Daniher's Drive soldiers on - Surf Coast Times

AFTER four spectacular days on the road, the 2025 Daniher’s Drive wrapped up with a party for the ages in Torquay.

The “Legends of the Land Down Under” themed night was held last Saturday evening at the RACV Torquay Resort.

Inspired by Neale Daniher’s Australian of the Year award, the event was the ultimate finale to four days of creating lifelong memories on the road.

Drive participants swapped their driving gear for costumes and frocked up in their best Aussie icon costumes.

The crowd goes wild during Neale Daniher’s performance of Mr Brightside.

Stories from the road were shared and laughter filled the air as a room of more than 200 people came together to beat the beast that is motor neuron disease (MND).

Neale Daniher rejoined the tour in Torquay as Molly Meldrum and impressed as always with his infectious big smile and resolute strength and energy.

Member for Pakenham Emma Vulin MP, who is living with MND, was also part of the drive and channeled Grand Slam Champion Dylan Alcott, while her partner Matt delivered his version of Bob Hawke.

The night reached its emotional peak when the thunderous sounds of Neale’s favourite song Mr Brightside rang out loud and proud.

Neale Daniher on stage for the singing of Mr Brightside. Photos: FIONA HAMILTON

A chorus of hundreds of people echoed the songs down the corridor of the resort in the ultimate celebration of resilience, joy and unity.

All Daniher’s Drive participants gathered the following morning on Sunday for breakfast, hugs and handshakes with a promise for a return again next year.

Over the four days, Drive teams travelled more than 600km, raised more than $1.3 million and strengthened the collective resolve to find a cure for MND.

FightMND lead Bec Daniher said it was again another fantastic year of fundraising.

Bec Daniher announcing the total raised by the drive teams.

“With every drive, I don’t think it can get any better, but it just grows and expands, and this year was just amazing.

“This year we got to see so much amazing scenery and our drive participants – I don’t how to describe the heart and soul that they bring. I will never take it for granted.

“Dad has led from the from the beginning and he’s been such an integral part. He turned up on the final night and there was that moment where the first chords of Mr Brightside came out and somehow Dad was on stage in his wheelchair and the smile on his face as he saw everyone rocking out just brought me goosebumps.

“We are making an impact and we are having fun while we do it.”