Fred Awards: Meet the finalists, how to vote for Fred Hollows Humanitarian of the Year

NSW man Robert Smith – who “would give you the shirt off his back” – is one of eight Australians being recognised for an “incredibly inspiring” act.

For Robert Smith, giving back to his community has always come first.

The kind of man who “would give you the shirt of his back”, Robert founded the Fire Brigade Welfare Fund – a not-for-profit organisation that financially supports firefighters and their families when times are tough.

He also successfully lobbied the NSW Fire Brigade to fund accommodation above the Marrickville Fire Station for firefighters in need, and personally lobbied to secure a holiday unit in Foster for firefighters across NSW to be able to go, unwind and take a well-earned break.

It’s for these reasons, and many more, that Robert is one of eight finalists in the inaugural Fred Awards, launched by The Fred Hollows Foundation to recognise the type of “everyday humanitarianism” that the renowned Kiwi-Australian ophthalmologist believed in.

“Fred used to say that Australians always look out for each other, and after reading through the nominations, it’s heartwarming to see that he was right,” Hollows’ wife, Gabi, said. She will lead the judging panel of the awards, which received 91 nominations in total.

Renowned ophthalmologist Fred Hollows was known for restoring sight for thousands of people around Australia and in third world countries. He died of cancer in 1993, aged 63.

“With everything that’s going on in the world, there’s no better time to hear about the caring and compassionate people in our communities who are doing their bit to help those in need and put others first.

“We want the Fred Hollows Humanitarian of the Year to be chosen by the Australian community, so I invite everyone to cast their vote through our website – it’s a hard decision given the outstanding calibre of finalists. I applaud and thank every nominee. Your efforts to help others and better your communities are incredibly inspiring.

“The stories of these remarkable Australians give us great hope that there are so many wonderful people available to lend a hand and help others.”

Public voting for the Fred Hollows Humanitarian of the Year has opened now. Meet the other seven, extraordinary finalists below.

NSW’s Robert Smith. Picture: Supplied

NSW’s Aunty Ann Weldon. Picture: Supplied

Aunty Ann Weldon, NSW

Known for her “endless kindness and community spirit”, Aboriginal elder Aunty Ann Weldon was instrumental in founding the Aboriginal Children’s Service in Redfern in 1975 – and today is an active board member of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Lands Council.

As well as co-ordinating weekly food drives for those doing it tough in Redfern and its surrounding suburbs, Aunty Ann also helped launch the annual ACS Christmas Drive, supporting over 140 families in need during the festive season.

Christine McKillop, Victoria

An “incredible sense of community spirit” is what drives Christine McKillop to donate her time and efforts to ensure the happiness of residents in her neighbourhood.

During multiple lockdowns in Victoria last year, Christine established a support network in the Great Valley Road, Glen Iris community, aimed at bringing residents together to help those who were struggling.

Among the many morale-boosting activities she organised was a “driveway art show” that turned into a roaring success, with households lining up artworks they had created along their fences and driveways and ultimately bringing some much-needed joy to the community.

She also organised a neighbourhood Dawn Service for Anzac Day that included biscuits, handouts for everyone to read from, and a performance of the Last Post.

Victoria’s Christine McKillop. Picture: Supplied

South Australia’s Steve Ramsay. Picture: Supplied

Steve Ramsay, South Australia

Steve Ramsay is the driving force behind The Karen Fitzgerald Fund – a charity focusing on the care and protection of vulnerable, neglected and abused children.

Steering a small board of people to help children across South Australia access the “extras” that can make a big difference in life, Steve is a retired child protection worker who is highly regarded in his field.

Despite remaining modest about his efforts, Steve has ensured the charity’s success, even though fundraising and distribution is no easy feat.

Biddy Fisk, Tasmania

Chair of Rotary Tasmania Community Care, Biddy Fisk consistently volunteers her services to her community.

She has been instrumental in providing and fitting out the former government buses – provided to the Royal Flying Doctor Service through Rotary Tasmania Community Care – that provide mental health support services for young people in the state’s rural areas, and which more recently have been used for Covid-19 vaccinations.

Biddy has also been the main organiser of Hobart’s Wellness Expo, a free event.

Tasmania’s Biddy Fiske. Picture: Supplied

Western Australia’s Farida Abu-Amsha. Picture: Supplied

Farida Abu-Amsha, Western Australia

West Australian Farida Abu-Amsha has been nominated for her “herculean efforts” to support her community over the past two decades.

From cooking and delivering meals to sick and in-need families to knitting beanies and outfits for premature babies at King Edward Hospital, Farida has woken tirelessly to help those around her.

She also makes bibs, aprons and bags for students with disabilities, shower bags filled with essential toiletries for the Kimberley Aboriginal community, and has helped Wheelchairs for Kids deliver 200 wheelchairs to 38 countries for vulnerable children.

Jillian Alloway, Queensland

For years, Jillian Alloway has worked as an emergency medical dispatcher for the Queensland Ambulance Service, helping people in the Sunshine State through some of the worst moments of their lives.

Her compassion doesn’t stop there, though, extending not just to patients but to her colleagues and friends. After a friend had a motorcycle accident that left him in an induced coma, Jillian helped organise a group to pay his rent so he doesn’t lose his house.

She “willingly” takes on extra tasks at work and is always ready to lend a helping hand and comfort colleagues going through a tough time.

Queensland’s Jillian Alloway. Picture: Supplied

Victoria’s Alannah McGregor. Picture: Supplied

Alannah McGregor, Victoria

After suffering the terrible loss of her own loved ones, Alannah McGregor has worked tirelessly over the past 19 years to raise awareness of suicide prevention and destigmatise what was once considered a taboo subject.

Working with other communities, Alannah created a campaign in central Victoria to promote suicide prevention strategies – and from this, the Suicide Prevention and Awareness Network was formed.

She also helped establish Safetalk suicide prevention workshops with community groups, all while using her personal experience to help mentor funeral directors, health agencies and bereaved families.

The Fred Awards celebrate an Australian who embodies kindness, compassion and integrity in their everyday lives. You can vote for one of the finalists here.