Neale Daniher Named Victoria's Australian of the Year for FightMND Advocacy and Contributions
Neale Daniher, a former AFL player and coach, has been named Victoria's Australian of the Year for 2023. This recognition comes as he continues to battle motor neuron disease, which he has faced since 2013. Daniher co-founded FightMND and has significantly contributed to raising awareness and funds for research, exemplified by the successful Big Freeze events. His wife expressed their gratitude for the nomination, viewing it as a profound moment for their family.
Neale Daniher, an esteemed figure in Australian Rules Football, has been honored as Victoria's Australian of the Year. The former player and coach, now battling motor neuron disease, was recognized for his tireless advocacy and fundraising efforts in support of medical research.
Neale Daniher's Journey as an Advocate
Daniher, a former star with Essendon and coach for Melbourne, has been a prominent advocate for motor neuron disease research since his diagnosis in 2013. He co-founded FightMND, an organization dedicated to finding a cure for the disease, significantly raising awareness and funds for the cause. The annual Big Freeze at the 'G event, orchestrated by Daniher, features celebrities and AFL personalities taking the plunge into icy waters to support fundraising efforts, with this year's event raising over $20 million.
Recognition and Emotional Acceptance
At the award ceremony, Daniher accepted the honor on stage accompanied by his wife, Jan, despite his reliance on assistive technology for communication. Jan expressed immense gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing its significance for their family. The award has been seen as a well-deserved acknowledgment of Daniher's relentless work and his ability to inspire others, even in the face of his own health challenges.
Additional Awards and Local Heroes
Daniher's past accolades include receiving a Member of the Order of Australia in 2016 for his advocacy work and being promoted to Officer of the Order in 2021. The 2025 Senior Australian of the Year for Victoria was awarded to sports medicine leader Peter Brukner, while Aishwarya Kansakar received the honor of Young Australian of the Year for her innovations in AI and STEM education. Jasmine Hirst was recognized as Victoria's Local Hero for her contributions to women's soccer.
Anticipations for National Awards
The national winners of the Australian of the Year will be announced on January 25. Daniher's recognition has stirred conversations about the importance of advocacy in health and community sectors, highlighting the profound impact of individual journeys on societal well-being. Others nominated for the prestigious title include child protection expert Leah Bromfield and climate solutions innovator Sam Elsom.
