Neale Daniher AO, former AFL player and co-founder of the FightMND charity, has been named the Australian of the Year for 2025.
According to 9 NEWS, Daniher, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2013, defied medical expectations by dedicating over a decade to raising awareness and funds for the fight against this debilitating condition. Despite being told the average lifespan for MND patients was three years, Daniher has continued to inspire Australians with his resilience and determination.
The award was presented by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a ceremony in Canberra. Daniher, now 63, delivered a heartfelt prerecorded acceptance speech as his illness has taken away his ability to speak.
“It belongs to the entire MND community—the families, the carers, the researchers, the volunteers, everyone at FightMND, and the countless Australians who have joined us in this fight,” Daniher said. He also expressed deep gratitude to his wife Jan, their children, and their partners for supporting him throughout this journey.
Describing MND as “a beast of a disease,” Daniher highlighted its devastating impact: “It robs you of your ability to move, speak, swallow, and eventually breathe. But it also lit a fire within me—a determination to fight for those affected and those who will face it after me.”
Since co-founding FightMND in 2014, Daniher’s efforts have raised over $115 million for medical research. The charity’s iconic Big Freeze ice bath event at the MCG has become a hallmark of their fundraising campaigns.
Daniher envisions a future free from MND, emphasizing in his speech: “This disease is not incurable—it is simply underfunded and misunderstood. With focus, funding, and determination, we can change that. Together, as Australians, we can continue this fight and one day achieve a world without MND.”
The Australian of the Year Awards also recognized other inspiring individuals. Dr. Katrina Wruck, a scientist and industrial chemist from Queensland, was named the 2025 Young Australian of the Year, while Brother Thomas Oliver Pickett AM, co-founder of the Wheelchairs for Kids charity, was honored as the 2025 Senior Australian of the Year.
These awardees reflect the diverse contributions Australians are making to better the world, with Daniher’s story standing as a beacon of hope and perseverance