General News
11 June, 2026
Below zero
THE chilly conditions were even colder when Noorat Primary School hosted a Big Freeze event last Thursday.
The school took part in a DIY Big Freeze event to support not-for-profit FightMND in raising funds to beat motor neurone disease (MND).
Taking the plunge was Noorat Primary School principal Ilona Watkins, teacher Amy Jones, Hands on Learning coordinator Mark Trussler, school captains Ryan McKenzie and Charlotte O’Brien, and Western District Newspapers senior journalist Trent Holland.
MND is a rare, progressive neurological disorder which attacks motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, which causes muscles to lose function.
Life expectancy following the onset of the condition is generally from just two to five years, with no cure and few treatment options.
Mrs Watkins said the cause was one held dear to her due to having lost family members to MND.
“It’s an important one for many of our staff,” she said.
“I’ve lost two uncles so it’s one close to my heart.
“We always listen to our students and the student voice on what fundraisers they would like to do across the year.
“This is one in which a number of our students wear the different beanies every year, so we thought it was the opportunity to jump in, make a splash, and it’s one which is fun for the kids every year.”
Ms Watkins thanked the school captains and staff for their willingness to get involved.
“The staff have been amazing,” she said.
“There were a few who didn’t want to get dunked so we set it up in a way in which they could pay their way out of it.
“It’s been a wonderful response, not just from our school community but those around us.
“This is an important cause to many people.”
The fundraiser comfortably surpassed the goal of raising $250, with $660 raised in total.
“The online fundraiser did not include any donations dropped off to the school,” Ms Watkins said.
“It certainly surpassed what we would have expected.
“We know everyone is facing financial challenges at this point in time, so we’re incredibly grateful.”
Noorat Primary School captains Ryan McKenzie and Charlotte O’Brien led by example in taking part, with students cheering on their classmates.
“I’m excited because I’m very used to the cold and I do not like heat,” Ryan said.
“I just wanted to help find a cure for MND so it doesn’t take as many people as it does.”
Charlotte said she felt good despite the bitter cold, knowing she had the opportunity to make a positive difference.
“I wanted to do this because lots of people have lost someone to MND,” she said.
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