Lionel George Fogarty

Lionel George Fogarty, a revered Indigenous Australian poet and unwavering political activist, passed away on February 12, 2026, at the age of 68. Born on December 25, 1957, on Wakka Wakka land at the Cherbourg Aboriginal Reserve in Queensland, Fogarty dedicated his life to advocating for the rights and recognition of Aboriginal people. His powerful voice, expressed through both his activism and his distinctive poetry, left an indelible mark on Australia's cultural and political landscape.

From his teenage years in the 1970s, Fogarty was deeply involved in the Indigenous rights movement, working with various Aboriginal organizations on critical issues such as land rights, Aboriginal health, and protesting deaths in custody. His commitment to justice was profoundly shaped by personal tragedy, including the death of his brother, Daniel Yock, in police custody in 1993. This event further fueled his resolve to challenge systemic injustices and amplify the voices of his community.

Fogarty's literary career began with the publication of his first poetry collection, "Kargun," in 1980. His work is celebrated for its experimental and often surrealist style, boldly incorporating Aboriginal languages to foster dialogue between cultures and confront the legacy of colonization. He published numerous volumes of poetry throughout his career, each a testament to his linguistic innovation and deep political conscience.

His significant contributions to Australian literature and activism were widely recognized. Fogarty received the Scanlon Prize for Indigenous Poetry in 2012 for "Connection Requital" and the Kate Challis RAKA Award in 2015 for "Mogwie-Idan: Stories of the Land." In 2023, his collection "Harvest Lingo" earned him the Queensland Literary Awards, Judith Wright Calanthe Award for a Poetry Collection. Most recently, in 2025, he was honored with the prestigious Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement in Artistic Excellence.

Lionel Fogarty's legacy extends beyond his powerful words; he was a mentor to young Aboriginal writers and a tireless traveler promoting Murri culture and Aboriginal causes globally. His life's work stands as a testament to his unwavering spirit, his profound love for his people, and his enduring fight for a more just and equitable Australia. He will be remembered as a revolutionary poet and activist whose courage and creativity inspired generations.