Over 70 motions on issues such as community input to school bus runs and the need for more regional positions for support staff and therapists were debated at the 45th annual state Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association conference at Alpha this week.
A record number of delegates and guests, including 53 Queensland boarding school representatives from 27 schools filled out a tent city in the small central Queensland town, all with the combined aim of focusing agendas on the issues challenging educational access for children and families living in rural and remote parts of the state.
The conference also passed a number of motions expressing appreciation for the financial support to drought affected communities to assist with education expenses, announced in the last state budget.
The packed conference program featured keynote addresses from famed author of The Dressmaker, Rosalie Ham and Helen McCullagh representing State Schools Nursing Service.
A Q&A style panel dealt with questions relating to the Parents and Citizens Association of Queensland and Chris Lassig presented on the work of the Autism Hub and Reading Centre and outreach possibilities for rural and remote families.
Tim Gentle from Think Digital was on hand for the whole of conference, presenting workshops and information to ensure people living in country areas have the skills and knowledge to fully engage in the digital age.