Neale Daniher Named 2025 Australian of the Year

Neale Daniher, a former AFL player and coach, has been awarded the 2025 Australian of the Year for his tireless advocacy in the fight against motor neurone disease (MND), which he has battled since his diagnosis in 2013. Daniher co-founded FightMND, a charity that has raised over $100 million for research towards finding a cure, highlighting the importance of community support in their efforts. In his acceptance speech, he expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the collective journey in building awareness and resources for MND research. Alongside Daniher, Dr. Katrina Ruck was named Young Australian of the Year for her innovative work in green chemistry, and Brother Olly Pickett received recognition for his humanitarian efforts. The Essendon Football Club, where Daniher has an enduring legacy, celebrated his achievement, noting his significant impact both on and off the field. Daniher's recognition underscores the importance of advocacy and resilience in addressing health challenges in Australia.