ICPA 50th anniversary conference has been postponed

The conference was expected to attract thousands of members from across Australia to a regional Central Queensland town.

Guests at the 45th Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association Conference dinner at Alpha Racecourse. Picture: ANDREA CROTHERS

A regional Central Queensland community will no longer receive a large an influx of visitors this month with the recently announced postponement of the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association of Australia conference.

The conference, which was due to be held in Longreach on July 28 and 29, was postponed due to ongoing lockdowns and Covid restrictions in place across the nation.

Members were expected to gather in celebration of the 50th Anniversary Conference and AGM, although ICPA Federal Council and Conference Convenors announced that the July meet would be pushed back.

The annual ICPA conference has been postponed.

“A large portion of our member base, branches and guests are unable to travel or attend in person due to current restrictions or are reticent to attend due to the possibility of future restrictions or border closures,” the announcement revealed.

“The possibility of proceeding with the event at this time is untenable given the ongoing and new lockdowns, restrictions and developing situations associated with the pandemic.

“In the interest of our members, stakeholders and the regional, rural and remote communities we represent, the Federal Conference will go ahead at a later date.”

ICPA (Aust) is a voluntary, non-profit, apolitical parent body dedicated to ensuring all geographically isolated children’s educational needs and aspirations are not disadvantaged because of where they live.

The Association was established in 1971 and represents over 2500 families and individual members across the country.

Conference goers were expected to hear from a range of guest speakers including Telstra’s Michael Ackland, Gavin Williams from nbn and CEO of Desert Channels Queensland, Leanne Kohler, who were to present their valuable insights on a range of topics.

The main conference dinner was to include a “ICPA 50 Years – Light Show” at the QANTAS Airpark, followed by a gathering of past members and guests at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame.

“We are looking forward to celebrating the 50th Anniversary Federal Conference as soon as possible,” the announcement said.

While a new date is unknown, conference updates will continue to be published on the ICPA (Aust) Conference website here.