Ryan Healy has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. He was diagnosed at just six years of age.

Ryan's father, Michael, said he would be lucky if he lived into his late teens or twenties.

"We didn't know a lot about (the disease) but we found out this condition was a muscle-wasting condition and it's one hundred per cent fatal," he said.

Yesterday during the Australia Day celebrations at Lake Weeroona, the Make-A-Wish foundation granted two of Ryan's wishes - a trip to the Gold Coast with his family and a ride in a police car.

The foundation's Pauline Woodburn said they provided children's cherished memories.

"Make-A-Wish gives families and sick people hope, strength and something to aim for," she said.

Police officers from Bendigo offered their time to take Ryan for a drive in the police car.

Mr Healy said it was a fantastic opportunity.

"We are very grateful."

Ryan, along with his parents and sister, will also travel to the Gold Coast in the coming week.

Mr Healy said Ryan was very excited about going on his adventure.

"He is pretty excited about going to Dreamworld and riding in a hot rod car," he said.

"The Make-A-Wish foundation have been fantastic."

For more Australia Day pictures and stories, click here.

To find out more about the Make-A-Wish foundation, visit www.makeawish.org.au