The Fred Hollows Foundation, which works throughout the Pacific to eliminate avoidable blindness, has been named Australia's Charity of the Year.
The Australian foreign minister, Bob Carr, says the award is recognition of the hard work and dedication of this renowned and much-loved Australian NGO in helping to restore the sight of over one million of the world's poorest people.
The minister for international development, Melissa Parke, says the award is well deserved recognition for the Foundation's excellence in running an effective business that ensures quality eye care for the world's most vulnerable people, particularly women and ethnic minorities.
