Meet our inspiring Fred Award finalists

Professor Fred Hollows was an Australian legend. A humanitarian, eye health advocate, and a world-renowned ophthalmologist, Fred continues to inspire the next generation of social changemakers to this day. His life's work was defined by a simple, powerful belief: that everyone deserves the chance to see. As he famously said, “The essence of the human being is our capacity to help others.” 

This is the spirit behind the Fred Awards. We’re searching for everyday people who live by this principle, demonstrating extraordinary care and compassion just as Fred did. 

In a hurry? 

Click on the link below to go directly to the finalist you want to read about first: 

• Shenouda Girgis, Marc Eskander, and Raj Naidu – Eyes of Hope  

• Marie Tesoriero – Made by Cool Marie 

• Emma Bancroft – Principal and Community Support Leader 

What are the Fred Awards? 

The Fred Awards are a unique recognition of everyday people who embody the spirit of Professor Fred Hollows. While Fred was a world-renowned eye surgeon, he never valued status or position. He saw the inherent worth in every person, regardless of their background, and believed that everyone deserves a chance at a better life. This award honours those who, like Fred, demonstrate a no-nonsense, practical, and generous approach to helping others. It’s about celebrating the unsung heroes who are working tirelessly to make the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time. 

Photo credit: Michael Amendolia 

Unlike many other awards, the Fred Awards are decided by you, the public. The finalists have been selected, but it is now up to the Australian community to choose who will be named Humanitarian of the Year. This process gives a voice to the very people who stand to be inspired by the nominees, ensuring the winner truly represents the values we all admire. 

Meet the 2025 Fred Awards Finalists 

The search for the 2025 Fred Award finalists has spanned the nation, seeking out individuals who demonstrate the same dedication and compassion that defined Fred Hollows. After much deliberation, the judging panel has selected three extraordinary finalists. 

This year, we are thrilled to announce that our generous corporate partner, Specsavers, has extended their support for the Fred Awards. Specsavers shares our commitment to accessible eye health for all, and their continued partnership is vital to our mission. 

Now, it’s up to the Australian public to vote for who they believe should receive this prestigious title. Meet our three remarkable finalists below. 

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. 

Now it's time to cast your vote! 

Read more about each finalist and choose the person you believe best represents the spirit of Fred Hollows. 

Cast your vote here by 5:00 PM (AEDT) on Friday, October 24, 2025.