Latest news with #NealeDaniher
The Advertiser
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
First look: watch the moving new celebration of the Aussies who inspire us
The National Australia Day Council is showcasing current and former Australian of the Year Awards recipients in an inspiring new advertising campaign to encourage nominations for next year's awards. The 60-second advertisement to appear online and on TV features current Australian of the Year Neale Daniher and Young Australian of the Year Dr Katrina Wruck as well as Local Hero Award recipients Amar Singh, of Turbans 4 Australia, and Victorian football advocate for women Jasmine Hirst. Part of the clip was filmed in Cafe Stepping Stone, the social enterprise employing women mostly from migrant and refugee backgrounds established in Canberra by Australia's Local Heroes for 2025, Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello. Nominations for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards are open until July 31. Australians are being urged to shine a spotlight on the local legends and national change-makers whose efforts have enriched our communities. The Australian of the Year Awards require public nominations to identify outstanding individuals and it only takes one nomination for someone to be considered for the prestigious awards. "Every day, we all see people doing something special or we hear about people who are making a real impact - it's these people we all see and hear about that we want the public to nominate," National Australia Day Council chair John Foreman said. "When you see them or hear about them, nominate them." Nominate now at The four categories are: Australian of the Year; Senior Australian of the Year (aged 65 and over); Young Australian of the Year (aged 16 to 30); and Australia's Local Hero. From the public's nominations, each state and territory announces a recipient in each category. These state and territory award recipients then become the national finalists for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards to be announced on the evening of January 25, 2026, in Canberra. Who inspires you? Who do you think should be our next Australian of the Year? If you see them or hear about them, nominate them before July 31 for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards at The National Australia Day Council is showcasing current and former Australian of the Year Awards recipients in an inspiring new advertising campaign to encourage nominations for next year's awards. The 60-second advertisement to appear online and on TV features current Australian of the Year Neale Daniher and Young Australian of the Year Dr Katrina Wruck as well as Local Hero Award recipients Amar Singh, of Turbans 4 Australia, and Victorian football advocate for women Jasmine Hirst. Part of the clip was filmed in Cafe Stepping Stone, the social enterprise employing women mostly from migrant and refugee backgrounds established in Canberra by Australia's Local Heroes for 2025, Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello. Nominations for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards are open until July 31. Australians are being urged to shine a spotlight on the local legends and national change-makers whose efforts have enriched our communities. The Australian of the Year Awards require public nominations to identify outstanding individuals and it only takes one nomination for someone to be considered for the prestigious awards. "Every day, we all see people doing something special or we hear about people who are making a real impact - it's these people we all see and hear about that we want the public to nominate," National Australia Day Council chair John Foreman said. "When you see them or hear about them, nominate them." Nominate now at The four categories are: Australian of the Year; Senior Australian of the Year (aged 65 and over); Young Australian of the Year (aged 16 to 30); and Australia's Local Hero. From the public's nominations, each state and territory announces a recipient in each category. These state and territory award recipients then become the national finalists for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards to be announced on the evening of January 25, 2026, in Canberra. Who inspires you? Who do you think should be our next Australian of the Year? If you see them or hear about them, nominate them before July 31 for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards at The National Australia Day Council is showcasing current and former Australian of the Year Awards recipients in an inspiring new advertising campaign to encourage nominations for next year's awards. The 60-second advertisement to appear online and on TV features current Australian of the Year Neale Daniher and Young Australian of the Year Dr Katrina Wruck as well as Local Hero Award recipients Amar Singh, of Turbans 4 Australia, and Victorian football advocate for women Jasmine Hirst. Part of the clip was filmed in Cafe Stepping Stone, the social enterprise employing women mostly from migrant and refugee backgrounds established in Canberra by Australia's Local Heroes for 2025, Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello. Nominations for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards are open until July 31. Australians are being urged to shine a spotlight on the local legends and national change-makers whose efforts have enriched our communities. The Australian of the Year Awards require public nominations to identify outstanding individuals and it only takes one nomination for someone to be considered for the prestigious awards. "Every day, we all see people doing something special or we hear about people who are making a real impact - it's these people we all see and hear about that we want the public to nominate," National Australia Day Council chair John Foreman said. "When you see them or hear about them, nominate them." Nominate now at The four categories are: Australian of the Year; Senior Australian of the Year (aged 65 and over); Young Australian of the Year (aged 16 to 30); and