Everything you need to know about the 2026 Fred & Humanity Awards

Today, on what would have been Fred Hollows’ 97th birthday, The Fred Hollows Foundation launches the 2026 Fred & Humanity Awards, celebrating Australians whose generosity and kindness reflect Fred’s vision of a fairer, more compassionate world. For over 30 years, Australians’ goodwill has helped restore sight to more than 3 million people globally—and the Awards continue that legacy by shining a light on everyday heroes. 

What are the Fred & Humanity Awards? 

The Awards are a twin program designed to honour people of all ages who make a difference in their communities. They recognise the same values that drove Fred Hollows: compassion, practical action, and a belief that caring for others is the highest human quality. 

The program has two categories: 

Humanity Award – celebrating young changemakers

The 2025 Year 6 Humanity Award winners with Hon. Matt Thistlethwaite MP and Gabi Hollows, celebrating the next generation of young changemakers putting kindness into action. 

Photo credit: The Fred Hollows Foundation 

The Humanity Award recognises Year 6 students who embody Fred’s spirit of kindness and compassion. These young role models show how small acts of generosity can have a lasting impact. 

• Who can nominate? Teachers, principals, parents, and community members can nominate any Year 6 student making a positive difference.  

• How it works: A selection panel led by Gabi Hollows reviews nominations and shortlists outstanding students. Each state and territory selects a Junior Ambassador, and every nominee receives a certificate.  

• Impact: Since 2012, over 4,000 students in Australia and Hong Kong have been recognised. Specsavers supports the program by donating $50,000 on behalf of the Junior Ambassadors to help The Foundation end avoidable blindness globally.  

For inspiration, discover stories of the 2025 Junior Ambassadors and how their acts of kindness are empowering a new generation of changemakers. 

Fred Award – Celebrating unsung heroes 

Hon. Matt Thistlethwaite MP, 2025 Fred Hollows Humanitarian of the Year Marie Tesoriero, and Gabi Hollows celebrating Marie’s outstanding commitment to disability advocacy and community service. 

Photo credit: The Fred Hollows Foundation 

Launched in 2021, the Fred Award recognises everyday Australians over 18 whose practical, bold, and generous actions improve their communities. Each year, one Humanitarian of the Year is celebrated for their exceptional service to others. 

• Who can nominate? Anyone over 18 can nominate someone whose humanitarian actions make a tangible difference.  

• How it works: A judging panel led by Gabi Hollows shortlists finalists, who then go to a public vote to determine the Humanitarian of the Year.  

• Recognition: The winner is announced at the Fred & Humanity Awards ceremony.  

Learn more about previous winners and nominate your unsung hero. 

Key dates for nominations 

• Open: Thursday, 9 April 2026 (Fred’s birthday)  

• Close: Friday, 24 July 2026  

Nominations for both awards are now open—so whether it’s a young student spreading kindness or an adult making a real-world difference, now is the time to recognise their efforts. 

How you can get involved 

The Fred & Humanity Awards reflect the power of community. You can help by: 

• Nominating a deserving individual  

• Sharing the Awards with your network  

• Highlighting your own volunteering or community work if you are an alumni 

• Using hashtags #FredAlumni #HumanityAlumni #LeadingWithPurpose on social media – Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn 

Your involvement ensures more deserving individuals are recognised for their impact and kindness. 

Thank you Specsavers 

The Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to Specsavers for their ongoing support, demonstrating a shared commitment to accessible eye health and helping end avoidable blindness globally. 

One act of kindness can create a ripple effect. Nominate a changemaker today and celebrate the spirit of Fred Hollows.