FRANCES HENKE
FLYING PONY PRESS

FRANCES Henke is an author, retired journalist, photographer and artist.

   Aka Frances Kelly, she has written 24 books, on gardening, local and polio history, four novels, now a children's book. Her work has been included in six anthologies of garden writing, journalism and social sciences; she is a published poet.

   Over the years she has been media adviser for state and federal politicians; member of the Commonwealth Film Censorship Board; spin doctor for Peninsula Health; Community Relations manager for a Community Bank branch.

   During 50 years of journalism Fran worked for 3AW, The Border Morning Mail, The Canberra Times, then in London for a group of arts magazines; as blurb writer for Granada Publishing; and a correspondent in the London bureau for Fairfax Media. 'George Davis' wrote cookery, travel and poetry when a pseudonym was needed particularly in London when at the time, work wasn't accepted from a woman.

   Fran returned to Sydney to join The National Times as arts and books editor. She moved on to be theatre critic and arts feature writer for The Australian before returning to Melbourne to work in the newsroom at SBS Radio. Seeking a more peaceful life with husband Ian, she moved to write for and edit regional newspapers, enjoying nearly 15 years with the Independent News Group at Hastings as senior journalist and columnist covering local councils with an irreverent column 'Council Watch'.

  The Henkes continue to live in Victoria, Australia, at Hastings on Westernport, where they are managed by Tibetan Spaniels.

COMMUNITY WORK

   Fran's community work has focussed on polio issues and support for fellow oldies. Realising the importance of spreading the word on post polio syndrome, she joined Mornington Peninsula Post Polio Support Group in 2001. She became inaugural chair of the Polio Reference Group for Independence Australia supporting Polio Network Victoria and briefly a board member of Polio Australia before being advised it was time to cut back. That involved writing a new book for polio survivors, as well as putting out monthly and quarterly newsletters. She is currently vice chair and newsletter editor for Polio Network Victoria, Editor MPPPSG.

   Her roles included past president and secretary of McClelland Guild of Artists, past secretary Australian Taxation Reform Group; proud member of the Cloud Appreciation Society.  She received a Vocational Award for Polio Education in 2006 from the Rotary Club of Frankston; Excellence of Service Award from Rotary Club of Wantirna in 2011; named the inaugural ‘Suburban Superstar’ for Fairfax Community Newspapers for her community work in 2008.

   In 2015 Fran received a Flinders Seniors Award from Federal MP Greg Hunt for her work over decades to improve the lives of Polio Survivors. In 2016 and 2017 she was recognised for disability advocacy and writing in the Supreme Court of Victoria's Inspire Awards.  She was a Mornington Peninsula Shire Mobility Scooter Ambassador, presenting forums on education and safety.    Fran is on Facebook and Instagram expressing her passion for photography featuring Westernport and seabirds. Also quirky iPad drawings.

   Flying Pony Press evolved when mainstream publishers became focussed on block busters. Friends also wanted work published. We have since published a dozen books - novels, a play, cookbook, art history, handbooks for polio survivors and who knows what next. Logo is based on one of Fran's London poems.

  Key member of the team is Mike Hast, colleague, friend and meticulous editor, with Eureka Printing, Glen Waverley, the go-to book maker.