Nominations for 1st Fred Awards now open

The Fred Hollows Foundation and Founding Director Gabi Hollows are calling for nominations for the first ever Fred Awards, which recognise everyday humanitarianism in Australia.

The Fred Awards celebrate people who care for others in a decent, practical and no-nonsense way, like Fred did. The Awards are rooted in Fred’s character as a great Australian and his values of kindness, compassion and integrity.

Nominations are open Australia-wide until 11.59pm on Friday 23 July 2021.

The Fred Hollows 2021 Humanitarian will be chosen by Australians via public vote from a group of eight outstanding finalists. A judging panel led by Gabi will shortlist the finalists.

In launching the Fred Awards, Gabi Hollows said she was looking for someone who goes out of their way to care for others and create a more egalitarian world.

“True humanitarians are everyday people who take the initiative to make the world around them a better place. Anyone can be a humanitarian,” Gabi said.

“Fred used to say he had great faith in the nature of the average Australian, and I think his faith was well-placed. Aussies have been our most generous supporters. We are a global charity, but one thing I’ll always be proud of is our heritage in Australia. I know Fred would be proud of this too,” Gabi said.

Renowned Australian journalist Ray Martin, a long-time friend of Fred’s and the foundation’s first chair, said he was proud to join Gabi on the judging panel.

“I’ve met countless individuals in my time and Professor Fred Hollows was the consummate humanitarian. He was one of those rare people who always thought of others much more than he thought of himself,” Ray said.

“You don’t have to be a world-renowned eye surgeon restoring sight to people and leading an eye health revolution. I look forward to reading the nominations and selecting a bunch of worthy Australians to be recognised in Fred’s honour,” he said.

The Fred Awards are an expansion of The Foundation’s annual Humanity Award, which recognises Year 6 students who follow in Fred’s footsteps by displaying kindness, compassion and integrity. This year the two awards will run side by side.

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