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We’re set to make an even bigger splash than last year in our effort to FightMND

The Big Freeze returns to Healesville Greyhounds Sunday June 7, as greyhound racing and the local community unites in a spectacular day of fundraising and fun for everyone. This is your chance to be part of a bonafide Big Freeze Event — as we fundraise to fight against Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in signature Big Freeze style.

   

Taking centre stage will be 20 brave sliders who will launch themselves down a giant 4.5-metre toboggan slide and plunge into a pool packed with ice water, all in the name of charity and awareness.

For our 2026 event we’ve replaced the dunking machine with a spectacular slide proudly supplied by King’s Fibreglass, a long-time supporter of FightMND initiatives. The company has a rich history with the iconic Big Freeze campaign, having helped build the famous slides used at the MCG during the King’s Birthday Melbourne verses Collingwood matches. Having a replica version at the track will be as close as it gets to the real thing. Our sliders have no idea what they’ve got themselves in for.

Last year’s event had a list of fantastic and brave participants, taking the plunge to support the fundraising effort. They and their organisations raised more than $33,000. This year we’re aiming to double that, with a target of $60,000.

Here’s the current list of sliders ready to brave the cold and take the ‘ride down the slide’ to fight The Beast:

#1 James Van De Maat: Greyhound Race Caller

#2 Russell Robertson: Former AFL Star

#3 Michelle: Chirnside Park Country Club.

#4 Jason Thompson: Greyhound Trainer

#5 Community Pete: Digital Creator

#6 Cindy McLeish MLA: State MP for Eildon

#7 Kayla Cottrell: Greyhound trainer

#8 Paul Abela: Greyhound trainer

#9 Mel Tochner: GAP Founder & Sandown Vet Clinic

#10 Stuart Laing: CEO of GRV

#11: Aaron Violi: Federal Member for Casey

#12 Clint Anderson: Bluestream Pictures

#13 Nick Johnston: Sandown Greyhound Racing Club

#14 Ben Holst: Senior Partnerships Manager at Sportsbet

#15 Rob Britton:  Greyhound trainer

#16 Corey Smith: MGRA Racing Manager

#17 Oscar McInerney: Former AFL star

#18 Shane O’Connell: Executive GM Integrity & Welfare at GRV

#19 Mark Jackson: Former AFL Star

#20 Brett Connell: CEO Outer East Football Netball

#21 Jeff Gobbels: Married at First Sight alumni

#22 Sal Wannet: Badger Creek Fire Brigade

#23 Jimmy Holt: Greyhound Trainer

#24 Rod Macgregor: Heathmont Bowling Club

Keep on eye on Facebook for running updates in the lead up to the big event!

https://www.facebook.com/HealesvilleGreyhounds

 

The event is part of the wider FightMND campaign inspired by AFL legend Neale Daniher and his daughter Bec, in their ongoing mission to help find effective treatments and ultimately a cure for Motor Neurone Disease. Funds raised through our Big Freeze at the ‘Ville event will go directly toward vital research, care initiatives and support programs for Australians living with MND.

Music to our ears

This year’s Big Freeze at the ’Ville promises more than just icy plunges. This family-friendly day will no doubt be focused around the sliders, who’ll race down the slide between the races featured on the day – our first sliders will hit the water just after 11am. However, there will also be live music performed by former high flying Melbourne AFL star Russell Robertson (who has also put his hand up to ride the slide) and music partner Aaron Schembri, who has been touring with Ross Wilson and The Wiggles recently. Aaron collaborated with Russell back in 2022, writing the song ‘Life Is Just a Game’, which was first performed at The G on Big Freeze day in 2022. Once again they’ll thrill us with another heartfelt performance of this song, which has now became a fitting homage to Russell’s former Melbourne coach and close friend Neale Daniher.

 

   

“Over the years, we have all seen and admired the endless work that Neale and his team do for Fight MND in raising awareness about Motor Neurone Disease.”

Having Aaron and Robbo performing with special guest Rosie Conforto, will add to the occasion. We encourage everyone to come along, enjoy the atmosphere and support this incredible fundraising event. Our track side canteen, loaded with heart warming fine fare and beverages will be well stocked, to ensure no one goes home hungry or unrefreshed! And of course you can catch some brilliant racing action between the sliding.

Those looking to support us and our FightMND fundraiser campaign can head to our campaign page to make donations. We look forward to seeing you at the Healesville Greyhounds on Sunday June 7 from 10:30am. Entry is FREE to this event.