A State funeral was held in Sydney today (monday 15 Feb) for
Professor Fred Hollows who died last week.
Fred, an eye doctor, was very well known for his professional work
amongst neglected people in remote places.
As well as being involved in eye surgery with Aboriginal people,
he was responsible for the provision of running water, a basic
preventative measure for trachoma, for Aboriginal communities at
places like Brunette Downs cattle station in the Northern
Territory.
In the 1970s, Fred actively pursued these most basic of services
for people living in humpies within sight of the jetset on the
homestead veranda. And he had to make some noise and step on a few
toes to get the single tap connected. No small feat!
I would like to record a personal thanks for the time, 1983, when
Fred gave up his sunday afternoon, at short notice, to examine
(gratis) the eyes of a senior Warumungu lawman - Albert Murphy
Jappaljari - who was in Sydney for the day.
We will all need to activate the bit of Fred Hollows in us all -
action not merely talk - if we are to restore some balance to
life. A Foundation had been established to carry on his work -
contributions can be made at any branch of the Westpac bank.
A private funeral will take place at Bourke on wednesday.
"Now is the hour." eh, countryman.
Rest in peace, Fred Hollows, after a job well done.