I Choose Fight. Big Freeze 12 takes flight
Something big, and we mean REALLY big, has lifted off.
On Monday 4 May, the FightMND Big Freeze campaign soared to spectacular new heights with the reveal of the Big Freeze 12 Beanie hot air balloon at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium. And this isn’t just any balloon. Standing an incredible 27 metres tall and complete with its very own pompom, it’s the biggest Big Freeze Beanie ever created!
This year the Big Freeze is all about celebrating a movement. A movement built by FightMND’s co-founders, Neale Daniher AO, Pat Cunningham and the late Dr Ian Davis OAM, and powered by the FightMND Army. A group of Australians who refuse to back down in the face of motor neurone disease (MND). It’s a movement that stands tall, pushes forward, and keeps fighting.
The choice is yours
This year’s message is simple, but powerful: I Choose Fight.
It’s a rallying cry to every Australian. A call to step up, speak out and be part of something bigger. Because choosing fight doesn’t always mean grand gestures. Sometimes it starts with something as simple as pulling on a Beanie.
More than just a Beanie
The Big Freeze Beanie has become more than just a winter essential. It’s an icon. A symbol of solidarity that shows those taking on the Beast that they’re not alone. You’re showing that you care and that you’re standing with them.
At the official reveal of the Big Freeze 12 Beanie hot air balloon, that message came to life in a powerful way. Among those present were Hazmir Mohamadan, his wife Azni, and their daughter Ameera. Hazmir is living with MND, and his family represents the thousands of Australians navigating life with the Beast every day. They are a reminder that behind every Beanie is a story. Of resilience, of love and of families facing MND together.
When you wear the Beanie, you’re doing more than keeping warm. You’re standing with people like Hazmir. You’re showing up for every person and family affected by MND. You’re choosing to be part of the fight.
And now, thanks to launch partner Global Ballooning, that message is taking to the skies. The giant Big Freeze 12 Beanie will float above Melbourne throughout the campaign. An unmistakable reminder to everyone that this fight is far from over.
Freezing the nation
This year, FightMND is bringing the Big Freeze to life from coast to coast – uniting Australians everywhere in the fight against MND.
It begins on 30 May with the QLD Freeze, as Brisbane takes on Fremantle at the Gabba. From there, the campaign heads to the City of Churches on 4 June for the SA Freeze as Adelaide takes on Geelong, before moving west on 6 June for the WA Freeze, where West Coast faces Port Adelaide. On 7 June, we return to Melbourne for Big Freeze Eve, as Essendon meets Carlton at the MCG.
Then, on Monday 8 June, the moment arrives. Big Freeze 12 takes over the MCG.
As Collingwood meets Melbourne, the Big Freeze Slide delivers one of the most powerful moments in Australian sport. Familiar faces step forward and take the icy plunge. It’s a moment for us to laugh in the face of the beast and show it that we won’t let it win. Together, we will beat the Beast.
| Date | Event |
| 30 May | Qld Freeze Brisbane vs. Fremantle at the Gabba |
| 4 June | SA Freeze Adelaide vs. Geelong at Adelaide Oval |
| 6 June | WA Freeze West Coast vs. Port Adelaide at Optus Stadium |
| 7 June King’s Birthday Eve game | Freeze the G Essendon vs. Carlton at the MCG |
| 8 June King’s Birthday | Big Freeze 12 Collingwood vs. Melbourne at the MCG |
A legacy that drives us forward
Since the very first Big Freeze in 2015, FightMND has grown into one of Australia’s most powerful fundraising movements. While the community has lost key figures, including Dr Ian Davis and Angie Cunningham, their legacy continues to inspire every step forward.
More than $141 million has been invested into vital research and care initiatives — a remarkable achievement driven by the generosity of everyday Australians. But the mission isn’t finished yet.
Use your head. Choose fight this Big Freeze
Big Freeze 12 Beanies will be available from Wednesday 6 May at Coles, Bunnings, Shell Reddy Express stores, and online at fightmnd.org.au.
This is your moment.
You’ve got a head. Use it.
Pull on a Beanie. Start a conversation. Show your support. And stand proud as part of the FightMND Army.
This Big Freeze, choose fight, and help take us one step closer to beating the Beast that is MND.