Fogarty named WA Australian of the Year

Perth philanthropist Annie Fogarty has been announced this year’s WA Australian of the year for her work in education advocacy.

Ms Fogarty is the chairperson and co-founder of the Fogarty Foundation – an education-focused organisation that aims to provide educational and leadership opportunities for young Western Australians.

The foundation also supports organisations with philanthropic funds, connections and knowledge.

Ms Fogarty and her husband, Brett Fogarty, founded the company in 2000; their daughter Caitlyn Fogarty is a current executive.

Through the foundation, Ms Fogarty developed the Fogarty EDvance program, which aims to improve the educational outcomes of children who attend schools in lower socio-economic communities.

Her award comes three months after the family made a $15 million funding commitment to back technology-focused enterprises driven by past and present students in Fogarty’s scholarship programs.

Its scholarships are for tertiary students and provide financial support, leadership, enrichment opportunities and supportive networks to help develop future leaders.

Ms Fogarty is also involved with several boards and committees, including at Roseworth Primary School, Fremantle Press and the ECU Fogarty Learning Centre.

Also presented with awards at this year’s ceremony were: John Newnham, who was named the WA senior Australian of the year; Yarlalu Thomas, who was awarded WA young Australian of the year; and Suzy Urbaniak, awarded WA local hero.

Mr Newham is a professor of obstetrics at The University of Western Australia and is recognised as one of the world’s leading authorities in the prevention of pre-term birth.

Mr Thomas is a 21-year-old Nyangumarta Pitkikarli man originally from Warralong, southeast of Port Hedland, who currently works with the WA Register of Developmental Anomalies, Genetic Services WA and Cliniface to help transform genetic health care services for remote indigenous people.

Ms Urbaniak is a former Newcrest geoscientist, WA science teacher and mentor, who developed and leads her own earth sciences program – the Centre of Resources Excellence.

The four WA winners will join award recipients from other states at the national awards ceremony, held in Canberra on January 25.  

It will mark the 60th anniversary of the awards.