The Fred Hollows Foundation has opened nominations for the 2023 Fred Awards, which celebrates everyday humanitarians across Australia who embody kindness, compassion and integrity.
Founding Director Gabi Hollows is encouraging people to nominate someone who cares for others in a decent, practical and no-nonsense way – just like Fred did.
“Fred had great faith in the humanitarian nature of Australians, and we believe that every community has a Fred Hollows. Someone who goes out of their way to create a better world,” Gabi said.
It could be a neighbour who volunteers their time to help others, the carer who’s always on, or the community advocate trying to create a fairer world.
Photographer Muzafar Ali, who was in Maleny on the weekend to launch his documentary, Watander, My Countryman, was named the 2022 Fred Hollows Humanitarian of the year and joined Gabi’s call for nominations.
“We are privileged in Australia and if we can do something that would benefit those who are less privileged, I think this is such a great opportunity,” Muzafar said.
Muzafar left Afghanistan after the Taliban targeted his family and ended up in Indonesia with almost 10,000 stateless Afghans.
If you know someone over the age of 18 who lives by these values then visit hollows.org for more information.
Nominations for the Fred Awards close at 11.59pm on Friday, 21 July 2023.
A judging panel led by Gabi Hollows will shortlist a group of finalists who will be put to a public vote, from which the 2023 Fred Hollows Humanitarian will be decided.