6 inspiring Australians who are like Fred Hollows

Professor Fred Hollows was a great Australian who had immense faith in the humanitarian nature of everyday Australians. The Fred Awards recognise the kind of inspiring Australians who would have made Fred proud.

COVER PHOTO: The Fred Hollows Foundation

The Fred Awards celebrate people who care for others in a decent, practical and no-nonsense way, just like Fred did.

The Fred Hollows Foundation is searching far and wide for a national Fred Hollows Humanitarian - someone who embodies kindness, compassion and integrity in their everyday life. Someone who puts others first.

We believe every community has a Fred Hollows - the volunteer, the compassionate carer, or the advocate.

In launching the Fred Awards, Gabi Hollows said she was looking for someone who went 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 says.

“More than ever, the past year has shown us the importance of people in their communities supporting each other. That’s everyday humanitarianism - something that Fred lived and breathed.”

“To my mind, having a care and concern for others is the highest of human qualities.”
- Fred Hollows

Photographer: Stephen Ellison

Here are 6 Fred Awards nominees that will lift your spirits, fill you with hope, and make you feel proud to be an Australian.

In a hurry?

Click on the link below to go directly to the Fred Awards nominee you want to read about first:

Kerryn Vaughan from Victoria - empowering others
Suzanne Saunders from Western Australia - a carer with heart
Paul Barnes from Queensland – non profit generosity
Isaiah Dawe from NSW - inspiring Aboriginal Australian helping kids
Christine McKillop from Victoria – the light of the community
Uday Bhatt from Victoria - restoring sight like Fred

1. Kerryn Vaughan from Victoria – empowering others

Fred Awards 2021 nominee, Kerryn Vaughan.

Kerryn Vaughan, of Sale, was nominated by Simone Bowers for her inspirational work empowering women and girls in Gippsland and in developing countries.

Kerryn founded the global organisation, One Planet Classrooms, which facilitates projects such as clean water solutions and student sponsorship programs to schools and communities in Africa.

“Kerryn is a selfless woman who continually strives to raise awareness and funds for communities and individuals in need,” Simone says

“Her work ethic is undeniably based on honesty and integrity. Kerryn is incredibly humble and doesn't seek recognition for her role in improving the lives of others less fortunate.

“She is a published author, Founder of One Planet Classrooms, Co-Founder/Director of Girls With Hammers, Author/Speaker/Facilitator of Get Off The Bench, and a Community Engagement Advisor with One More Generation.

“And in her rare ‘spare’ time, Kerryn is a singer-songwriter and delights in bringing happiness into the lives of others.”

2. Suzanne Saunders from Western Australia– a carer with heart

Fred Awards 2021 nominee, Suzanne Saunders.

Suzanne Saunders, of Australind, was nominated by her husband Val Saunders for her community spirit and countless hours as a carer.

“Suzanne is a retired school principal who has always embodied the values of kindness, compassion and integrity” Val says.

“She looks after me. I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease 11 years ago. She also runs a group of widows called Care and Share at her church, where she is the People's Warden. The group has a range of guest speakers or activities organised by my wife, and I have witnessed the real buzz that the widows get out of it.

“Suzanne also coordinates the local Parkinson's Support Group, which involves a meeting once a month, plus an afternoon of singing every week. I am the co-convenor of this group, but unfortunately due to my deteriorating health it is often a one-woman show.”

3. Paul Barnes from Queensland – non profit generosity

Paul Barnes, of Redlands, was nominated by Susanne Milchick for his work in not-for-profit organisations in the Redlands area.

“Paul is the treasurer and committee member of not-for-profit Redland District Committee on the Ageing (RDCOTA),” Susanne says.

“He has used this position and his standing in the community to provide senior citizens in the area with expert-led sessions on good health and wellbeing.

“Paul is also the treasurer and project designer for Weavers Caring for the Carer, which helps those who care for a relative also care for themselves.”

4. Isaiah Dawe from NSW – inspiring Aboriginal Australian helping kids

Isaiah Dawe, a Butchulla and Gawara man living in Redfern, was nominated by Barry Hoare for his outstanding and inspiring work helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in foster care.

“Isaiah was in foster care himself, from two months old until he turned 18, but he decided to turn his experience into a positive one by starting the organisation I.D. Know Yourself. Through I.D. Know Yourself, Isaiah helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people navigate the foster care system while celebrating and learning more about their culture,” Barry says.

“At only 26 years of age, Isaiah has already made such a difference not just for the children that his organisation is helping but also the community at large.

“His work is mirroring the legacy that Fred Hollows left behind.

“Isaiah is comfortable speaking to leaders and politicians, as well as young people who can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel of disadvantage – he’s just like Fred in that sense, he treats everyone with the respect that they deserve.”

5. Christine McKillop from Victoria– the light of the community

Fred Awards 2021 nominee, Christine McKillop.

Christine McKillop of Glen Iris was nominated by Pham Ho for her humble generosity and selfless charitable acts.

“With a humble and generous demeanour, Christine McKillop demonstrated exemplary community spirit and genuine care for others by bringing together the residents of Great Valley Road (GVR) in support of their mental health and wellbeing during COVID-19 mandated physical distancing,” Pham says.

“The network she facilitated has blossomed into a connected and supportive community. Christine secretly delivers Mother’s and Father’s Day treats; Christmas cards and Easter eggs.

“Possibly the most poignant of Christine’s accomplishments are the 2020 and 2021 Anzac Dawn Services she masterminded and delivered with her husband. These were a testament to her creativity and effort as she attended to such details as decorating the nearby park, an order of service and packs of Anzac slices,” Pham says.

“Many of Christine’s endeavours uphold the less fortunate, such as the proceeds from the GVR Cookbook supporting Avalon Centre and her Camberwell Salvation Army Christmas donation boxes.”

6. Uday Bhatt from Victoria – restoring sight like Fred

Dr Uday Bhatt of Melbourne was nominated by Joe Chakravartti for his generosity and commitment to restoring sight.

“Dr Bhatt is an eye surgeon who is not driven by money,” Joe says.

“He helps people in need and in my interaction with him, he reduced his fees by a significant amount to assist with my affordability,” Joe adds.

“He continues to do the same for others. He is very hardworking and dedicated and has given the gift of vision to many just like Fred. His relentless pursuit for perfection and dedication is what sets him apart.”

More about the Fred Awards

The Fred Awards launched in 2021 nationwide with the goal to find Australians who are committed to the kind of caring and compassionate lifestyle that Fred himself demonstrated.

Do you have a question about the Fred Awards? Find out more in our FAQ section here.

Learn more

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cameron Starkey-Gill - The Fred Hollows Foundation

Cameron is currently a Communications Coordinator at The Fred Hollows Foundation, and has worked for the organisation for almost six years. Cameron is extremely passionate about the sight restoring work of The Foundation and a committed believer that we can end avoidable blindness.