Australia's Local Hero. From the public's nominations, each state and territory announces a recipient in each category. These state and territory award recipients then become the national finalists for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards to be announced on the evening of January 25, 2026, in Canberra. Who inspires you? Who do you think should be our next Australian of the Year? If you see them or hear about them, nominate them before July 31 for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards at The National Australia Day Council is showcasing current and former Australian of the Year Awards recipients in an inspiring new advertising campaign to encourage nominations for next year's awards. The 60-second advertisement to appear online and on TV features current Australian of the Year Neale Daniher and Young Australian of the Year Dr Katrina Wruck as well as Local Hero Award recipients Amar Singh, of Turbans 4 Australia, and Victorian football advocate for women Jasmine Hirst. Part of the clip was filmed in Cafe Stepping Stone, the social enterprise employing women mostly from migrant and refugee backgrounds established in Canberra by Australia's Local Heroes for 2025, Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello. Nominations for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards are open until July 31. Australians are being urged to shine a spotlight on the local legends and national change-makers whose efforts have enriched our communities. The Australian of the Year Awards require public nominations to identify outstanding individuals and it only takes one nomination for someone to be considered for the prestigious awards. "Every day, we all see people doing something special or we hear about people who are making a real impact - it's these people we all see and hear about that we want the public to nominate," National Australia Day Council chair John Foreman said. "When you see them or hear about them, nominate them." Nominate now at The four categories are: Australian of the Year; Senior Australian of the Year (aged 65 and over); Young Australian of the Year (aged 16 to 30); and Australia's Local Hero. From the public's nominations, each state and territory announces a recipient in each category. These state and territory award recipients then become the national finalists for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards to be announced on the evening of January 25, 2026, in Canberra. Who inspires you? Who do you think should be our next Australian of the Year? If you see them or hear about them, nominate them before July 31 for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards at
7NEWS
18 hours ago
- Health
- 7NEWS
AFL legend and MND crusader Neale Daniher makes incredible statement all parents must know
AFL legend Neale Daniher has delivered a powerful message to all families. The miracle MND crusader and Australian of the Year, appeared on Channel Seven's Unfiltered in a stirring interview with host Hamish McLachlan. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today In the interview, Daniher — who was first diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2013 — opened up on his life philosophies that have helped him through his staggering fight. He also gave incredible insight into parenting, himself a father of four children. 'What did you get right, what did you get wrong? Fathering's hard,' McLachlan said to Daniher. Daniher's wise response was a brilliant lesson for all parents. 'I don't think I have anything unique to offer you about fathering,' he said ... but, on the contrary, he certainly did. 'I got plenty of the little things wrong but they don't matter too much if you get the big things right. 'I think myself and Jan made sure our kids felt they were loved, safe, and cared for. That's a good start. 'I think we gave our children a strong moral compass to navigate the world and contribute meaningfully to others by modelling honesty and responsibility, kindness, and resilience. 'I think we modelled a strong work ethic and showed them that effort matters just as much as talent. 'I think we instilled the idea that contributing to others, family, community, team is meaningful. 'We also tried to model an optimistic mindset that embraces challenge and learning from mistakes. 'As you can easily pick up, I use the word 'model' because you don't teach your kids much by telling them you have to model it yourself. 'Advice, I have no advice, only an observation. 'I don't wish to downplay the role of parents, poor parenting can really impact a child detrimentally in so many ways. 'But good parenting gets them ready to face the world. 'However, I will say, parents can take far too much credit if their kids turn out OK for two reasons: 1. your kids are raised in a village so they have many influences that shape them, good and bad outside the home. Also, how they turn out is a lot on them. 'Eventually as they go from teenagers to young adults, they grow to take ownership and responsibility for their own choices. 'And if they make the right choices in life, they should take most of the credit. Likewise, if they make bad choices, it's on them. 'Parents can only do so much. That is what learning to take responsibility is all about.' Daniher also shared some of his life philosophies that he had borrowed from others. Better to be slapped with the truth than kissed by a lie. He said: 'That reminds me to seek the truth about myself and beware of flattery. It reminds me that life is a team game. It reminds me to beware of my own ego.' If you want to go quickly, go alone, if you want to go far, go together. He said: 'That reminds me that life is a team game.' Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less. 'That reminds me to beware of my own ego,' he said. 'And as I push towards my mid-60s, I can confirm Eleanor Roosevelt was right when she said: In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility. '
News.com.au
a day ago
- Health
- News.com.au
Big Freeze shines a light on MND – and the Aussie tech helping sufferers take back control
