Gabi Hollows has paid tribute to Tim Fischer, Australia's former Deputy Prime Minister, who was a Board Member for The Fred Hollows Foundation from 1999 to 2003.
"I am very sad to hear about the passing of Tim Fischer. He was a very dedicated member of The Fred Hollows Board and a great man," Ms Hollows said.
"Tim completely committed himself to our mission of ending avoidable blindness and had many fundraisers to support The Foundation's work.
"He has continued to be a Member of The Foundation and always loved receiving the reports to see how much he'd helped us achieve.
"The Fred Hollows Foundation sends our thoughts to Tim's wife Judy and their sons."
Mr Fischer had a longstanding interest in developing countries, especially Asia, and a commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues.
In 1999, he hosted a 'Hats Off' fundraiser, auctioning his famous Akubra hats to raise money for The Fred Hollows Foundation.
In thanking Mr Fischer, Mike Lynskey, The Foundation's CEO at the time, praised Tim as "a man in the mould of Fred Hollows – an ordinary Australian who is extraordinary."