Matt Nable's deeply personal reflections on Motor Neurone Disease provided a powerful finale to the 2026 ClubsNSW Conference and inspired support for a new fundraising campaign.
The 2026 ClubsNSW Conference concluded on Friday afternoon with a moving conversation between sports journalist Danika Mason and actor, author and television personality Matt Nable, leaving delegates inspired while also raising valuable funds for the fight against Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
The session brought the curtain down on three days of keynote presentations, industry insights and networking on the Gold Coast, but it was the deeply personal discussion about MND that provided one of the Conference’s most powerful moments.
The closing session began with moving footage highlighting the ongoing fight against MND and the experiences of NRL player Jai Arrow, with Matt Nable revealing his own connection to the disease through his late brother, Aaron.
“There are people at the coalface fighting just as hard who are determined to find a cure,” said Matt in a video played before he took to the stage.
“I once knew a man with the same disease as Jai, my brother Aaron, and he looked into the eyes of his family and he told us, ‘I will never give in’, and he fought, just like Jai is fighting. Fight mate, we are with you.”
Through a Q&A session with Danika Mason, the discussion explored Matt’s diverse career, from rugby league and boxing to writing, acting and filmmaking, including his breakthrough film The Final Winter.
However, it was the conversation about his family’s experience with MND which struck a powerful chord with delegates, off the back of the growing public awareness of the disease through Jai Arrow’s public fight.
ClubsNSW was proud to launch a fundraiser for MND research, benefiting Macquarie University’s MND Research Centre, with delegates urged to donate generously, as the club industry so often does when communities need support — with the peak body kicking things off with a $10,000 donation.
Member clubs wishing to donate can do so here. Donations are tax deductible and a receipt will be emailed.
Matt Nable’s closing address brought the curtain down on the 2026 ClubsNSW Conference & AGM, capping off three days of industry discussion, professional development and networking, with delegates set to return to the Gold Coast again next year, when the 2027 Conference & AGM will be held from 6 to 8 October.
