Neale Daniher, the former AFL champion and advocate for motor neurone disease (MND) awareness, was named the 2025 Australian of the Year during a star-studded ceremony held at the National Arboretum in Canberra. Presenting the award was Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who praised Daniher for his unwavering commitment to battling what he has called “the beast” of MND, raising over $100 million for research since his diagnosis.
Diagnosed with MND in 2013, Daniher was initially told his prognosis was grim, with average life expectancy for MND patients being only three years. Defying these expectations, he has made it his mission to not only raise awareness but to also spearhead fundraising efforts through initiatives like the Big Freeze ice bath event. His charity, FightMND, has invested significantly in medical research, and Daniher is determined to illuminate the struggles faced by those living with this debilitating disease.
Upon receiving the award, Daniher delivered his acceptance speech via pre-recorded audio, as MND has robbed him of his ability to speak. His heartfelt words echoed through the auditorium as he expressed gratitude, emphasizing, “This recognition isn't just for me. It belongs to the entire MND community, the families, the carers, the researchers, the volunteers.” His wife, Jan, assisted him during the presentation, symbolizing the strong family support he has rallied throughout his challenging battle.
During his speech, Daniher described MND as “a beast of a disease,” noting its cruel nature, which “robs you of your ability to move, speak, swallow, and eventually breathe.” Yet, rather than succumbing to despair, he chose hope and activism. “I chose to fight because if I didn’t, how could I expect anyone else to?” he stated powerfully. He urged Australians to unite against this disease, explaining, “With focus, funding, and unwavering determination, we can change [the perception of MND].”
To many, Daniher embodies resilience and hope. His inspiring efforts have not gone unnoticed, as Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan also lauded him as “a truly exceptional human being,” stating, “He made it his mission to raise awareness about the disease, inspiring and uplifting everyone around him.”
Besides Daniher, the awards recognized other remarkable Australians. Dr. Katrina Wruck, whose work concentrates on environmental sustainability by transforming mining by-products to clean water solutions, was honored as the 2025 Young Australian of the Year. Wruck emphasizes the importance of representation, sharing, “When kids, especially Indigenous kids, see someone like me, it tells them they belong.”
Wruck’s dedicated research aims to combat contaminations from harmful chemicals and is poised to engage more communities, particularly Indigenous ones, thereby promoting environmental justice.
The Senior Australian of the Year award went to Brother Thomas Oliver Pickett AM, co-founder of the charity Wheelchairs For Kids. Since its inception, the organization has distributed over 60,000 adjustable wheelchairs to children across more than 80 countries. Pickett, who dedicated his award to the volunteers behind the charity, stated, “Nothing can be achieved without good people around you.” His efforts have made significant impacts on children's lives globally, providing them mobility and dignity.
Jointly named Local Heroes for 2025, Canberrans Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello have created Cafe Stepping Stone, which empowers women from disadvantaged backgrounds through employment and training opportunities. They remarked, “It is about providing opportunities, stability, and hope to people who just like us, just want a chance to make something of their lives.” Their cafe has aimed to uplift women facing significant barriers, including language difficulties and homelessness.
The 2025 awards ceremony highlighted the essence of community, resilience, and the undeniable contributions made by the awardees. While Daniher has gained notoriety through his football career and MND activism, the stories of Wruck, Pickett, and the cafe founders serve to remind Australians of the diverse paths individuals take to improve lives around them.
“Together we can continue this fight against the beast and one day achieve our vision, a world without MND,” Daniher concluded passionately, reiterative of the spirit present within the awardees. Their shared commitment and efforts inspire many, embodying the spirit of compassion, fairness, and community at the heart of Australian values.