Throughout the year, we’ve been following the work of the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association – the ICPA – across Australia. In these short episodes, we’ll be catching up with each State Council President to hear how their delegations to Parliament have gone, what motions were carried from their State Conferences, and the wins and challenges they’ve faced along the way.
These conversations are a chance to celebrate the tireless advocacy of rural, regional and remote families who continue to champion equitable access to education – from early childhood right through to tertiary.
Today we’re in New South Wales – a state that’s “positively urban” on paper compared to some of our other States across Australia, but where families west of the ranges still juggle distance, patchy services and long drives.
As Annabel Strachan reminds us from her home a couple of hundred kilometres west of Bourke, meaningful support keeps families on the land: that means practical allowances for students who must live away from home, removing barriers like means-testing where distance leaves no choice, and recognising the cost of getting little ones to preschool. It also means smart, local solutions – turning very remote one-teacher schools into pop-up education hubs that can flex for preschool and secondary needs, so kids can learn face-to-face with support.
During this conversation, Annabel shares some exciting news, news that sends a powerful signal that the voices of families from rural and remote regions are being heard where decisions are made.
So, wherever you’re listening – in the ute, on the road, or out on the station – I hope you enjoy this snapshot of the ICPA in action in New South Wales.
If you would like to join the ICPA in your State visit icpa.com.au
