Melissa-Jane Fogarty

Author, First Nations, Illustrator, Inspirational Speaker

Mununjali woman Melissa-Jane Fogarty is the author of the non-fiction series Our Lands, including the first title Tubowgule: A Sydney Opera House History. Melissa’s books explore the history of places throughout Australia that start before colonisation and capture the ongoing Aboriginal significance of these places.

Where were you born?

I was born on Dharug Country (Penrith, NSW) where I spent my primary school years and then in secondary school I moved to Darkinjung Country (Central Coast, NSW) where I live now.

What other jobs have you had?

My very first job was working at a fish n’ chip shop and then a newsagent after that. I worked many other retail jobs during my late teens and early twenties then worked night-shift sorting mail for Australia Post. Now I work as a book editor alongside my author work.

What themes are recurring in your work?

My work features themes around Aboriginal culture, reclamation, and identity. Growing up with one side of my family Aboriginal and the other side with British heritage meant that identity and finding out where I belong was something I grappled with, and so my personal experiences influence my writing.

What have been the highlights of your career?

Holding my first book Tubowgule: A Sydney Opera House History in my hands, seeing it in stores, and receiving pictures of it and lovely words about it. Being a judge for the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards children’s category in 2024 and getting to meet the amazing creators of the shortlisted titles.

Where have your works been published?

My books have been published by the Hachette Australia imprint Lothian Children’s Books.

What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about children learning Aboriginal history and truth-telling from Aboriginal perspectives, and embracing cultural reclamation and language revitalisation.

Haven’t I seen you before?

Oh, maybe you’ve spotted my name in the fine print as copyeditor on some books here and there … or probably just being my awkward, tea-loving, book-loving self over on Instagram or Substack.

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

I’m a Dharug and Yugambeh language learner – the latter being my grandfather’s first language.

I didn’t grow up believing I could be an author or illustrator – those careers never crossed my mind because I didn’t think I was good enough. I’ve pushed past many obstacles to be where I am today, so I want to support and encourage kids to find the confidence to be whoever and whatever they want to be.