Fremantle Press appoints first patron

The Fremantle Press board is proud to announce that Tonya McCusker is the inaugural Fremantle Press patron. The businesswoman and former ballerina, who heads up the McCusker Charitable Foundation alongside her husband the Honourable Malcolm McCusker AC CVO QC, commenced her official duties this month.

Tonya McCusker said she was looking forward to playing her part in promoting uniquely Western Australian stories.

‘Fremantle Press is made up of a talented and dedicated team of creators and publishing professionals who care deeply about telling our stories – I’m honoured to be their first patron,’ said McCusker.

Fremantle Press Chairperson Ian Lilburne said the appointment was made in recognition of Tonya McCusker’s unique combination of skills and her ongoing support of the Fremantle Press program.

‘Tonya was our first and most obvious choice,’ said Lilburne.

‘She understands the arts from an artist’s perspective, she is a successful businesswoman and she has a long history of supporting the arts and youth-related charities,’ said Lilburne.

Lilburne said the role would focus on raising the Press’s profile in the arts, education and business communities.

‘Tonya is a passionate supporter of Fremantle Press events and already knows our publishing program – both the board and staff members are thrilled to have such an engaged ambassador and advocate,’ said Lilburne.

McCusker’s first official duty as Fremantle Press patron was launching The Last Viking Returns by Norman Jorgensen and James Foley. Dressed in her best Viking attire and accompanied by her daughter, Viking fan Mary, McCusker launched the picture book in front of a packed house at the State Library of Western Australia.

About Tonya McCusker
Tonya McCusker danced with the Australian Ballet Company before completing a law degree at the University of Western Australia and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management from Henley Management College (UK). She has worked in Hong Kong and China and been the business development manager for the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce and the Leeuwin Youth Development Foundation. In addition to her work as trustee and administrator at the McCusker Charitable Foundation, she is an advisory board member of the McCusker Centre for Action on Alcohol and Youth, an advisory board member of Giving West, a board member for Celebrate WA and the Australian Ballet Foundation and patron of a range of other organisations.