An award-winning journalist for ABC Radio, Louise FitzRoy is also a young entrepreneur, founding her two journalism businesses, FitzRoy Media and From Paddock to Plate in 2008.
Louise received Australia’s most prestigious journalism award, the Walkley Award, after co-hosting a breakfast and morning program from a ‘make-shift’ radio studio (ABC Kinglake Ranges) set up in the aftermath of the February 2009 ‘Black Saturday’ bushfires. With the transmitter resting 15 metres high in a local farmer’s cherry picker, this unique community radio station provided a voice to those living in bushfire-affected regions to share their stories of tragedy and trauma, as well as assist in recovery and rebuilding. The Prime Minister at the time (Kevin Rudd) was a guest of the show.
Her coverage of natural disasters didn’t stop there when in 2011, Louise took on a field reporting and presenting role for ABC Radio during the devastating floods in Queensland and Victoria.
Louise is the inspiration behind media business, FitzRoy Media. As a country girl and food-loving journalist, she is also the creator of a ‘From Paddock to Plate’ brand of educational resources to teach people about where and how their food is produced.
Louise has already published her first book ‘From Paddock to Plate – Recipes from Australian Providores’ and as founder and director of the business, has also released an educational video series for schools filmed in Australia. Her ‘Paddock 2 Plate’ smart phone app is also live on Apple iTunes.
Find Louise drawing a crowd at her ‘From Paddock to Plate’ stage at international food events including ‘Gourmet Escape’ held in Margaret River in 2012 and 2013, which attracts the likes of Heston Blumenthal, George Calombaris, Neil Perry and Guillaume Brahimi. Whether guest speaking, guest blogging or master of ceremonies; there’s no hiding Louise’s passion for food, farming, journalism, fitness and travel.
Louise’s work has featured in a range of national and international publications including ‘delicious.’, ‘Australian Women’s Health’, ‘Scoop’, ‘Jetstar Magazine’ and Malaysian Airlines’ ‘Going Places’.
Louise has travelled across the country as a print, radio, television and online journalist in news, sport and rural fields, even creating her own radio series on ABC Rural called the ‘Cold Esky Challenge’. Whether reporting the news for ABC Local Radio, presenting the state-wide Country Hour programs for ABC Rural or broadcasting from the field into 774 ABC Melbourne, you are bound to hear Louise’s voice on the airwaves.
When Louise is not burrowing for truffles in the pouring rain, collecting honey surrounded by a swarm of 5000 bees or hooking a 26-kilogram fish, you’ll find her teaching yoga to AFL and A-League players.