MND strips voice and movement from thousands Big Freeze and Neale Daniher lead the national fight Control Bionics tech gives the silent a voice There's a reason it's called the Beast. Motor Neurone Disease (MND) creeps in quietly and slowly shuts the body down, one function at a time. It's a progressive neurological disease that attacks the motor neurons, the nerve cells that control movement. Over time, it robs people of their ability to move, speak, swallow, and eventually breathe. The average life expectancy after diagnosis is just 27 months. It's brutal with no known cure, but it's also brought out some of the most inspiring acts of human resilience. Big Freeze bringing hope to many If you've watched AFL on the King's (or Queen's) Birthday in the last decade, you've probably seen celebrities sliding into a pool of ice. That's the Big Freeze, FightMND's flagship event founded by former AFL great Neale Daniher, who was diagnosed in 2013 and is still fighting more than a decade later. Daniher, now 2025 Australian of the Year, has helped raise over $100 million for MND research. And the Big Freeze is back again this Monday, June 9, at the Dees vs Pies match, with the MCG expected to turn into a sea of blue to raise funds and awareness. But behind the icy stunts and the footy clash lies a deeper message: we can't give up. The CEO of MND Australia, Clare Sullivan, strongly believes it's important for people with MND to participate in activities of importance to them. 'For example, being able to tell their grandkids they love them, or being able to go out for a coffee with friends,' Sullivan told Stockhead. She shared a story of a Queensland man in hospital who couldn't speak or press a button to call the nurse. 'This person used his AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) device to call his wife at home to communicate with her, requesting she call the hospital and ask them to provide him an extra blanket as he was cold. 'You can see from this how essential it is that people have the ability to communicate their needs.' Control Bionics helps the unheard be heard And this is where technology such as that offered by Aussie medtech firm Control Bionics (ASX:CBL) could play a crucial role. CBL isn't throwing people down ice slides, but what it's building is potentially life-changing. The company's NeuroNode tech uses EMG (electromyography) to detect the faint electrical signals the body sends to muscles, even if those muscles don't visibly move. These signals are then translated into digital commands. Think of it like a wearable mouse click powered by thought. This kind of assistive technology, Sullivan said, helps people with MND to be independent in their communication, which is essential in maintaining quality of life. 'The equipment is highly adaptable and flexible, which is essential because as a person deteriorates, it can be easily modified," she said. 'The devices are compatible with their 'voices' via voicebanking, which then enables people with MND to communicate in their 'own voice' further aiding in quality of life.' Sullivan also said it's important that access to this kind of technology happens early, because becoming familiar with how they work takes time. 'Practice is essential, and unfortunately we see is that people don't access it until far too late," she said. 'This means that often people give up because they are fighting against fatigue, and other symptoms that make it too hard.' CBL goes beyond voice Beyond NeuroNode, Control Bionics has added a new tool to its kit: NeuroStrip. This is a paper-thin wearable that reads both muscle signals (EMG) and movement data. It's built to be extra sensitive and comfortable, making it easier for people to use over long periods. While it helps with communication, NeuroStrip's potential goes further. CBL said it could be used in rehab, managing movement disorders, or even sports science, where tracking small muscle responses matters. Control Bionics is also stepping into mobility. Its new DROVE module, co-developed with Deakin University, brings smart navigation to powered wheelchairs. DROVE picks up muscle signals and translates them into movement, so a simple intention like 'go left' becomes action. For people with limited mobility, it's a big step towards more freedom without needing complex setups or invasive tech. But Control Bionics isn't alone in the fight. Adelaide-based Link Assistive, for instance, provides eye gaze technology designed to keep communication flowing even when movement becomes severely limited. Zyteq, out of Melbourne, offers a suite of voice and switch-based systems, helping people with MND stay connected using highly customised setups. Costly tech, crucial time Control Bionics is an approved NDIS provider, which means eligible Australians can access funding for its tech like NeuroNode and NeuroStrip. It's also worked closely with MND Associations to place devices into state equipment libraries, helping people get access earlier – often at low or no cost. But it's not always smooth sailing. 'This technology is expensive, and often there are a lot of hoops to get NDIS funding for this,' said Sullivan. Applications usually need detailed assessments from speech pathologists and occupational therapists, which can slow things down. And for those over 65, who aren't covered by the NDIS, the cost can sometimes be out of reach. MND Associations, Sullivan said, fundraise to make this tech available to those who need it most. 'The MND Associations are heavily reliant on community donations and generosity to purchase this equipment for hire, and often there are waiting lists as demand outstrips supply.' While technology like NeuroNode helps restore communication and independence, tackling neurodegenerative disease at their root will also require medical breakthroughs. That's where ASX biotechs come in. Neurizon Therapeutics (ASX:NUZ), for instance, is working on a promising drug for ALS. Neurotech (ASX:NTI) is developing cannabinoid-based therapies for brain disorders. And Neuren Pharmaceuticals (ASX:NEU) has already landed FDA approval for Rett syndrome.
