Now priestess of pop backs Rock Off cause

EACH year of the Rock Off MND fundraiser has been a coup for Peter Simko, with big-name artists jumping at the chance to perform at the Geelong event.

Former Noiseworks frontman Jon Stevens led the charge in 2017, and the top-billing artist this year will be the priestess of Aussie pop, Kate Ceberano.

Mr Simko said the January 20 Deakin Waterfront event — now in its fourth year — was becoming a music event in its own right.

“There’s great live music, in a very unique location — I think that’s a big part of it,” he said.

“We’ve had incredible performers — Jon Stevens last year was incredible — and to have Kate Ceberano this year is going to be really great.

“I think each year has been a coup — Kate is a big name, and we’re just thrilled to have her, to be honest.

“It has got easier attracting artists as the event has got bigger. Jon Stevens last year was actually really keen. He actually changed plans and so on so he could appear at the event, and I know Kate just jumped straight on board. She accepted and signed up very early.”

After more than 30 years performing, Ceberano will bring another level of star power to Rock Off MND.

The ARIA Award winner will be joined by Melbourne acoustic folk up-and-comers Woodlock, who have enjoyed a meteoric rise from busking the streets of Aussie cities to releasing three EPs and playing festivals the likes of NYE on the Hill and Falls.

“Party band” Madhouse will also return to the event after being a massive hit at the inaugural fundraiser.

Rock Off MND was launched in 2105 after nurse and mother of three Jenny Simko was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) at the age of 53.

“She was diagnosed with MND back in August 2014, and then she came up with the idea of Rock Off MND to raise money for research and also raise community awareness about the disease,” Peter said.

“She gave one of the most moving and memorable speeches on that night, and that really set the path of the event.”

After Jenny passed away in November 2015, Peter decided to continue holding the fundraiser for MND Victoria, so far raising almost $400,000 to fund the appropriately named Jenny Simko Research Grants.

“It’s exhausting work, and it’s challenging, but it’s tremendously rewarding as well,” Peter said. “Particularly when all the work we do translates into actual research grants — that’s just fantastic.

“To see money being allocated into a 12-month research grant is tremendously satisfying, that’s what it’s all about.” Rock Off MND will be held at the Deakin Waterfront on Saturday, January 20. Information and tickets at rockoffmnd.com.au