Today, Victoria mourns the passing of one of our finest.
Neale Daniher was a man of extraordinary courage, decency and determination whose impact on our state, and our nation, will endure for generations.
As a footballer, Neale represented the Essendon Football Club with distinction, despite a career cruelled by serious injury just as his immense talent was emerging. He went on to coach the Melbourne Football Club with passion and integrity, earning the respect of players, supporters and rivals alike.
But it was away from the football field that Neale revealed the full measure of his character.
After his diagnosis with motor neurone disease in 2013, Neale chose not to retreat from public life, but to dedicate himself to the service of others. Through FightMND and the Big Freeze campaign, he transformed awareness of this cruel disease and inspired Australians with his optimism, humility and relentless resolve.
His recognition as Australian of the Year was not simply an honour bestowed on a remarkable individual, it was a reflection of the admiration and gratitude felt by an entire nation, particularly those in the Kew community that Neale called home.
Neale taught Australians that courage is not the absence of hardship, but the refusal to surrender to it. Even in the face of unimaginable adversity, he gave people hope.
On behalf of the Victorian Liberal Party, I extend my deepest condolences to Neale's beloved wife Jan, his children and grandchildren, the wider Daniher family, and all those whose lives he touched.
Victoria is stronger for Neale Daniher's life, and poorer for his passing. His legacy of courage, compassion and service will never be forgotten.