The Guardian
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Neale Daniher's no-nonsense nature keeps Big Freeze from slipping into cliche
It starts with a sore toe, difficulty tying a shoelace, a tingle in a finger. Author Joe Hammond found himself 'like a passenger in the aisle of a plane going through gentle turbulence'. For Ross Lyon's mum, Louise, it started with a twitch in her calf muscle. Within a few months, she couldn't move her arms or legs. Within a year, it was in her throat, and she was unable to breathe. For Don Pyke's father, Frank, it started with difficulty swallowing. He was a professor and a sports scientist and a member of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. In the early 1970s, he played a key role in rehabilitating Dennis Lillee's back. Motor neurone disease (MND) killed him in 16 weeks. For Neale Daniher, it started in his hands. He found it hard to peg his shirts on the clothesline. He fumbled with his car keys. A friend noticed his handshake had weakened. Daniher calls it 'the beast' but doctors, researchers, patients and carers around the world call it 'the bastard'. Every day in Australia, two people are diagnosed and two people die. Prof Brad Turner of the Florey Institute says it's 'the most incapacitating disease of our species'. The Danihers are farming people from the baking red dirt of the Riverina. Neale and his 10 brothers and sisters quickly learned there was no room for sentimentality and self-pity. On the farm, you planned for the worst. You never complained. You worked hard. You got on with it. You learned that so much in this world is beyond your control. Neale was the only Daniher sent away to boarding school. He didn't want to be a farmer. He was too curious, too introspective, too restless for that life. He studied theology for a year at the University of Melbourne. He was coached by Ray Carroll at Assumption College and Kevin Sheedy at Essendon, and his own coaching tenure melded their ferocity and cunning. Many of his former players were amazed at the wise-cracking man who emerged later in life. Having been kept at arms-length during their playing careers, so many of them have built enduring, meaningful relationships with the man they once feared, and now adore. It's more than a dozen years since Daniher was diagnosed with MND. It's a decade since the inaugural Big Freeze match. So much has changed in that time. The queen's birthday is now the king's birthday. Both Melbourne and Collingwood have cycled between ineptitude and success. Daniher, initially given 27 months at best, has walked two daughters down the aisle, welcomed grandchildren, and been named Australian of the Year. He now uses gaze interaction technology to communicate, utilising his voice from old press conferences. After being woefully underfunded for so long, there's better understanding of MND, there's groundbreaking research, and there's cautious optimism that this thing can eventually be beaten. Initiatives such as the Big Freeze could easily drown in cliche. It could get drawn into tired analogies of sport and death. Football could easily strain to mean more than it does. That was never going to happen with Daniher. He hates it when people call him a hero. He doesn't want pity. He wants a cure. 'When you're dying,' Daniher wrote in his book, 'everyone thinks you're a great bloke. When I was footballer, they had me in the 'natural born leader' box and then the 'unfulfilled talent' box. As a coach they put me in the 'intense bastard' box and now that I have a terminal illness I'm in the 'such an inspiration' box.' Reading that, I think of something The Sopranos creator, David Chase, said: 'Whatever the opposite of bullshit is, that's what I think Jim Gandolfini was searching for.' In every utterance, every joke, every deflection, every dollar raised, that's Daniher – the complete absence of bullshit. MND takes nearly everything. It takes your ability to walk, to talk, to hug, to eat, to cry and, eventually, to breathe. I could reel off words like 'inspiration' and 'spirit' and 'courage' and 'grace', but none of them could do justice to what Daniher and the sufferers of MND endure. I think again of that quote – 'the most incapacitating disease of our species'. If that's the case, few could look at Daniher and not see the very best of the species. But he'd say that was bullshit. The Suns are out to snap a horror streak at GMHBA Stadium against the Cats on Saturday and continue on the path toward a first finals campaign. Jack Watts had been killing them in school footy. Ron Barassi presented him with his No 4 jumper. He was interviewed on The Footy Show. Prior to the 2009 queen's birthday game, the late Jim Stynes sent a text message to Melbourne supporters, urging them to get along to the MCG. The late Dean Bailey didn't think the youngster was ready. Nonetheless, he also bought into the promotion. 