VALE: Judy Wheeler, New Edition

Fremantle Press extends its condolences to Judy’s family. Judy, and her husband Jamie Simpson, owned New Edition Bookshop in Fremantle for many years, and Judy championed the works of Western Australian writers through the shop and through her radio program at Curtin University.

Judy’s association with Fremantle Press was highly valued. She was one of the earliest bookstore owners to recognise the genius of the first Indigenous Miles Franklin Award Winner, Kim Scott, and his novel Benang.

On her watch, New Edition Bookshop became the sponsor of the T.A.G. Hungerford Award, an arrangement that continues to this day. Judy will be missed by all who knew her for her discernment, good taste and enthusiasm for Western Australia literature.