Illuminations: Turning the nation blue for Big Freeze

On the Big Freeze weekend, the nation turns blue for motor neurone disease (MND).

FightMND’s annual Illuminations campaign shines a light on the thousands of Australian living with MND.

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What is Illuminations?

Currently, there are more than 2,000 Australians living with MND, with an average life expectancy of just 27 months from diagnosis. Today, two Australians will die from MND, and two more will be diagnosed. 

Kicking off from June 7, iconic Australian landmarks will turn blue in solidarity in the fight against MND. When you see a landmark lit up in the iconic Big Freeze cornflower blue, you’re witnessing Australia letting their actions speak louder than words. 

It offers a moment to reflect and remember those who have passed, those who are currently battling the Beast, and all those who care for or have cared for a loved one with MND. 

We’ve fearlessly fought the Beast for 10 years but there’s more to do. Illuminations raises awareness of this devastating disease, and shows people living with MND that Australia is teaming up with them for this fight to rid the world of MND. 

Where is my closest Illumination? 

We are freezing the nation! 

In 2024, Illuminations are taking place across Australia. Scroll down to find your nearest Illumination, don your Big Freeze 10 Beanie and share it with us on social media by tagging us @fightmnd, and by using the hashtags #BigFreeze10 #DontSayDo 

VICTORIA

  • Flinders St Station – 7-8 June 
  • Melbourne Town Hall – 7-10 June 
  • AAMI Park – 7 June 
  • Bolte Bridge – 7-10 June 
  • Sound Tube – 7-10 June 

Western Australia

  • The Bell Tower – 7 June 
  • Joondalup Drive Bridge – 7, 9, 10 June 
  • Northbridge Tunnel – 7, 9, 10 June 
  • Sky Ribbon Bridge  
  • Mount Street Bridge – 7, 9, 10 June 
  • Yagan Square – 7 June 
  • Matagarup Bridge – 7, 9, 10 June 
  • Great Northern Highway Port Hedland Interchange Bridge – 7, 9, 10 June 
  • City West Dome – 7 June 

South Australia

  • Riverbank Footbridge – 7 June 
  • Sky City Casino Signage – 7-10 June 

Queensland

  • The Gabba – 7 June 
  • Story Bridge – 14 June 
  • Kurilpa Bridge – 7-9 June 
  • Victoria Bridge – 14 June 
  • Wickham Terrace Car Park architectural wall – 14 June 
  • Breakfast Creek Bridge, Newstead – 14 June 
  • Redcliff Place Sculptures – 14 June 
  • Brisbane City Hall – 14 June 
  • King George Square – 14 June 

New South Wales

  • SCG – 7 June 
  • Sydney Olympic Park – 7 June 
  • Accor Stadium – 7 June 
  • Novotel, Pullman and Ibis Hotels – 7 June 
  • Olympic Park Train Station – 7 June 
  • Olympic Boulevard Light Towers – 7 June 
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The Fight is Not Over 

MND was first described 150 years ago, and it was a mystery for the better part of a century. Funding innovative and urgent research increases our chances of a scientific breakthrough. 

Research into MND is expensive and takes time. We’ve got a long way to go.  

For 10 years your funding has helped build a solid research foundation. We’re now at basecamp, but we still need your help to get to the summit.

With ongoing support, FightMND can make targeted investments in cutting-edge projects focused on fast-tracking new treatments and improving the care and support for those impacted by MND. 
Donate today and DO your bit to bring us one step closer to a cure. 

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