A Tribute to Neale Daniher
A politician battling motor neurone disease (MND) broke down in tears as Victoria’s parliament paused to honor the legacy of Neale Daniher. Emma Vulin, a Labor MP, was among the members of parliament from across the political spectrum who spoke during a condolence motion for Daniher in the state’s lower house on Tuesday. This followed the passing of the 65-year-old former AFL great and co-founder of FightMND in late May.
Ms Vulin shared how Daniher personally reached out to her after she was diagnosed with MND in 2024. “He didn’t have to, because he didn’t know me from a bar of soap, but he invited my partner, Matt, and me into his home,” she said. 
“We sat with Neil and his beautiful wife, Jan, and had an honest conversation about what was ahead.”
Ms Vulin, who will not seek re-election for her seat in Melbourne’s outer southeast at the November state election, described how Daniher did not sugar-coat things. “He told me what I needed to know about maintaining independence, about equipment I would need, and planning ahead, and the realities of this disease,” she said.
“But he also gave me and my family something incredibly important – he gave his kindness, generosity, and hope. Since then, I have heard the same story from countless others living with MND.”
Through tears, Ms Vulin emphasized that Daniher’s legacy, courage, compassion, and determination would live on for generations. 
Understanding Motor Neurone Disease
Motor neurone disease (MND) is a group of diseases that weaken and kill nerve cells, leading to a gradual loss of the ability to walk, talk, swallow, and breathe. With no known cure, the average life expectancy from diagnosis is two to three years.
Premier Jacinta Allan acknowledged Daniher for raising awareness about the insidious nature of the disease by allowing people to witness its impact on him. “A diagnosis of MND carried a terrible darkness, too few answers, too little awareness, too little research, too little families could hold on to – Neale changed that,” she said.
Opposition Leader Jess Wilson also praised Daniher for offering hope to sufferers and choosing not to retreat from public life. 
“He transformed his personal battle into a national cause,” she said.
Continuing the Legacy
Several politicians are set to participate in a fundraising event to support FightMND. This includes Liberal deputy leader David Southwick, Labor ministers Steve Dimopoulos, Luba Grigorovitch, and Paul Edbrooke, as well as other MPs. They will plunge into a tank of icy water on June 15 to raise funds for the cause.
The inaugural Freeze Parliament event in 2025 raised more than $50,000. It will be followed by the annual Big Freeze slide before Melbourne and Collingwood’s clash on King’s Birthday, and a state funeral service for Daniher, also at the MCG, on June 10.
