TRANSCRIPT
Since 1960, the Australian of the Year awards have recognised inspiring Australians who have made a significant contribution to the Australian community and nation.
Former AFL captain and disability advocate Neale Daniher now joins the ranks of past winners, including the first Australian Aboriginal athlete to win an individual Olympic gold medal, Cathy Freeman; Clean Up Australia founder Ian Kiernan; and ophthalmologist and humanitarian Fred Hollows.
Since being diagnosed with the terminal illness, motor neurone disease or MND, Daniher has dedicated his life to finding a cure to a disease that over time takes away someone's use of their arms and legs, and eventually their ability to eat, speak and breathe.
These days he uses technology to communicate, which allows him to use eye movements - or typing - to control a computer to voice his thoughts.
The 63-year-old says he humbled and honoured to win the 2025 Australian of the Year title - and he hopes it allows him to further his goal to create a world where there is a cure for MND - and it is no longer a terminal illness.
"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 is not what they say, it's what they do."
Daniher played more than 80 games for Essendon between 1979 and 1990, before a career in coaching roles for Essendon, Fremantle and Melbourne.
He says those experiences of building a team has underpinned his community-building approach in the fight against MND.
He also applied his philosophy of "play on" to tackle the illness, which he calls 'the Beast'.
That has involved co-founding the FightMND charity, which has to date raised $115 million to fund research, including clinical trials, to find a cure.
He says he is optimistic the goal can be achieved.
"This disease is not incurable. It simply underfunded and misunderstood. With focus, funding and unwavering determination, we can change that."
This year's Senior Australian of the Year is Brother Thomas Oliver Pickett in Western Australia.
The former priest at St Luke's College Karratha is the co-founder of a charity that provides adjustable wheelchairs -as well as occupational therapy expertise - for children in developing countries.
Since 1996, Wheelchairs for Kids has gifted more than 60,000 custom-built wheelchairs to children in over 80 countries.
Mr Pickett says the work is made possible through the efforts of volunteers.
"And I dedicate this award to all our wonderful volunteers both inside and outside the factory. Our wheelchairs cost $275 for our volunteers to make. And for this sum of money, a child with disability receives a new life - by getting off the ground, having dignity as well as mobility. They can now go to village school and have an education. They mix with their friends and feel included."
First Nations scientist Dr Katrina Wruck is the Young Australian of the Year.
Her work focuses on developing new materials to address contaminants in water.
She has also started a business, Nguki Kula Green Labs, which aims to create environmentally sustainable consumer goods, including through a process that turn rocks into eco-friendly detergent.
She is also passionate about outreach; and drawing on First Nations knowledge and wisdom.
Accepting her award, the Queenslander urged First Nations children to dream big.
"This award is not just for me. It is for the young daring to dream big and the communities fighting for justice; and the elders who continue to keep the fire burning. Thank you for this honour. I carry it forward with pride, knowing there is still so much work to do. Together, we can build a future where culture, science and equity walk hand in hand."
Hannah Costello and Vanessa Brettell have been named the winners of the 2025 Australia's Local Heroes award.
They say their experiences in Colombia highlighted the importance of inclusive work opportunities to combat inequality.
Through their business and social enterprise, Cafe Stepping Stone in the ACT, they have employed migrant and refugee women with limited English or minimal employment history; and provided access to on-the-job training; as well as qualifications through partnerships with training organisations.
The vegetarian café has two locations and has also become the launchpad for a community hub.
Both entrepreneurs say it feels satisfying to make an impact.
(Hannah Costello:) "It is about providing opportunities, stability and hope to people - who just like us, just want a chance to make something of their lives. Everybody deserves a fair chance to thrive, feel safe; and have access to meaningful work and be part of a community."
(Vanessa Brettell:) "In four years, we've employed over 60 women from migrant and refugee backgrounds. Collectively, they have earnt almost $2 million in wages. And for most, this is their first job. After working with us, they have increased financial security; but also confidence, skills; the ability to speak English, and make connections out of the home."
