The Fred Hollows Foundation has opened nominations for the annual Fred and Humanity Awards, which recognise Australians who make a real difference in their communities.
In 2024, The Foundation named Queensland audiologist Ms Vi Bui as its Humanitarian of the Year and recipient of the Fred Award for her work providing free hearing care to refugees, migrants and people experiencing homelessness.
“We can all make a difference, we can make the world a better place,” Bui said at the time.
“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.
Launched in 2012 as the Humanity Awards, The Fred Hollows Foundation celebrated more than 3,000 compassionate year six students from across the nation.
In 2021, the Fred Awards were introduced, which recognise adults who care for others in a decent, practical and no-nonsense way, ‘just as Fred did’.
The Fred and Humanity Awards celebrate the legacy and down-to-earth humanitarian spirit of the late Associate Professor Fred Hollows.
The New Zealand born Australian ophthalmologist 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.
Nominations opened this year on what would have been his 96th birthday.
Ms Gabi Hollows, founding director of the foundation, said at the 2024 ceremony: “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.”
At the 2025 launch she said: “The Fred and Humanity Awards are a testament to Fred’s deep faith in the goodness of everyday Australians. He would be incredibly proud.
“We invite you to nominate a friend, family member or colleague in this year’s Fred and Humanity Awards. We all know someone who makes the world a better place and deserves to be celebrated.”
A judging panel led by Ms Gabi Hollows will shortlist a group of finalists who will be put to a public vote, from which the 2025 Fred Hollows Humanitarian will be decided. The Foundation will also select a group of Year 6 Junior Ambassadors.
The Foundation’s corporate partner Specsavers supports the Humanity Awards and Fred Awards by donating $50,000 on behalf of the Junior Ambassadors and Humanitarian of the Year to The Foundation’s work to end avoidable blindness globally.
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.
The Fred and Humanity Awards are open for nominations until 18 July 2025.
Learn more and nominate at hollows.org/awards.
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Brisbane audiologist Vi Bui is the 2024 Fred Hollows Humanitarian of the Year
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