking disease,” Mr Baker said.

FightMND CEO Dr Fiona McIntosh said that FightMND is grateful for the ongoing support of the Australian public in the fight to find effective treatments and a cure for MND.

“We know it will take people to defeat this Beast and it’s only thanks to the generosity of our supporters and committed partners like Bunnings, that we are able to make a real impact for people living with MND,” Dr McIntosh said.

“Every beanie sold takes us closer to a cure and helps give hope to people with MND – hope that one day, there will be effective treatments or a cure for this Beast of a disease.”

“When you put on a Big Freeze beanie, you’re stepping up and playing on for Neale and everyone that has been diagnosed with MND,” Dr McIntosh said.

Those who want to get behind the cause but can’t make it on the day can pick up the Big Freeze 8 beanie at any Bunnings store and trade centre across Australia, from now until Tuesday 21 June 2022, or online.

The Big Freeze 8 Beanies are $25 each and all funds raised will go towards helping to raise awareness and fund research into finding effective treatments and a cure for the beast that is MND.

This year, Bunnings is excited to be committing to a 3-year partnership with FightMND to support the Big Freeze campaign all the way through to 2024. To find out more about Bunnings partnership with FightMND, visit: National Community Support – Bunnings Australia

To purchase the Big Freeze 8 Beanie, visit: FightMND Big Freeze 8 beanie

Big Freeze slider alumni

The roar of the crowd is deafening as you look down the slide. An expanse of freezing water below you – taunting every ounce of courage you have left. You’re about to do something few would dare. You glance around at the sea of blue Beanies – every face a symbol of unwavering support, every cheer a call to arms.  

Then, with a deep breath, slide to the icy depths below. You’ve let your actions speak louder than your words. You’re showing the world that you’re in the all in fight. 

This is what it means to be a Big Freeze Slider. It’s a declaration of solidarity made by an exclusive group of Australia’s most well-known personalities. 

Since 2015, 121 of Australia’s most well-known personalities have stepped up to Neale’s challenge. Each one letting their actions speak louder than their words in pursuit of raising funds for MND research.  

Take a moment to explore the ranks of our Slider Alumni. Who has inspired you? 

2024 – Big Freeze 10

Number	Name	Costume
121	Pat Rafter	Brian Johnson (ACDC)
120	Erin Phillips	P!nk
119	Jack Riewoldt	Mr Brightside
118	Mack Horton	Peter Garrett
117	Joel Selwood	Robbie Williams
116	Meg Lanning	Tina Turner
115	James Brayshaw	Slash (Guns & Roses)
114	Sally Pearson	Madonna
113	Nic Naitanui	Bob Marley

2023 – Big Freeze 9

Number	Name	Costume
112	Eric Bana	Carl Ditterich
111	Michelle Payne	Wonder Woman
110	Jason Dunstall	Aquaman
109	Abby Gelmi	Maleficent
108	Tony Shaw	Beetlejuice
107	Aaron Finch	Captain Feathersword
106	Tayla Harris	Sam Kerr
105	Shaun Burgoyne	Spiderman
104	Mick Fanning	Silver Surfer

2022 – Big Freeze 8

Number	Name	Costume
103	Ash Barty	Rafiki from The Lion King
102	Rebecca Maddern	Trinity from the Matrix
101	David Neitz	Sir William Wallace from Braveheart
100	Justin Langer	Rocky Balboa
99	Terry Daniher	Mick Dundee from Crocodile Dundee
98	Hamish Blake	Elsa
97	Jakara Anthony	Katniss Everdeen
96	Andy Maher	Radar O’Reilly
95	Rhonda Burchmore	Poison Ivy
94	Eddie Betts	Black Panther

2021 – Big Freeze 7

Number	Name	Costume
93	Craig Bellamy	Elsa
92	Gil McLachlan	Meat Loaf
91	Abbey Holmes	Robert ‘Dipper’ DiPierdomenico
90	Billy Brownless	An Assumption College rep
89	Russel Howcroft	A love struck demon
88	Sharni Norder (Nee Layton)	Vanilla Ice
87	Ray Chamberlain	Elton John
86	Sarah Jones	Mary Poppins
85	Jeff Farmer	Wizard
84	Daisy Pearce	Bluey
83	Shane Crawford	The Queen’s Birthday

2020 – Big Freeze 6

Number	Name	Costume
82	Angus Brayshaw	Happy Gilmore’s Caddy
81	Christian Petracca	Happy Gilmore
80	Steele Sidebottom	Ned Kelly
79	Tom Rockliff	David Koch
78	Taylor Walker	A Fireman
77	Jack Riewoldt	Prince Harry
76	Patrick Cripps	An AFLX Rampage Player
75	Mitch Robinson	Joe Exotic
74	Kalinda Howarth	A Penguin
73	Brandon Ellis	A Penguin
72	Brad Hill	Dennis Rodman
71	Orazio Fantasia	Brian Taylor
70	Ben Brown	Sideshow Bob
69	Isaac Heeney	Tarzan
68	Toby Greene	The Karate Kid
67	Isaac Smith	Jeff Kennett
66	Bailey Smith	Thor
65	Michael Walters	Peter Riccardi
64	Brad Sheppard	Shazam
63	Joel Selwood	Health Care Worker (COVID-19)

