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 South Australia, where engagement is surging – this year’s conference saw a record 29 motions.
Belinda Hatcher shares how SA families are pushing for practical change: extending AIC support to start at preschool, valuing distance-education supervisors with a dedicated allowance, and reviewing the State Education Allowance (currently just over $5,000 and indexed) toward a fairer model that recognises real costs.
There’s targeted work under way too – from airfare subsidies to help kids get home from boarding more affordably, to increases in school travel rates, to a common-sense tweak to the PATS scheme so geographically isolated families can reach the care they actually use. And in early childhood, new links with Child & Family Health and the RFDS are closing gaps for young mums and little ones across the South Australian outback. It’s all about one goal: support the family, and you keep the community.
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 South Australia.
If you would like to join the ICPA in your State visit www.icpa.com.au
