Fremantle Press Champion of Literature and education philanthropist Annie Fogarty is the proud recipient of the 2020 WA Australian of the Year Award

Our very own Champion of Literature and the force behind the Fogarty Literary Award, Annie Fogarty, has been named the 2020 WA Australian of the Year for her work through the Fogarty Foundation. Every year, the Australian of the Year Awards celebrate the achievements and contributions of eminent Australians who are positive role models in our community.

The Fogarty Foundation was founded by Annie and her husband Brett in 2000 to advance education and provide leadership development for young people across WA. Throughout its 19 years in operation, the foundation has partnered with multiple organisations and initiated its own programs such as the UWA Fogarty Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships Program, which aims to develop the future leaders of WA, CoderDojo WA, which provides free training to the future generation of technology creators, and Fogarty EDvance, which seeks to improve education outcomes in disadvantaged communities.

Fremantle Press CEO Jane Fraser said, ‘Huge congratulations to Annie Fogarty for winning the WA Australian of the Year Award – it is very well deserved. We are thrilled to have the support of people like Annie, who are vital in allowing us to continue publishing uniquely Western Australian stories. This year we partnered with the Fogarty Foundation to launch the Fogarty Literary Award, which is an amazing opportunity for new and emerging writers and allows us to discover the varied voices of our community.’

Congratulations, Annie!