The Fred Hollows Foundation has celebrated more than 30 years of collaboration with the Australian Government, with a special afternoon tea at Parliament House.
The event, hosted by speaker of the house, Mr Milton Dick, included a keynote speech by foundation life member and TV personality Mr Ray Martin. It also featured addresses by Federal Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Mr Pat Conroy, and shadow counterpart, Mr Michael McCormack.
“Although Fred was a specialist, he always saw the bigger picture,” Conroy said.
“He witnessed intersecting circumstances that lead to poor eye health, challenged us all to understand the multiple root causes of poor eye health, and challenged governments to address those roots.
“If Fred was here today, I’m sure he’d be pushing this government just as hard.”
Martin was the foundation’s first chair, and his speech was reportedly a highlight of the afternoon.
“In typical Fred style, he decided I would be the foundation’s first chair, whether I wanted to or not. It turned out to be one of the greatest privileges of my life,” Martin said.
“I’ve been honoured to work with the foundation ever since.”
Political representatives from both houses of parliament, as well as The Fred Hollows Foundation supporters, were in attendance.
ABC Indigenous communities reporter and foundation ambassador Ms Nakari Thorpe emceed the event.
Joining them were foreign dignitaries, including high commissioners and ambassadors from many of the countries where the foundation works.
“Today is not only a celebration of our partnership with the Australian Government but also of the vital collaborations we have fostered with national governments in more than 33 countries where we work,” Fred Hollows chair Ms Jane Madden said.
“These partnerships have been key to our success in improving eye health and tackling blindness globally, demonstrating a shared commitment to accessible and sustainable healthcare.”
The foundation also unveiled its plan for the next five years, which sees the organisation shift its focus to address the growing eye health crisis by tackling systemic barriers.
The number of people with severe vision impairment and blindness is predicted to almost double by 2050, to an estimated 1.7 billion people, with more than 55% of these being women and girls.
A copy of the new strategy is available online.
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