'We will look back at this time in three, four or five years to see where it all began and to be able to say I was there the day Jack Watts made his debut,' he said. But Mick Malthouse-coached sides aren't renowned for going easy on Brighton Grammarians. His mature and pitiless Collingwood team gave young Jack a torrid time. Early on, he was gang tackled by three Pies – Shane O'Bree, Nick Maxwell and Heath Shaw. The Dees were pumped, and Watts was left bruised and battered, though he still turned up for his year 12 accounting exam the following day. Port Adelaide's Brownlow medallist suffers from a heart irregularity which can cause palpitations that have forced him to be substituted out of three matches in the past four years. Sign up to From the Pocket: AFL Weekly Jonathan Horn brings expert analysis on the week's biggest AFL stories after newsletter promotion 'We into it.' Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has hinted that he is on the comeback trail with a black and white video of him training and boxing posted on social media. The 23-year-old forward has not played at all this season while taking personal leave from Western Bulldogs. Which clubs have had the most common grand final match-up? Bonus point if you know the number of deciders they have played. Answers in next week's newsletter, but if you think you know it, hit reply and let me know! Last week's answer: What is the highest place Gold Coast have finished on the ladder? The Suns finished 12th in 2014 and 2022. Congratulations to Alan Hoban, who was first to reply with the right answer. GWS Giants midfielder Callan Ward shines a light on all that is great about the sport as he turns personal heartbreak into inspiration for his side. AFL boss Andrew Dillon explains the executive reshuffle at head office while insisting the decisions are 'not personal'. Any thoughts you want to share? Reply to this email or send your views to fromthepocket@ Reply to this email and drop me a line, or email fromthepocket@ Have a friend who might? Forward this to them, or tell them how to get it.
West Australian
2 days ago
- Health
- West Australian
Unfiltered: Neale Daniher shares rare insight into lowest point of his AFL career
AFL icon and Australian of the Year Neale Daniher has shared rare insight into the lowest point of his career and the personal news that got him 'out of his funk'. Daniher is this week's guest on a special episode of Unfiltered with Hamish McLachlan. The interview was conducted over several weeks with McLachlan and Daniher exchanging text messages and Daniher would answer using his eye-gaze machine, which makes his voice sound like it used to . Daniher has been battling motor neurone disease since 2013, but has never lost his infectious enthusiasm and determination. The 64-year-old was crowned the 2025 Australian of the Year in recognition of his fundraising for the incurable disease. Much has been said about Daniher's incredible fight against the disease, but not much is spoken about his career on the field. Daniher played 66 games in three years for Essendon between 1979 and 1981, but injuries restricted to him just 16 more before he retired. After missing the 1982, '83 and '84 seasons following multiple knee injuries, Daniher returned to the field in 1985. Essendon were the reigning premiers and Daniher had dreams of lifting the premiership cup that year. Daniher worked his way back into the senior team, playing five senior games before disaster struck in a rare mid-week game. Essendon played Norwood in Adelaide in the 1985 AFC Night Series, with the game taking place just three days after the Bombers' clash against Fitzroy. 'Footy gives you great highs and tragic lows, that's for sure. The lowest I felt as a player would have been in 1985,' Daniher said. 'I was making another comeback after two ACL knee injuries and the Bombers were the reigning premiers. And I just made my way back into the team. 'We had a mid-season competition going on at the time involving interstate teams. I was asked to back up and play in Adelaide. In retrospect, that was a dumb idea. I wasn't ready to play three games in seven days. 'Anyway, during the second quarter, I got caught in a pack, landed awkwardly and did my knee again. This time it was my good knee so I was laying on a cold floor with ice on my knee in foreign rooms on my own as the sounds of the game continued without me. 'I knew my playing career was done at the elite level and my crack at September and maybe a flag was over.' Daniher added that the impending birth of his first child helped him get out of the injury heartbreak. 'What broke me out of the funk was that I had married Jan earlier that year, not much later we received news that we would have our first child, Lauren. That definitely helped me realise that life was more than the number on my back,' he added. Daniher would return to the field in 1989, playing another four games before adding another seven in 1990. Unfiltered with Hamish McLachlan featuring football legend and FIGHTMND Founder, Neale Daniher 9.30pm straight after The Front Bar on Seven and 7plus.