2019 – Big Freeze 5

Number	Name	Costume
62	Dane Swan	Spiderman
61	Cyril Rioli	himself (casual clothes)
60	Brendan Fevola	Steven Segal
59	Anna Meares	Jesse (Toy Story)
58	Brent Harvey	Aus Kicker
57	Sam Mitchell	A Smurf
56	Bianca Chatfield	Little Mermaid
55	Nick Riewoldt	Freddy Mercury
54	Chris Judd	A judge
53	Liam Picken	The Joker
52	Lauren Jackson	Wonder Woman
51	Jimmy Bartel	17 year old Neale Daniher
50	Jobe Watson	The Knight (Game of Thrones)
49	Bob Murphy	Can of Melbourne Bitter

2018 – Big Freeze 4

Number	Name	Costume
48	Alastair Clarkson	Horse (John Longmire)
47	Ken Hinkley	Panda
46	Don Pyke	Power Ranger
45	Adam Simpson	Chazz Michaels (Baldes of Glory)
44	Luke Beveridge	Bass Straight
43	Damien Hardwick	Tommy Hafey
42	Nathan Buckley	Murray Swinton (Fire Fighter)
41	Chris Fagan	Priest
40	Brendan Bolton	Captain Carlton
39	Alan Richardson	Mark Robinson
38	Stuart Dew	Surf Life Saver
37	John Worsfold	Essendon player
36	Leon Cameron	Race car driver
35	John Longmire	A jockey with a horse
34	Brad Scott	Geelong Coach
33	Chris Scott	North Melbourne Coach
32	Ross Lyon	Ross the Cobbler
31	Simon Goodwin	Snow gear

2017 – Big Freeze 3

Number	Name	Costume
30	Lleyton Hewitt	Davis Cup player
29	Steve Moneghetti	Cathy Freeman’s iconic bodysuit
28	Steve Hooker	Pole Vaulter
27	Steve Bradbury	Warwick Capper
26	Sharelle McMahon	Superhero
25	Adam Gilchrist	Shark suit – ode to Shane Warnes flipper
24	Alisa Champlin	Skier
23	Andrew Gaze	In his 2000 Sydney Olympic uniform

2016 – Big Freeze 2

Number	Name	Costume
22	Kevin Sheedy	Tinkerbell
21	Cameron Ling	Ronald McDonald
20	Eddie McGuire	Sponsors and Neale’s #
19	David Hughes	Bruce Doull
18	Sam Armytage	Elsa
17	David Koch	Olaf
16	Matthew Lloyd	Neale Daniher’s Essendon gear
15	Gerard Whately	Luke Nolan (Black Caviar jockey)
14	Anthony Lehman	Hawthorn
13	Jonathon Brown	Woody from Toy Story
12	Matt Richardson	A Tiger

2015 – Big Freeze 1

Number	Name	Costume
11	Mick Molloy	Budgie Smugglers
10	Peter Helliar	Bryan Strauchan (Collingwood))
9	Garry Lyon	Wetsuit
8	Mark Robinson	Rashie and boardies
7	Brian Taylor	Green Fluro suit
6	Sam Newman	Borat
5	Luke Darcy	Wetsuit
4	Dermott Brereton	Boardies
3	Ross Stevenson	Essendon Player
2	Sam Lane	Swimmer
1	Tim Watson	Fluro outfit number 10

Global music superstar and hometown hero Vance Joy is set to kick off celebrations at the AFL’s Big Freeze match between the Collingwood Football Club and Melbourne Football Club on June 13.

The Australian, ARIA-award-winning singer-songwriter will take to the MCG performing hits such as Missing Piece, and his new single Clarity from his forthcoming album ‘In Our Own Sweet Time’ (out June 10).

His performance will precede the Big Freeze celebrity slide and Round 13 clash at the MCG on the Queen’s Birthday public holiday (VIC).

The announcement of Vance Joy as the musical act for the Big Freeze comes as tickets for the AFL game go on sale.

Now in its eighth year, the annual Big Freeze event sees the AFL community come together to help raise awareness and funds to find effective treatments and a cure for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Vance Joy said he was excited to be heading to his hometown for the iconic event in the AFL calendar.

“It’s an honour to be part of the Big Freeze 8, an event which has fundraised an incredible amount of money to help find a cure for MND,” Vance Joy said.

“I can’t wait to perform in front of a packed-out crowd at the MCG, all wearing their Big Freeze blue beanies.”

FightMND Campaigns Director Bec Daniher also flagged her excitement at being able to celebrate the Big Freeze, with her father and FightMND Patron and co-founder Neale Daniher, in front of tens of thousands of passionate AFL fans.

“The Big Freeze is back with a bang and what better way to kick off the celebrations than with a performance by Vance Joy,” Bec Daniher said.

“Throw in the return of the March to the G’ along Daniher’s Way, watching our brave celebrity sliders plunge into the ice, and the atmosphere of 80,000 cheering footy fans, the Big Freeze 8 is shaping up to be an unforgettable day.”

Tickets to the Big Freeze match can be purchased online via Ticketek.

Big Freeze beanies are now on sale in Coles, Coles Express and Bunnings stores nationwide and online here.