A Powerful Moment at The Big Day Out.

At every Big Day Out, there are moments that are bigger than the event itself.

This year, one of those moments came from a message I received in the days leading up to the event.

Fiona McGivern reached out to me to share the story of her daughter, Claire McNeill. She told me she knew there would be many incredible women in the room, but she wondered if we could take a moment to recognise Claire. Fiona wanted me to shine a light on the role she has played in her family during an unimaginably difficult time.

Fiona shared that they had lost their daughter Aisling just 18 months ago. She was diagnosed and passed away within four days. But what Fiona wanted to highlight wasn’t only the loss. It was Claire.

Through the heartbreak, Claire has been a constant source of strength for her parents, Fiona and Emmett, supporting them while quietly trying to deal with her own grief. Fiona described the bond they shared as a family - herself, Aisling, Claire and Claire’s daughter Katie Rose as “the three amigos plus one.” They did everything together.

She also shared a photo taken not long before Aisling passed. The four of them were in Jack Murphy Jewellers, getting welded bracelets for Aisling's 40th birthday shortly before she died. A simple moment at the time, now one that carries so much meaning.

Fiona’s request was simple. She wanted her daughter to be acknowledged. To have a moment. On the day of The Big Day Out, I shared Fiona’s words with the room. You could have heard a pin drop, not just out of sadness, but out of recognition for Claire. I think this is because every woman in that room understood in her own way, what it means to carry something heavy.

Claire came to the stage to Garth Brooks - the River . To walk through that large crowd when you are so emotional is not an easy thing to do. But she did it, and she was met with the biggest hug and the most genuine warmth from 500 women.

Charlene from Ella & Jo has spent some time with me before the event going through everyone's stories and she wanted to be part of this moment with Claire. To show Claire that she was surrounded by love and good women. She presented Claire with a thoughtful bundle of Ella & Jo skincare. This was such a lovely gesture from Charlene - she wanted to show her that she also deserves space and time to care for herself.

Charlene from Ella & Jo is one of those people that loves to support other women. She felt so strongly about letting Claire know that we were there for her.

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This moment showed me something really important and special about Digg and the people that are part of it. We will always stand by each other even though in ways we are strangers but on days like that we are family. I said on that stage that I felt a strength from each and every woman. A feeling that - If I needed any one of their help I would get it in a heart beat. There was a cheer when I said it that almost raised the roof and I knew they felt it too.

I hope Aisling was looking down on us and she knew that we were wrapping our arms around Claire and showing her that she is not alone.

There are people in all of our lives who are holding things together behind the scenes. Supporting others. Showing up when it’s difficult. Carrying responsibilities and emotions that aren’t always visible. Taking a moment to recognise that, to say “I see what you’re doing” can mean more than we realise.

Claire and her friends making memories at The Big Day Out.

Fiona, thank you for trusting us with your story, your daughter Claire and Aisling's memory.

And Charlene, thank you for reminding us of the power of a simple, thoughtful gesture.

These are the moments that define The Big Day Out and Digg. Thank you for being part of it and for reminding me everyday about the good people I have around me.

Love Caroline x