News and events

Get involved with our Centre

Explore our upcoming tours, conferences and annual events, and learn more about some of our past events.

Upcoming events

2025 MND Gala Dinner

Join us for an elegant gala that will be hosted by Professor Dominic Rowe, Professor of Neurology at Macquarie University, in support of the fight against Motor Neuron Disease at the beautiful hotel, W Sydney in Darling Harbour.

At the Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre, there is one simple goal – to stop MND.

However, getting there is far from simple, and that's where your help is needed. By attending this gala, you'll support the teams working towards finding therapies to stop this debilitating disease.

• Date: Friday 20 June 2025, 7pm – 11pm
• Location: W Sydney, Darling Harbour, 31 Wheat Road, Sydney

Register here

Lab and clinic tours

Visit Macquarie University’s Motor Neurone Disease Research Centre and Clinic to experience first-hand the work that is being done to slow and stop MND. Friends of Macquarie’s MND program will then have the chance to tour the MND research laboratories, meeting with world leading research teams who are tackling MND in a bid to change the outcome of this lethal disease.

Visitors will see where more than 10% of Australia’s MND population are cared for by Professor Dominic Rowe and where two Australian-first clinical trials are currently in progress. Groups are kept small with physical distancing. PPE is provided and as always the health and safety standards in our labs are high.

• Dress code: Enclosed shoes are required for the labs. Visitors are provided with a lab coat and protective eyewear to wear during the tour.
• Parking: Metered parking is available outside 2 Technology Place and beneath the hospital, both accessible via Research Park Drive. Download the campus map.

Email Christina Cassidy to register your interest.

Past events

MND Gala 2024

The 2024 MND Gala was a huge success, raising more than $260,000 for the Macquarie University Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre.

Just over 300 people attended the event, which was held for the first time at W Sydney on Darling Harbour. The night included a gourmet dinner, live and silent auctions, live music and keynote speakers who shared their perspectives on MND.

Australian actor Matt Nable (Underbelly, Mr Inbetween) gave a moving speech about his late brother’s struggle with the disease. Firies Climb for MND organiser Gavin Clifton talked about the importance of fundraising, and Professor Dominic Rowe and Associate Professor Kelly Williams from the MND Research Centre spoke about current research.