Who's the Fred in your world?
The Fred Hollows Foundation has searched Australia wide for a Humanitarian of the Year; someone who cares for others in a decent, practical and no-nonsense way – just like Fred did.
After much deliberation, the judging panel has selected three finalists.
Now, it’s up to the Australian public to vote for the 2025 Fred Hollows Humanitarian of the Year. Meet our 2025 finalists below and cast your vote here.
Voting for The 2025 Fred Awards will close at 5.00pm AEST on Friday 24 October 2025.
To read more about the Fred Awards, head here.
Eyes of Hope – Shenouda Girgis, Marc Eskander, and Raj Naidu
Eyes of Hope is a remarkable mobile eye clinic co-founded by Shenouda, Marc, and Raj. Driven by a desire to provide accessible healthcare, they bring free eye care and glasses directly to some of Australia’s most vulnerable people, including those experiencing homelessness, asylum seekers, and individuals without Medicare. By removing the barriers of location and cost, their clinics restore not only vision but also dignity and opportunity. With a growing team of dedicated volunteers and industry partners, their initiative is a powerful example of how simple, practical action can profoundly change lives.
Marie Tesoriero – Made by Cool Marie
Born with multiple disabilities, Marie Tesoriero has transformed her personal challenges into a powerful lifelong mission to give back to the community. Through her handmade arts and crafts initiative, Made by Cool Marie, she has personally donated over $16,000 to the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation. Her incredible fundraising efforts don’t stop there; she has also completed major events like the City to Surf, raising thousands for causes including Parkinson’s research and Northcott Disability. Beyond her fundraising, Marie is a dedicated community volunteer, serving on the Bayside Council DIAP Working Group and assisting groups like Windgap and Meals on Wheels. Her inspiring advocacy and unwavering positivity make her a true force for good.
Emma Bancroft – Principal and Community Support Leader
As a school principal, Emma Bancroft goes far beyond the typical duties of her role to care for families in need. Her commitment to her community is nothing short of extraordinary. She has built a 21-parent interpreter network across 13 languages to ensure no family is left behind. She organises essential drives for food and other necessities, and has created a system that allows families to ask for help without any fear of stigma. Emma personally delivers food hampers, ensures no child at her school ever goes hungry, and even drives parents to medical appointments. Her deeply compassionate and culturally-inclusive approach has transformed her school into a place of belonging and hope for everyone who walks through its doors.
