In a prestigious ceremony at Sydney’s Government House, St William’s Primary School Grovely Year 6 student Rose Ness Wilson was named the Queensland Junior Ambassador to The Fred Hollows Foundation.
This nationally acclaimed humanity award recognises students who show compassion, integrity and kindness in their everyday lives, similar to the award namesake ophthalmologist and humanitarian Professor Fred Hollows.
As Community Captain in 2023, Rose demonstrated exceptional leadership when it came to community events at the school.
Rose’s leadership and philanthropic endeavours include creating student welcome packs, initiating programs for Wellbeing Week, founding a student newsletter called St William's Press and singing at aged care homes as part of both school and community choirs.
With her grandmother, Rose has been involved in creating Christmas hampers for St Vincent de Paul Society and enjoys participating in fun runs to raise money for breast cancer research and premature babies.
“Rose goes above and beyond to help people in need, not just within our school but also in the wider community,” said Assistant Principal Nikki Saunders, who nominated Rose and fellow Community Captain Alana Fagan, for the award on behalf of the school.
As Queensland’s Junior Ambassador, Rose received a grant of $5000 from The Foundation’s charity partner, Specsavers, to support Fred’s mission to end avoidable blindness worldwide.
Rose also chose to allocate an additional $10,000 donated by Specsavers, towards The Foundation’s Indigenous Australia Program, reflecting her commitment to supporting quality health care services within Indigenous communities.
Both Rose and her family were pleasantly surprised by the nomination and excited to discover the Foundation’s vision of empowering local communities to make a difference.
“These awards acknowledge individuals who see a need and act on it, and shine a light on Year 6 students, demonstrating that just because you are young doesn't mean you can't make a positive impact in the community,” said Rose’s mother, Leighann.
Now in Year 7 at Mt Maria College Mitchelton, Rose already has plans to collaborate with her new school community, encouraging her fellow students to “have a go and get in there”.
“Rose has already demonstrated her exceptional character and commitment to our community,” said Year 7 Leader, Rob Johnson at Mt Maria College.
"We are thrilled by the prospect of her leadership and service continuing to flourish in the years to come.”
About Fred Hollows Foundation:
Fred Hollows Foundation is an international development organisation working towards eliminating avoidable blindness and improving Indigenous Australian health.
Founded by Fred and Gabi Hollows, The Foundation works in more than 25 countries and has restored sight to over three million people.
The Fred Hollows Foundation Humanity Award nominations for 2024 open April 9, until July 21.