A fundraising gesture that has raised around $100,000 over the years, and a quiet mentorship that has kept branches active were recognised with the presentation of certificates of appreciation at the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association conference in St George.
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Moonie branch member, Di Selby, and Toowoomba’s Liz McClymont were each given standing ovations last week for their work for the rural lobby group.
ICPA vice president, Louise Martin, said they were indebted to Liz, the founder of the Bush Christmas craft showcase, for allowing them to have exclusive rights to run a raffle, now an art union, at the yearly function.
Four thousand people attended last year and some 15,000 works made their way under Christmas trees from the event.
“Liz has been amazing with her support of ICPA for the past 12 years, with approximately $100,000 raised for ICPA in that time,” Louise said. “The funds raised have enabled us to continue to lobby vigorously for the equity in education for our rural and remote kids.”
The quiet support that Di Selby gave branches and executive members in a variety of roles, and the work she continues to do for ICPA, was also recognised at the conference.
She joined the state council in 2006 and was elected state secretary the following year, a position she held until 2011.
She also took on a vice presidential role for a year.
“Far from riding off into the sunset, Di has been busy compiling conference minutes and digitally archiving state council documents, a mammoth task,” ICPA president Kim Hughes said.
Kim spoke highly of her genuine interest in every member, “such was her desire to connect, spend time with, and support the many volunteers this organisation is lucky to have”.
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.
