Thank You Annie Fogarty AM
If you’ve ever been curious about the vision and dedication driving Teach Learn Grow forward, Annie Fogarty AM’s story offers an inspiring answer. As she steps down from the TLG board, we look back at her incredible contributions to education in Western Australia. Annie has been instrumental in shaping TLG, pushing for change, especially for students in rural and remote communities. Her work as co-founder and Chair of the Fogarty Foundation has touched the lives of countless young people, fostering educational equity across the state.
The Spark of a Great Idea
Annie’s involvement with TLG dates to the organisation’s beginnings. In 2010, UWA Fogarty Scholar David Sherwood, alongside his friend Travis Elliott, founded TLG with a mission to support educational equity in rural and remote areas. The Fogarty Foundation provided crucial support, enabling TLG to launch its first Rural Program in Three Springs. As Annie recalls,
“We provided some support to enable TLG to run their first Rural Program, and TLG grew from there.”.
From those early days, TLG has evolved into an impactful organisation this month, 285 volunteer tutors will embark on their week-long Rural Programs across the state thanks in no small part to Annie’s guidance and the foundation’s support
“Many UWA Fogarty Scholars have joined TLG as tutors and been on the executive team, learning great community and leadership skills,”
For Annie, TLG is a “win, win, win” – benefitting regional students, volunteer tutors, and the educational system as a whole.
The Fogarty Foundation’s support has opened doors for numerous students, including current TLG executive Mariya Faisal, as a UWA Fogarty Foundation Scholar.
Mariya Faisal: A Scholar’s Perspective
“The Fogarty Foundation and the Fogarty Scholars Program, established by Annie Fogarty, have significantly impacted the lives of many young people, particularly in the realm of education,” Mariya shares.
Reflecting on her journey, Mariya says, “One of the most rewarding experiences for me was convening the Fogarty Futures Leadership Conference – one of WA’s most prestigious leadership camps for high school students. It stands as one of my proudest achievements and a defining moment that shaped me.”
Mariya presenting at the Fogarty Futures Leadership Conference
The support from the foundation has helped Mariya connect with like-minded peers and build networks, inspiring her involvement in TLG through her connections with fellow scholars.
A Vision for Regional Education
Annie’s dedication to educational equity has been central to her work with TLG. She believes that all children deserve a quality education but recognises that regional students often face barriers to accessing the same opportunities as their urban counterparts. “Children living and attending schools in regional Australia are less likely to have access to a wide range of education input,” she explains. “On average, their educational outcomes are lower, and they are less likely to go on to post-secondary education.”
To address this gap, TLG brings quality educational support to regional schools, providing targeted programs that inspire students and give them the tools to succeed. As Annie puts it,
“Students, families, and educators in the regions need extra support and resources to ensure that students have access to relevant, engaging education that will enable them to achieve their full potential. That is why TLG is such a positive and impactful program for regional schools.”
Driving Change Through the Fogarty Foundation’s Initiatives
Beyond TLG, Annie’s work with the Fogarty Foundation has impacted education across Western Australia. The foundation’s programs, including the UWA Fogarty Scholarship Program and Fogarty EDvance, have provided leadership and support to thousands of students and educators.
“Fogarty EDvance is a three-year school improvement program working with leaders to improve educational outcomes in challenging communities,” Annie explains.
“Over 150 schools and 63,000 students have benefited, with significant improvements in school performance.”
The foundation’s commitment to educational equity aligns closely with TLG’s mission, and Annie’s leadership has been essential in building bridges between these initiatives and TLG’s work.
Adapting to a Digital World: Annie’s Vision for the Future
Annie’s influence extends to her forward-thinking approach to education. As the world changes rapidly, she sees a critical role for technology in enhancing educational opportunities.
“We live in a rapidly changing digital world,” she says.
“With the addition of new technology like AI, there will be a significant change in not only how people learn but also in the purpose of education itself.”
She envisions a future where technology can support educators in regional schools, bringing high-quality resources to remote areas and making learning more personalised. While Annie acknowledges the challenges of new technologies, she believes they hold potential for addressing the unique needs of regional students.
A Message to TLG Volunteers
Reflecting on her time with TLG, Annie has words of encouragement for the passionate volunteers who make TLG’s work possible.
“To the volunteer students – this is an amazing opportunity that you have decided to take. Be open to all the incredible experiences that you may have working with a group of like-minded people in an environment that is probably very different to what you have experienced before.”
Annie’s encouragement reflects her belief in the transformative power of TLG’s programs, not only for students in rural communities but also for the tutors themselves.
“You have the opportunity to inspire these young people, and some of them may remember you for the rest of their lives.”
Thank You, Annie Fogarty
As we say farewell to Annie in her role on TLG’s board, we are filled with gratitude for her years of service, her passion for educational equity, and her unwavering belief in the power of young people to drive positive change. Annie’s legacy within TLG and the broader education sector will continue to inspire us as we work to make educational opportunities accessible to all students, regardless of their location.
Thank you, Annie, for everything you’ve done to support TLG and the students, tutors, and educators who have been touched by your vision.
Written by Brayden Hsu
