By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
Do you know someone who always puts others first, goes above and beyond, and never asks for anything in return? Now’s the perfect time to recognise them. Nominations for the 2025 Fred Hollows Humanity and Fred Awards are now open.
The annual awards, run by The Fred Hollows Foundation, celebrate everyday Australians who are making a difference in their communities, whether it’s through quiet acts of kindness or big-hearted leadership.
And this year, Belgrave Heights Christian School student Elke Vethaak is encouraging everyone to take part.
Elke, the 2024 Victorian Junior Ambassador, knows just how special these awards can be – because she was a recipient herself.
“Receiving the Fred Hollows Award last year was a tremendous honour,” Elke said.
“It was truly enlightening to realise that all my little contributions to the school community were recognised by others. Getting to travel to Sydney and meeting fellow award recipients and nominees from across the country was an incredible experience; each of their stories was distinct and inspiring.”
Elke was recognised for her work as a leader and mentor within her school, and now she’s urging others to take a moment to nominate someone who’s doing good in their world.
“There are so many people out there doing amazing things who don’t ask for anything in return,” she said.
“These awards are a great way to say thank you and show them their kindness really matters.”
The Humanity Awards, which began in 2012, focus on Year 6 students showing compassion and care in their schools and communities. In 2021, the Fred Award was added to honour adults who, just like the late Fred Hollows, care for others in a decent, practical, and no-nonsense way.
This year’s nominations opened on what would have been Fred’s 96th birthday. His widow and co-founder of the Foundation, Gabi Hollows, said the awards are about continuing Fred’s belief in the power of ordinary Australians to make a difference.
“Fred had a deep faith in the goodness of everyday people,” Ms Hollows said.
“These awards are about celebrating those who roll up their sleeves and do something to make the world better.”
A judging panel led by Ms Hollows will shortlist the finalists before a public vote decides who will be crowned the 2025 Fred Hollows Humanitarian of the Year. Meanwhile, a group of new Junior Ambassadors will also be selected.
Corporate partner Specsavers supports the program by donating $50,000 on behalf of the winners to help The Fred Hollows Foundation continue its mission to end avoidable blindness around the world.
Last year’s Fred Award went to Melbourne audiologist Vi Bui, who provides free hearing care to refugees, migrants and people experiencing homelessness.
“We can all make a difference,” Ms Bui said. “We can make the world a better place.”
In Victoria, the Foundation also partners with the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service to ensure culturally safe and accessible eye care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Nominations for the 2025 Fred and Humanity Awards close Friday, 18 July.
To learn more or nominate someone who’s making a real impact, head to hollows.org/awards.
As Elke says: “If someone’s doing something good, let’s make sure they know it.”
