Neale Daniher named Australian of the Year
Inspirational MND hero and footballing champion Neale Daniher has been named the 2025 Australian of the Year.
Victoria
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Inspirational MND hero and footballing champion Neale Daniher has been named the 2025 Australian of the Year.
The Essendon legend and Melbourne Hall of Fame member was officially recognised by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra on Saturday night.
Daniher, who has bravely fought motor neurone disease since his diagnosis in 2013, has raised and invested more than $115m through his charity Fight MND.
In his acceptance speech, the 63-year-old said the award belonged to everyone involved in fighting “the beast”.
“I am deeply honoured to accept the title of Australian of the Year 2025,” he said.
“This recognition isn’t just for me; it belongs to the entire MND community — the families, the carers, the researchers, the volunteers, all those at the FightMND foundation and MND state associations and the countless Australians who have joined us in this fight.
“It also belongs to my family, headed by my wife Jan and our children and their partners, who have been with me every step of the way on this challenging journey.”
Daniher, whose charity he co-founded celebrated 10 years of the Big Freeze at The G in 2024, said his diagnosis “lit a fire” within him – opting to battle his immense health challenges in the public sphere.
“The journey began for me in 2013 when I was diagnosed with motor neurone disease — a beast of a disease,” he added.
“It doesn’t discriminate; it robs you of your ability to move, speak, swallow, and eventually breathe.
“But it did something else too: it lit a fire within me, a determination to fight for those who are currently affected and those who will face it after me.
“I chose to fight because if I didn’t, how could I expect anyone else to? I chose to hope because I believe in the decency and generosity of Australians.
“I thought, if people truly understood the challenges we face, they’d join the fight with me. And you have — oh, how you have. So again, I thank you.”
Albanese said it was hard “to think of anyone who has done more than Neale in the service of others”.
“Neale’s extraordinary story is not about what MND has taken from him, it’s about all that Neale has given: to our awareness of this disease and to the cause of finding a cure,” he said.
Premier Jacinta Allan, who officially nominated Daniher for the award, said his determination in finding a cure for MND was genuinely inspirational.
“Neale inspired Victorians on the footy field. Since being diagnosed with MND in 2013, he made it his mission to raise awareness about the disease, while battling through its cruel effects in public, and he continues to inspire and uplift us everyday,” she said.
“The average life expectancy of MND is 27 months after diagnosis. But Neale has defied all odds. And his courage has made a remarkable impact.
“You have made every Victorian – and every Australian – so incredibly proud.”
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said there was “no bigger champion” than Daniher.
“Neale is an inspiration to many millions of Australians. His achievements on the footy field were remarkable, while his legacy off the field in helping raise awareness and find a cure for MND is legendary,” he said.
“There is no bigger champion than Neale, as he continues to amaze us with his resilience, passion and drive, all while keeping his cheeky Daniher wit.”
Daniher was inducted into the Melbourne Football Club Hall of Fame in 2021, coaching the Demons over a 10-year period and taking them to a Grand Final berth in 2000.
Melbourne President Brad Green, who played under Daniher, said the impact his former coach was having was unrivalled.
“What Neale has been able to achieve since being diagnosed with MND is simply remarkable,” he said.
“From the incredible amount of funds raised and invested into research, to that cheeky smile we see at the top of the Big Freeze slide each year, Neale’s impact on both the football industry and the wider community is unmatched.
“His ruthless fight, alongside his passion and commitment to help others, continues to inspire us all. Neale knows he won’t be the beneficiary of his actions, but that only drives him further.”
Bombers president David Barham and chief executive Craig Vozzo said Daniher was a “true Essendon legend”.
“Neale is a true Essendon legend, having played 82 games in the red and black, captaining the club in 1982, and playing a key role as assistant coach in our 1993 premiership victory,” the pair said in a statement.
“These achievements alone cemented his place as one of our most beloved figures.
“Neale’s impact extends far beyond the football field. His tireless work in raising awareness and funds to fight Motor Neurone Disease has touched the lives of countless Australians.
“One of Neale’s favourite sayings is ‘when all is said and done, more is said than done’.
“Neale has done more than most and he will be remembered for the outstanding contribution he has made for the benefit of others.
“Neale’s legacy will be one of courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to making a difference.”
FightMND chief executive Matt Tilley said “it’s becoming increasingly tricky, and sometimes a little fraught, to describe what is truly Australian”.
“But I think Neale and his remarkable story capture the essence of what we think we are at our very best,” he said.
“Courageous and upstanding in adversity. Bold and relentless in trying to help others. Humble with a cheeky dash of humour when people recognise these qualities in us. The whole Fight MND team is inspired by him every day. And even prouder today.”
Chair of the National Australia Day Council John Foreman AM said Daniher’s unwavering commitment to fighting MND was “truly inspirational”.
“Neale’s dedication to changing the outcomes for people diagnosed with motor neurone disease while dealing with his own health is truly inspirational,” he said.
“His efforts today are giving people hope for tomorrow.”
Collingwood legend Tony Shaw said Daniher was the perfect recipient.
“Being named Australian of the Year is the greatest honour any citizen can have bestowed on them,” he told the Sunday Herald Sun.
“Neale Daniher epitomises everything to win this award.
“Courageous, inspirational, humble, caring. There’s not enough adjectives to describe him and his work.”
AFL Fans Association president Ron Issko said Daniher made his mark on the millions of footy fans across the country.
“In the face of immense personal and physical challenges, Neale has shown extraordinary courage and unwavering determination,” he said.
“Through his tireless dedication to fighting MND, he has united and inspired a nation — all with a loving smile and indomitable spirit.”
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