ICPA in Perth
Delegates from as far north as Burketown and as far south as Ross in Tasmania will be travelling to Perth next week for the 45th Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association federal conference, to be opened on August 10 by local Olympic rowing champion Hannah Vermeersch, and followed by Australian cricketing great Justin Langer as the key note speaker.
President Wendy Hick is excited by the commitment shown to the organisation with confirmation that Senator Bridget McKenzie and MP Melissa Price will attend and observe debate on the 116 motions brought from across Australia. Ms Hick’s first year as president saw a number of significant changes including the removal of the assets testing on Youth Allowance, the introduction of the nanny pilot program, and the launch of the nbn Sky Muster satellite.
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce’s announcement prior to the election that, if re-elected, a Coalition government promised to take the plight of educating the bush seriously, was another memorable moment.
Despite this, plenty remains to be done, such as the immense impact inadequate internet has on family on distance education, and the pursuit of a distance education teaching allowance.
More information can be found on the conference app ICPA Federal Conference 2016, website, Facebook and twitter with the hashtag #ICPAconf16.
Merino Country carpark sale
The Ekka is where Richmond’s Kerrie Richards started her Merino Country clothing journey 23 years ago, so it’s only fitting that she should mark the occasion with a factory outlet sale at her Shailer Park premises at exit 28 on the M1.
She’s offering up to 70 per cent off end of the line goods, including the flagship men’s Wundies briefs that let bodies breathe
Get some great deals with up to 70% off End of Line, Samples & Seconds… we need to clear space to make room for more wonderful merino gear!!
Alternatively, you can get your hands on an Australian Merino long swing jacket that would look great with bootleg pants and leggings.
Brandenburg in Toowoomba
The Darling Downs will receive a rare treat next week, when The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra plays at The Empire Church Theatre in Toowoomba.
Corporate sponsor, Sydney based APA Group, has lured the ABO to play due to connections with the McCormack family of Killarney. Lyndall McCormack, wife of APA’s managing director Mick McCormack, has invited Paul Dyer and his internationally renowned Baroque musicians, to bring the orchestra to regional Australia, and the Downs in particular.
“I’ve heard the orchestra many times in the city, but it will be so lovely to have them performing in our local theatre. I am particularly looking forward to hearing “The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba. Goosebumps guaranteed,” said Mrs McCormack this week from Killarney.
A large contingent of Warwick and Killarney people will be heading to the concert, delighted to be able to hear this award-winning and world class orchestra so close to home. Lyndall is a fourth generation farmer on the Downs and is delighted with the community response to the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra with the Empire Theatre at capacity for the concert.
The orchestra will play the free community concert at the Empire Church Theatre on August 9.
Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
