Sport
31 January, 2025
Neale Daniher Named Australian of the Year 2025 for MND awareness
UNGARIE’S own Neale Daniher has been honoured for his dedication to raising awareness and funds for MND
Neale Daniher, former AFL legend, coach, and one of Australia’s most inspiring advocates for the fight against Motor Neuron Disease (MND), has been named Australian of the Year for 2025. The announcement was made on Australia Day, celebrating Daniher’s tireless efforts in raising over $100 million for MND research, support, and awareness.
A proud Riverina native from Ungarie, Daniher’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Diagnosed with MND in 2013, the 61-year-old former Essendon Bombers player and Melbourne Demons coach has turned his personal battle into a nationwide campaign to fight the disease, which has no known cure.
Federal Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack, expressed his immense pride in Daniher's recognition saying, “I am so thrilled Riverina boy Neale Daniher has been named Australian of the Year. They are cheering in Ungarie, across the region and indeed the nation right now! The Danihers have done so much - and not just with football. Neale’s advocacy for MND has been legendary. Well deserved.”
The praise was echoed by NSW MP for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, who was in Ungarie for Australia Day herself to present Brenton ‘Buster’ Clarke with the Ungarie Citizen of the Year award.
“There’s not a person in Australia who isn’t in awe of you. We are so proud of you. You are an amazing human and an inspiration to so many. Your hometown of Ungarie is cheering for you, your wife of 40 years Jan, your immediate and extended family tonight, today - and always.”
In his acceptance speech, Daniher expressed his gratitude and humility in front of a packed reception, “I am deeply honoured to accept the title of Australian of the Year 2025,” he said.
“This recognition belongs to the entire MND community - the families, carers, researchers, volunteers, everyone at the Fight MND foundation, MND state associations, and the countless Australians who have joined us in this fight.”
Daniher has worked relentlessly to raise awareness of MND and to fund research into the disease, leading to the creation of the Fight MND Foundation. His commitment to the cause is personal - in 2013, Daniher was diagnosed with this debilitating illness, which has gradually stolen his ability to move, speak, swallow, and breathe.
“My journey began in 2013 when I was diagnosed with motor neurone disease – a beast of a disease. It doesn’t discriminate; it robs you of your ability to move, speak, swallow, and breathe. But it also ignited a determination in me to fight for those affected now and, in the future," Daniher said.
“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, thank you.”
Daniher’s hope for the future is simple, yet profound, “In my lifetime, I hope we find the causes of MND, better treatments, and ultimately, a cure,” he said.
“Beyond that, I hope to leave a legacy that shows we all have the power to choose to fight, to smile, and to act. Because the mark of a person isn’t what they say, it’s what they do. Thank you for believing in this fight. Together, we will win it.”
Neale Daniher’s recognition as Australian of the Year stands as a tribute not only to his individual resilience but also to the collective spirit of the MND community, which he has rallied to end the suffering caused by this disease.
The Fight MND Foundation, which Daniher established with his family and supporters, continues to be a leading force in the battle against MND, working tirelessly to fund critical research and support people living with the disease.
Daniher’s ongoing efforts have united Australians from all walks of life, who have embraced his call to action and joined the fight to find a cure. His incredible leadership, courage, and compassion continue to inspire and encourage Australians to never give up.
Well done mate!
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