Isolated Children's Parents' Association - Queensland Inc.

Overview

The Isolated Children's Parents' Association - Queensland Inc. (ICPA Qld Inc.) is a voluntary, apolitical, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to advocating for the educational needs of children living in rural and remote areas of Queensland, Australia. Established as part of the broader Isolated Children's Parents' Association, this organisation works to ensure that geographical location does not disadvantage the educational aspirations and opportunities of these children.

Structure and Membership

ICPA Qld Inc. has a robust structure with over 46 branches across Queensland, representing more than 1200 member families. The organisation's membership base is diverse, encompassing families with children in various educational settings, including preschool, state schools, independent schools, boarding schools, and Schools of Distance Education. Additionally, they support students in tertiary education. This broad representation allows ICPA Qld Inc. to address educational challenges across different sectors and levels.

Activities and Advocacy

As the only community-based parent group with interests in all sectors and levels of education in Queensland, ICPA Qld Inc. plays a significant role in advocating for equitable access to quality educational opportunities. They focus on ensuring that rural and remote students have access to education that matches their urban counterparts, highlighting issues such as connectivity, vocational pathways, and educational excellence. The organisation participates in annual conferences and submits policy recommendations to government bodies to address these educational disparities.

State Council and Governance

The Queensland State Council of ICPA Qld Inc. is elected annually during the organisation's State Conference. This council comprises volunteer representatives from various branches who work to implement motions and lobby for policies that benefit isolated children. Their efforts are supported by fundraising, donations, and a portion of membership fees, allowing them to interact with government officials and educational institutions.

Mission and Impact

ICPA Qld Inc.'s mission is to enhance educational opportunities and aspirations for geographically isolated children without compromising their potential due to their location. By advocating for improvements in educational infrastructure, policy, and resources, they aim to contribute to the social and economic viability of rural and remote communities.

Conclusion

The Isolated Children's Parents' Association - Queensland Inc. is a vibrant and proactive organisation dedicated to addressing the unique educational challenges faced by children in rural and remote Queensland. Through its extensive network and advocacy, ICPA Qld Inc. strives to ensure that these children receive the educational support they deserve to thrive in their communities.

[1] https://icpa.com.au/qld [2] https://icpa.com.au [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/c9230789-38af-e811-a960-000d3ad24282 [4] https://www.education.gov.au/system/files/documents/document-file/2020-12/isolated-children-s-parents-association-qld-inc.pdf [5] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/c9230789-38af-e811-a960-000d3ad24282/documents/9b462bb0-f528-ed11-9db1-00224893958c