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Former AFL player Neale Daniher named Melburnian of the Year

Former high-flying Essendon Football Club player and Melbourne coach Neale Daniher has been named this year's Melburnian of the Year, receiving the city's highest accolade.

The Melburnian of the Year Award recognises and rewards an individual who has made an outstanding achievement in their field, while significantly contributing to the Melbourne and greater Victorian communities.

Diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2013, Neale has worked tirelessly to raise funds and awareness about the paralysing illness, as the patron and vice-chairman of the Cure for MND Foundation.

Cure for MND Foundation Patron and Vice Chairman Neale Daniher has been named this year's Melburnian of the Year, receiving the city's highest accolade. Picture: 7 News
Cure for MND Foundation Patron and Vice Chairman Neale Daniher has been named this year's Melburnian of the Year, receiving the city's highest accolade. Picture: 7 News

Following an awards gala ceremony at Town Hall on Sunday, Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said it gave him great pleasure to present Neale Daniher with the city’s highest accolade.

He said the Cure for MND Foundation Patron and Vice Chairman was a "remarkable Melburnian who embodies the purpose of these award".

“On behalf of all Melburnians, I congratulate Neale and acknowledge his determination and drive to help others and raise funds for vital research into Motor Neurone Disease.”

“It is not just the fundraising and awareness campaigns that make Neale an ideal Melburnian of the Year: it is the way he has galvanised the community to get behind a most worthy cause,” Mr Doyle said.

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Earlier this year, Daniher received a Member of the Order of Australia award for his work with MND and has been the driving force behind campaigns such as Freeze at the G and Daniher’s Drive, events that raise millions of dollars for research each year.

The Melbourne awards also celebrated the contributions individuals, corporations and community organisations have made to the city’s success. Picture: City of Melbourne
The Melbourne awards also celebrated the contributions individuals, corporations and community organisations have made to the city’s success. Picture: City of Melbourne

“It’s a great honour to receive this award. Melbourne is the most liveable city in the world, a brilliant town and I love the people here,” he said.

"One day we'll overcome this disease, but it won't be without all the support of everyone that's supported me, our family and everything we're tying to do. So we're forever grateful."

The Melbourne Awards also celebrated the contribution that eight corporations and community organisations have made to the city’s success.

Gala guests were treated to surprise special guest Tina Arena, and The Tim Campbell Band. Picture: City of Melbourne
Gala guests were treated to surprise special guest Tina Arena, and The Tim Campbell Band. Picture: City of Melbourne

For its Contribution to Profile, The Victorian Opera has been recognised in the Corporation category, while the the Melbourne Festival took the Community Organisation gong.

The independent judging panel for the 2016 Melbourne Awards included 53 business and community leaders across a range of industry sectors.


The full list of winners:

2016 Melburnian of the Year: Neale Daniher AM, Patron and Vice Chairman, Cure for MND Foundation
Contribution to Profile by a Corporation: Victorian Opera
Contribution to Profile by a Community Organisation: Melbourne Festival
Contribution to Community by a Corporation: Herald Sun / CityLink - Run for the Kids
Contribution to Community by a Community Organisation: Creativity Australia
Contribution to Environmental Sustainability by a Corporation: Zoos Victoria
Contribution to Environmental Sustainability by a Community Organisation: Market Forces
Contribution to Multiculturalism by a Corporation: Indian Film Festival of Melbourne
Contribution to Multiculturalism by a Community Organisation: The Huddle