Since 2012, the Fred Hollows Foundation has recognised more than 1500 students nationwide who follow in the late humanitarian and eye surgeon's footsteps by making a positive difference in the lives of others.

St Philip's Christian College Cessnock student Tate Brabander was among the 2019 recipients, recognised for his caring attitude towards his peers.

Other nominees from previous years included a boy from the ACT who taught himself Auslan to communicate with a profoundly deaf classmate, a girl from Victoria who raised awareness and funds for refugees and a boy from Tasmania who provided ongoing support to a classmate with a serious medical condition.

"Fred used to say the basic attribute of mankind is to look after each other," said Gabi Hollows, founding director of The Fred Hollows Foundation.

"He would be so proud to know the Fred Hollows Humanity Award is recognising students who are demonstrating this belief in their own lives."

Read more: Student's compassion recognised

Read more: Following in Fred's footsteps

Member for Cessnock, Clayton Barr encourages parents, teachers and other community members to make a nomination.

"There are no acts of kindness too small, whether it is helping someone in need, volunteering or fundraising for a good cause," Mr Barr said.

"Children in the electorate of Cessnock are making a tremendous contribution to our community and the Fred Hollows Humanity Award is a great opportunity for them to be recognised."

All nominees will receive a certificate and be acknowledged at a virtual presentation ceremony, with a special guest, later in the year.

Each state and territory will also recognise a Junior Ambassador who will be able to extend their humanity by allocating $5000, donated by the award's charity partner Specsavers, to one of the Fred Hollows Foundation's programs to end avoidable blindness.

Nominations close 11.59pm Friday, September 11 and can be submitted at hollows.org/fredhollowshumanityaward.