Queensland audiologist Ms Vi Bui was today named the Fred Hollows Humanitarian of the Year for her charity work providing free hearing care to vulnerable adults and children locally and internationally.
The award recognises ‘someone who cares for others in a decent, practical and no-nonsense way – just like Fred did’.
New Zealand born Australian ophthalmologist the late Associate Professor Fred Hollows started the Fred Hollows Foundation to keep his dream alive of restoring sight to those less fortunate. Millions have avoided blindness through the foundation’s actions.
Founding director of The Fred Hollows Foundation Ms Gabi Hollows said at the event: “Congratulations to each nominee, finalist and especially to Vi for her life-changing work. The Fred Hollows Foundation may be an eye health organisation, but we know just how vital hearing is and the connection and joy it brings to people’s lives.”
The announcement was made on 11 November 2024 at the Fred and Humanity Awards ceremony at The University of Sydney. The foundation’s longtime ambassador, author and comedian Mr Adam Spencer hosted the ceremony.
Bui said: “I am honoured to be named the Fred Hollows Humanitarian of the Year.
“Many people are disadvantaged, disconnected, disappointed and using our skills to help them is what humanity is all about. I’m grateful for the generosity I’ve received, which empowers me to give back. Together, we can make a lasting difference.”
Bui has worked in healthcare in Queensland and the Northern Rivers of New South Wales for 25 years, including 12 as an oncology/haematology nurse at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, and 16 years as an audiologist with Amplifon. For six of those years she worked as both a nurse and an audiologist.
Her volunteering journey began in Samoa in 2018 and by 2023, she had founded her own practice, Brighter Ears in Brisbane, providing free services to refugees, migrants, and people experiencing homelessness.
In 2025, Bui plans to collaborate with AusViet Charity Foundation Limited to provide audiology support in Vietnam.
Her colleagues describe her as a ‘lifeline’ for providing essential hearing services and education. Friend and colleague Mr Tausif Junaid from Manning Audiology, who nominated her for the award, said: “Vi embodies the values upheld by Fred Hollows through her advocacy, empathy and proactive efforts to empower others within her community.
“Vi has always demonstrated deep care and compassion for others, dedicating her time and expertise to make a real difference in the lives of those less fortunate. Vi is a shining example of what it means to serve with humility and kindness.
“The Fred Hollows Foundation could not have chosen a more deserving Humanitarian of the Year.”
Mrs Hollows said the awards provided the opportunity to acknowledge those who had put others before themselves.
“Fred said, to my mind, having a care and concern for others is the highest of human qualities,” she said. “The Fred and Humanity Awards celebrate those who care for other people; I am incredibly impressed by our 2024 finalists and winners.”
The foundation also announced eight 2024 junior ambassadors: Noah Bartolo-Stafford from New South Wales, Natasha Chepkoech from Queensland, Elke Vethaak from Victoria, Nikisha Shetty from the ACT, Mia Hart from South Australia, Sampurna Sapkota from the Northern Territory, Liam Rafael Nova Bell from Tasmania and Tyrel Glatz from Western Australia.
Bui studied a Bachelor of Nursing at QUT from 1999 to 2001 and a Masters of Audiology at The University of Queensland from 2003 to 2006.
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Brisbane audiologist Vi Bui a finalise in Fred Hollows Humanitarian Award
