A Far North Queensland distance education student was announced as the Queensland Junior Ambassador to The Fred Hollows Foundation at a ceremony earlier today.
Pippa Plant, a Year 6 student leader at Cairns Distance Education, was recognised for being a “shining light” in supporting her peers —both in her virtual classroom and in the wider community.
The Humanity Award is a national initiative that celebrates Year 6 students who follow in the footsteps of renowned ophthalmologist Professor Fred Hollows, by demonstrating humanitarian values towards others.
The Fred Hollows Foundation ambassador, journalist and proud Gunnai, Gunditjmara and Gooreng Gooreng woman Nakari Thorpe hosted the awards ceremony at The University of Sydney.
Pippa was nominated by her teacher, Paul Tierney, who said Pippa spent years growing her hair to donate to Wigs for Kids, making a 3.5-hour journey from her remote Forty Mile property to Cairns to donate her locks to children in need.
She also took part in the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) annual run last October, raising over $2,000 alongside her sisters—and she’s already committed to doing it again this year.
“Pippa is a shining light in the online learning world – first to class, last to leave, exceptional with submissions,” Mr Tierney said.
“More importantly, we have many students unable to attend or cope with learning and lessons in a face-to-face situation. (Pippa’s) praise, compassion and support for others in this online world makes the learning for all, including staff, even better.”
Founding Director of The Fred Hollows Foundation Gabi Hollows congratulated all students from across Australia who were nominated for their kindness, compassion, and integrity.
“Fred always believed Australians have an incredible capacity to care for others. The Fred and Humanity Awards embody that belief,” she said.
Fred Hollows Foundation CEO Ross Piper said “The Humanity Awards continue to shine a light on the compassion and integrity of young Australians. These students remind us that kindness is powerful, and that even the smallest acts can make a lasting impact.”
The Fred and Humanity Awards are supported by Specsavers, which will donate $50,000 on behalf of the Junior Ambassadors and Humanitarian of the Year to help The Foundation continue its global mission to end avoidable blindness.
In 2024, The Foundation supported more than 8.1 million eye screenings, distributed more than 16 million doses of antibiotics for trachoma, performed 168,000 cataract operations and ran education sessions for more than 3.6 million adults and children globally.
