THE Yaraka-Isisford Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association held a double celebration on Saturday when one of its most active members, Mary Killeen, was awarded life membership of the branch at its postponed 33rd birthday celebrations.
It’s not often this committed member is lost for words but her branch managed to surprise her with the honour, given in front of members as well as friends from a number of other branches throughout the Central West, who had travelled especially for the occasion.
As well as filling the positions of branch publicity officer and president, often jointly, for 13 years, Mary has served as the state fundraising officer for four years and represented ICPA on the North West PCAP committee for many years.
On at least two occasions Mary represented ICPA Queensland at state Gifted and Talented Children’s conferences as well.
She joined the Yaraka-Isisford branch in the late 1980s when she was operating the local store in Yaraka, and attended her first state conference in Mt Isa in 1993.
Branch member Fiona Owens said that when one thought of Mary, the words that came to mind were “total commitment”.
“I doubt you would find a more dedicated and passionate ICPA member,” she said.
Mike Cobb, Betty Turner and Wendy Bailey were the original executive members of the branch when it began in 1980.
Since then the group has been fully involved in many ongoing activities that directly benefit young people in their area, such as sportsmanship trophies at the Wally Rae sports carnival, administration of a CBA $1500 tertiary scholarship, and billeting assistance for student teachers.
Mary joins Teresa Cobb, Heather Morton and Fiona Owens as other life members of Yaraka-Isisford ICPA.
