Category One
Humanity Award
The Humanity Award recognises Year 6 students who embody Fred’s spirit of kindness and compassion by making a positive difference in the lives of others. It celebrates young role models who lead by example in their everyday lives, reminding us that no act of kindness is too small to be acknowledged.
Since its inception in 2012, the award has recognised over 4,000 students in Australia and Hong Kong. Specsavers will generously donate $50,000 on behalf of the Junior Ambassadors to help The Fred Hollows Foundation continue its work to end avoidable blindness globally.
Need inspiration? Discover more about our 2025 Junior Ambassadors and their inspiring stories of kindness, which are empowering a new generation of young changemakers.
Category Two
Fred Award
The Fred Award honours everyday Australians over the age of 18 who care for others in a practical, generous, and no-nonsense way. Launched in 2021 as an extension of the Humanity Award, the Fred Award recognises one unsung hero each year – someone who is passionate and bold, and whose acts of service make the world a better place.
Who’s the Fred in your world? The nationwide search is on for the 2026 Humanitarian of the Year. Learn more about our previous recipient of The Fred Award and help shine a light on the next unsung hero.
Nominations Open
We are excited to announce that nominations for both the Fred and Humanity Awards open on Thursday, 9th April 2026, marking what would have been Fred’s 97th birthday, and close on Friday, 24th July 2026.
How do nominations work for the Humanity Awards?
1. Who can nominate?
Teachers, principals, parents, and members of the community are encouraged to shine a spotlight on any Year 6 student who embodies the values of kindness, compassion and integrity. If you know a Year 6 student who is putting compassion into action in their everyday life, you can nominate them for an Award.
2. Review process
A selection panel led by Gabi Hollows reviews all nominations and shortlists outstanding students for the Humanity Awards.
3. Recognition
Each year, one outstanding nominee from each state and territory is selected as a Junior Ambassador for The Foundation. And every nominated student will be recognised with a certificate.
How do nominations work for the Fred Awards
1. Who can nominate?
Anyone over the age of 18 can nominate someone whose humanitarian actions strengthen their local community and help make the world a better place—just as Fred did.
2. Review process
A judging panel led by Gabi Hollows will shortlist a group of finalists who will be put to a public vote, from which the 2026 Fred Hollows Humanitarian of the Year will be decided.
3. Recognition
The successful Humanitarian of the Year, as determined by the highest number of votes, will be announced and awarded at the Fred & Humanity Awards ceremony.
One kind act can spark a ripple of change, and we invite you to nominate a changemaker in your community. At a time when the world needs more compassion than ever, let’s celebrate individuals of all ages whose kindness uplifts the people around them!
Support the awards and get involved!
An award like The Fred and Humanity Awards reflects the collective efforts of many, coming together to support, inspire, and recognise one another. One of the simplest and most effective ways is to help us spread the word! Share the message with your network, encourage others to get involved, and help us ensure that as many deserving individuals are recognised for their kindness.
We also invite our alumni network to share their stories, highlight their recent community volunteering or projects, and amplify the impact they’ve made since winning the Fred & Humanity Awards. In doing so, we lead with purpose, inspire hope, and keep Fred’s spirit alive through action.
Don’t forget to tag us and use a dedicated hashtag for your posts! #FredAlumni #HumanityAlumni #LeadingWithPurpose
Thank you Specsavers
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our generous corporate partner, Specsavers, for their shared commitment to accessible eye health for all. Their ongoing support demonstrates a clear commitment to taking meaningful responsibility within their sector and helping us advance our mission to end avoidable blindness.
