This past week we have, as a Nation, celebrated National Volunteers Day and it goes without saying that the thousands of volunteers from across Australia that have dedicated their time to advocating and lobbying for equity of access to education for rural, regional and remote children over the past 53 years, should be held in the highest regard.
These are the men and women of the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association (ICPA) in Australia. Men and women who, despite the challenges in their own lives, whether by way of drought, flood, business or personal hurdles, continue to show up for their commitment to the education of our isolated kids.
As the Annual State Conferences role out across the country, with Queensland’s next in line, we head toward Federal Conference in July – this year in Sydney. Every year, regardless of what these volunteers may be leaving behind at home, they gather to lobby for better.
Better educational opportunities for those of us that live beyond the city lights. Better access to those opportunities. Better communications standards for those who live rurally and remotely. Better access to special education for those that need it. Better standards for hostels and boarding schools.
Tirelessly better.
53 years of better.
If I could stand up on this page and applaud I would.
Boarding Schools Expo is celebrating it’s 20th year of bringing boarding schools to regional and rural areas of Australia for families to meet closer to where they call home. And each of those years we have proudly hosted Volunteer members of ICPA to join us in meeting families. We believe in equity of access to choice and opportunity and our values closely align with those of ICPA. I am so proud of our affiliation with this organisation. I am a Member of my Central Western Plains Branch in NSW and we hosted our own NSW State Conference this year in Dubbo.
How do we shine light on our peak education body for rural Australia ? How do we inform people of what they ‘do’ ? How do we contribute to ensure that ICPA exists for another 53 years and in doing so, continues to lobby for improvements in the educational outcomes for children right across our country ?
Here, at Boarding Schools Expo we believe we can help by ‘sharing’ their story and by continuing to welcome families to our events with ICPA by our side.
Here is a brief snapshot of the story of ICPA.
In the vast expanse of Australia, where the tyranny of distance can be a formidable barrier to education, the ICPA has been a beacon of hope for families in rural and remote areas since 1971.
This voluntary, non-profit, and apolitical parent body has been tirelessly working to ensure that geographically isolated children’s educational needs and aspirations are not disadvantaged because of where they live.
Founded in Bourke, NSW 53 years ago, it represents thousands of families and individual members from various rural communities across Australia. These include primary producers, small business owners, schools, and both national and state-based organizations who support equitable access to education for isolated students.
One of the initiatives supported by ICPA is the Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) scheme. This Federal Government payment is designed to help parents and carers of children who are unable to access local state schools due to geographical isolation, disability, or other special education needs. The AIC scheme includes various allowances such as boarding, distance education, and second home allowances, providing essential financial support to ensure these children receive a proper education..
ICPA’s advocacy work is significant in addressing the unique challenges faced by rural and remote students.
As Tanya Mitchell, President of the NSW ICPA State Council, aptly states, “Working together for equity of access to education for all rural and remote students from Early Childhood to Tertiary” is a fundamental principle that guides their mission.
The association ensures that the voices of these communities are heard and their educational policies are shaped by the members themselves.
“Our members are the policy makers, meaning that branches bring their issues to state conference for debate and if their motion is carried by majority vote then that issue becomes the policy for State Council to advocate for,” Tanya Mitchell explains, highlighting the democratic and grassroots nature of their advocacy.
ICPA also champions several other initiatives and support mechanisms, such as advocating for increased funding for rural and remote education, mobile early childhood services, and enhancements to the living away from home allowance. Their ongoing efforts aim to bridge the educational gap and provide equitable opportunities for all students, regardless of their geographical circumstances.
In conclusion, the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association is an indispensable organisation that plays a crucial role in ensuring equity of access to education for rural and remote children across Australia. Through its tireless advocacy, grassroots approach, and unwavering commitment, ICPA continues to be a lifeline for families who refuse to let geography determine their children’s educational outcomes.
Bravo to the volunteers across Australia that ensure our policy makers ‘do better’ when it comes to meeting the needs of isolated children in our country.
A Timeline of Doing Better
1972 Free rail travel for all students attending school in NSW
1973 Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Scheme implemented
1976 Reinstatement of Living Away from Home Allowance (LAFHA)
1978 new site for Broken Hill School of the Air (BH SOTA)
1980, 1985 increase in Private Vehicle Conveyance (PVC)Subsidy, doubled in 1994 – now School Drive Subsidy
1984 Electronic trials for Distance Education Students
1986 Isolated children eligibility to include Agricultural High Schools
1988 Correspondence preschool introduced
1989 incentives for teachers to serve in rural and remote areas
1992 free bus travel expanded to non-metropolitan schools
1999 travel assistance for isolated Distance Education Students
2007 establishment of Government Boarding Scholarships for isolated students
2011 criteria widened for AIC students
2011 Establishment of Centre for Effective Reading for rural and remote children
2012 all rural schools connected via videoconferencing
2013 Establishment of first Community Tertiary Distance Education Centre at Cooma (CUC)
2013 Compulsory seat belts phased in on rural bus routes
2014 establishment of first selective distance education school – Aurora
2017-2018 more Country University Centres opening
2019 Finigan School of Distance Education
2019 Mobile towers at small schools
2020 Cross Border Commission advisors and advocacy , Cross Border Plan
2021 Tertiary Access Payment
2022 Preschool School Drive Subsidy Pilot Program
2021 Fibre Optic Cables to remaining 12 small schools
2023 Tertiary/Apprentice Travel Card
2024 Paid Tertiary Placements for Nurses, Teachers & Social Workers