Open Letter Re: 2025 Australian of the Year

&

Neale Daniher AO's Acceptance Speech

Dear Australian of the Year selection committee,

I completely share your sentiment! 

Neale Daniher's selection as the 2025 Australian of the Year is indeed a powerful choice and a testament to his incredible resilience and spirit. His story is so moving—one minute everything seems normal, and then a devastating diagnosis turns life upside down. It must have been utterly shocking for him, but instead of succumbing to despair, Neale chose to fight—not only for himself but for everyone who would face a similar battle in the future. His commitment to raising awareness for MND and funding research is truly inspiring.

Here is his pre-recorded Australian of the Year Speech

“I am deeply honoured to accept the title of Australian of the Year 2025. This recognition isn’t just for me; 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. 

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

The journey began for me 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 eventually breathe. 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, they’d join the fight with me. And you have—oh, how you have. So again, I thank you. 

Together, we’ve built a movement. Since 2014, we’ve raised over $115 million for care & medical research, supported clinical trials across the country, and developed new drugs that offer hope. More than that, we’ve shown people living with MND that they are not alone. 

Our vision is simple: a world without MND. Some may call it a dream, but I don’t believe it’s an impossible one. This disease is not incurable; it’s simply underfunded and misunderstood. With focus, funding, and unwavering determination, we can change that. 

So tonight, I ask you to imagine. Imagine unlocking the mysteries of the neurological frontier right here in Australia. Imagine a world where families don’t lose their loved ones to this cruel disease. And imagine the power of what we can achieve together when we each take small steps to make a difference. 

To everyone who has bought a beanie, donated a dollar, or spread the word—thank you. You are proof that when Australians unite, nothing is impossible. 

In my lifetime, I hope we find the underlying causes of MND, better treatments, and, ultimately, a cure. But beyond that, I hope to leave a legacy that says this: no matter the odds, no matter the diagnosis, we all have the power to choose to fight, to choose our attitude, to choose to smile, and to choose to do something. 

Because the mark of a person isn’t what they say. It’s what they do. 

I am grateful and honoured to be Australian of the Year, and I know that this nomination will help grow awareness for our cause so that together, as Australians, we can continue this fight against the beast and one day achieve our vision, a world without MND.” 

It’s rare to see someone turn such a personal tragedy into something so impactful for the greater good. Neale’s courage, determination, and generosity of spirit make him a beacon of hope for many. I completely agree with you—Australia should be so proud to have him as our Australian of the Year. Bravo indeed! He’s a shining example of how we can face life’s toughest challenges with strength and grace.

In the meantime, I truly wish the best for you all.

Live Your Best Life!

Julie-Anne - DEO

---