ALANNAH McGregor has been named The Fred Hollows Foundation\u2019s first ever Humanitarian of the Year.<\/p>\n
The vice-president and secretary of the Suicide Prevention Awareness Network of Central Victoria was presented the accolade after winning a public vote against seven other finalists.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat actually blew me away because they told me that it was a very high percentage of votes,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI did know that the SPAN committee had utilised their friendship groups and such, but I didn\u2019t think I\u2019d get anywhere near as many votes as I got. It was really humbling.<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t really expect to win. I was pretty excited, honoured, humbled and then underneath there was that sadness because of why I do it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms McGregor lost her son, Stuart, and daughter, Angela, 19 years ago to suicide and has since made it her mission to break its stigma and open up genuine community conversation.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the early years I know that it was really difficult for my daughter, Stacey, for me to be public and talking about it because it brought it all up for her,\u201d Ms McGregor said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut she always said, \u2018I don\u2019t want you to stop doing it\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo bring it up, it gives you an opportunity to talk about it.\u201d<\/p>\n
The award is named after ophthalmologist Fred Hollows who worked in developing countries on restoring eyesight to thousands of people with preventable and treatable vision loss and impairment.<\/p>\n
While Ms McGregor said she didn\u2019t think of herself as a humanitarian, the foundation\u2019s founding director, Fred\u2019s wife, Gabi Hollows said the award was about acknowledging those making a big difference in the world around them.<\/p>\n
\u201cMore than ever, the past year has shown us the importance of people in their communities supporting each other,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s everyday humanitarianism, something that Fred lived and breathed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms McGregor said she will continue to spread SPAN\u2019s core message that \u201ctough times pass\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlways be aware that there is somebody who will listen and there is something you can do,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n