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Big names set to brave the cold as the Bunbury Big Freeze returns to Bicentennial Square for a second year

Headshot of Sean Van Der Wielen
Sean Van Der WielenSouth Western Times
Bunbury Big Freeze committee members Alan Crane and Nay Pearce are looking forward to Saturday's event at Bicentennial Square.
Camera IconBunbury Big Freeze committee members Alan Crane and Nay Pearce are looking forward to Saturday's event at Bicentennial Square. Credit: Sean Van Der Wielen/South Western Times

What do a radio host, a football coach and a couple of politicians all have in common?

They are sure to be feeling a bit cold on Saturday afternoon as they prepare to take the plunge for a good cause.

The Bunbury Big Freeze returns to Bicentennial Square for its second year, with some big names lining up to raise funds for research towards motor neurone disease.

Organisers are hoping for sunny conditions for this year’s sliders, with committee member Alan Crane looking forward to the action.

“It’s a very important cause, but we want to turn it into a fun day,” he said.

“I had a sneak preview of some of the costumes and they will be worth coming along to have a look at.”

A number of heavy hitters from across the region have put their hand up for the plunge, including Bunbury MLA Don Punch, Triple M presenter Cliff Reeve and Carey Park league coach Frank Italiano.

The 2022 Bunbury Big Freeze participants.
Camera IconThe 2022 Bunbury Big Freeze participants. Credit: Breanna Redhead/SWT/RegionalHUB

Committee member Nay Pearce teased who she will be channelling during her turn sliding into the water, which is being promised to be even colder than last year.

She was looking forward to seeing what Forrest MHR Nola Marino wears to the event.

“I have heard the rumors and the rumors are great,” Ms Pearce said.

The Big Freeze had already raised $16,800 by Tuesday afternoon, with organisers hoping to get the final total above $30,000.

Ms Pearce said the event was not just about trying to find treatment and a cure for MND.

“It’s also for people with MND to know that they haven’t been forgotten about, especially in a regional area because all the MND facilities are in Perth ... and to give them hope that one day there will be treatment and a cure,” she said.

All the action kicks off at 12pm, with performances by The Anchormen and a barbecue on offer.

To donate, visit hub.fightmnd.org.au/diy-big-freeze-9/bunbury-big-freeze-2023.

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