Former AFL player and MND campaigner Neale Daniher named 2025 Australian of the year

Former AFL footballer and charity co-founder Neale Daniher AO has been named the Australian of the Year for 2025.

Daniher was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2013, and was told the average lifespan for patients was about three years.

Defying that expectation, he has worked tirelessly for more than 10 years to raise money and awareness of MND, in the hopes of one day finding a cure.

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese presented him with the award during tonight's ceremony in Canberra.

Daniher presented a prerecorded acceptance speech as his condition has removed his ability to speak.

The 63-year-old said he was deeply honoured to accept the title.

"This recognition isn't just for me," he said.

"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.

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"It also belongs to my family, headed by my wife Jan, our children and their partners who have been with us every step of the way on this challenging journey.

Daniher described MND as 'a beast of a disease'.

"It doesn't discriminate. It robs you of your ability to move, speak, swallow, and eventually breathe," he said.

"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 and joined the fight with me, and you have.

"Oh, how you have." 

Daniher played for Essendon in the AFL and went on to coach the Melbourne Demons.

Following his diagnosis, he co-founded the charity FightMND in 2014, which has raised and invested more than $115 million into medical research for the condition.

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The annual Big Freeze ice bath event at the MCG is part of his ongoing fundraising efforts.

Daniher said he has a vision of a world without MND.

"This disease is not incurable. It is simply underfunded and misunderstood," he said in his speech.

"With focus, funding and unwavering determination, we can change that.

"I know that this nomination will help grow awareness for our cause together, as Australians, we can continue this fight against the beast and one day achieve our vision, a world without MND.

Scientist and industrial chemist Doctor Katrina Wruck was named the 2025 Young Australian of the Year.

Wheelchairs for Kids charity co-founder Brother Thomas Oliver Pickett AM was named 2025 Senior Australian of the Year.

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