Beaconsfield takes the plunge | Berwick Star News

By Eleanor Wilson

The Beacy Big Freeze took Holm Park Reserve by storm on Thursday 8 June, as thousands of young footballers, netballers and beanie-clad community members turned out for a worthy cause.

The event saw about 40 sliders brave the icy conditions, including players and coaches from Beaconsfield Junior Football Club, Beaconsfield Junior Netball Club and special guest sliders including Berwick MP Brad Battin and FightMND’s Ilana Goldman.

The brave volunteers, who were dressed in a wide array of costumes, from superheroes, to footy kits and even a taco, were welcomed into the freeze zone by 350kg of icy water.

Special AFL guests Charlie and Ed Curnow from Carlton, Changkuoth Jiath (CJ) of Hawthorn, netball legend Bianca Chatfield and current Australian Diamonds and Melbourne Vixens defender Emily Mannix were ‘swarmed’ by starstruck young fans vying for autographs and high-fives.

Event coordinator Vicky Gwin said the community helped raise almost $45,000 for the cause – exceeding last year’s total of $41,000.

“We understand everyone is facing challenging times at the moment and so we are so grateful we were able to pull this off and that people were able to give everything from $2 to $2000.

“We’re grateful for anything and everything that was donated.”

The fundraising effort saw the junior footy club ranked second in Australia for sporting clubs holding an MND event this year.

“That really demonstrates how much of a giving community we have.”

Vicky thanked the event sponsors for supporting the event.

“We are so thankful for the local businesses that supported us and enabled us to be able to bring this event to the community,” she said.