Wednesday, 3 June 2026

 Nicole WERNER (Warrandyte) (09:57): There is the Big Freeze at the G, but on Monday 15 June we have got Freeze Parliament on Spring Street where I will be taking the plunge. It has never been more important or timely to raise awareness and funds for FightMND, particularly after our nation lost a hero in Neale Daniher, a loss we all grieve.

Freeze Parliament was inspired by the incomparable member for Pakenham, Emma Vulin, and last year’s inaugural event raised over $50,000 for FightMND. I met the member for Pakenham when we were both first time candidates during an awkward photo shoot for the Age where they made us pose like we were in a boy band. We still laugh about it to this day. I have always known Emma to be a genuine, warm, decent and kind person, and today I want to acknowledge her, her partner Matt and her family for how they have fought the beast with determination and courage in a way that inspires us all. To that end, let us dunk a bunch of our colleagues in a giant ice bath and let us raise a lot of money.

I also acknowledge my dear friends Vonnie and Craig, who lost their brother to MND. Mike Schultz had 2½ years from his diagnosis to his passing. He leaves behind his beautiful wife Robyn and his children Isaac and Audrey. Today we remember him, his life and his legacy. His family shared with me that watching someone you love go through MND is like witnessing a life being taken in increments with no way to stop it. That is the beast. This is why we have FightMND. So please dig deep and donate if you can. For Neale, for Mike, for Emma, may we find a cure for this disease. Play on.