BENDIGO'S Alannah McGregor has been named The Fred Hollows Foundation's Humanitarian of the Year at a national virtual ceremony on Thursday.
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Ms McGregor was nominated by Rod Flavell back in October, for her passion and devotion to raising awareness of suicide prevention after losing two children to suicide.
"Alannah lost a son and daughter to suicide 19 years ago within 30 days," he said.
"Since that time, she has devoted herself to being a community advocate to raise awareness of, and de-stigmatise, suicide - which has been a taboo subject in the past.
"Alannah started a community awareness campaign in Central Victoria, to promote suicide prevention strategies, and she formed the Suicide Prevention and Awareness Network (SPAN).
"She hosts Safetalk suicide prevention workshops with community groups, and she speaks at events, with health agency workshops, and community forums. She also mentors funeral directors, and speaks with bereaved families - using her lived experience to help others in need."
Ms McGregor said she was shocked by the support she had received during the voting process.
"I am so humbled and honoured to have been voted to win this award," she said.
"There were 2600 votes overall and 750 of those went to me which is truly amazing.
"I will always continue my work with SPAN and the private conversations I have with families who are going through exactly what I have."
Launched this year, the Fred Awards recognise everyday humanitarianism in Australia and celebrate people who care for others in a decent, practical, and no-nonsense way.
After receiving 91 nominations from across the nation, the judging panel chose eight finalists before opening the vote to the public.
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After three weeks of voting, the Australian public decided on Alannah as the 2021 Fred Hollows Humanitarian.
Ambassador to The Foundation and journalist Ray Martin said he was impressed at the calibre of nominees for the Fred Awards.
"To read about what each nominee has done for their community during a global pandemic is truly inspiring," he said.
"I always say that Fred Hollows was one of the most remarkable people I've ever met, but I think even he would agree that we have some strong contenders here today.
"Congratulations to you all for being the light in your communities. I hope you continue your amazing efforts to better the lives of those around you."
Founding director Gabi Hollows said the Fred Awards were a chance to acknowledge those who had put others before themselves.
"More than ever, the past year has shown us the importance of people in their communities supporting each other. That's everyday humanitarianism - something that Fred lived and breathed," she said.
"I'm so glad that The Foundation was able to celebrate each of you today, and I'd like to thank every nominee for their inspiring acts of kindness and compassion.
"Congratulations again to each nominee, finalist, and especially to Alannah for becoming our first ever Fred Hollows Humanitarian."
To learn more about the Fred Awards, visit hollows.org/fredawards
Lifeline 13 11 14
Mensline Australia Line 1300 789 978
Kids Help 1800 55 1800
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
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