ICPA discuss key rural education issues at annual conference

More than 150 delegates were expected to converge on Moree to highlight the issues that are affecting access to education from preschool to tertiary on March 17-19.

ICPA-NSW state president Claire Butler said as the weekend unfolded after the COVID-19 announcements multiple corporate speakers contacted the group to say that their employer would not allow them to attend.

"Combined with members pulling out, we started to see our conference attendees disappear right before our eyes," Mrs Butler said.

She said on Sunday they considered delivering the conference using technology but were not confident they could deliver a "fault proof" web multi-cast to its remote delegates who needed to participate in an effective debate and vote.

"Bearing in mind that most members have data capping on satellite internet and no mobile service, sitting through a two day motions debate would have been very regrettable and we felt that we would not be able to deliver it effectively," she said.

Mrs Butler said their main concern now was supporting the Moree convening committee, who worked tirelessly to bring this all together.

"We will work through the flow on effects that cancelling conference has done to the local businesses," she said.

"We hope that the government can financially assist non-profit organisations who have had to cancel events on short notice because there are still many costs involved due to businesses already having purchased food and other outlays to facilitate events like this."

Moving forward, Mrs Butler said they would look at options on how they could get current motions voted on and passed and they did not know when they could hold another gathering.

"This may mean using technology and perhaps branches could meet up in their local libraries or schools to be a part of the webcast, but it is early days yet. Whatever platform we choose we will ensure it is tested and will work for everyone," she said.

Better access to allied health services for preschool-age children will be on the table for debate at the Isolated Children's Parent's Association (ICPA) NSW conference next week.

More than 150 delegates will converge on Moree to highlight the issues that are affecting access to education from preschool to tertiary on March 17-19.

ICPA-NSW state president Claire Butler said in a rural setting it was often the preschool that first identified the need for speech therapy or occupational therapy.

"But where do they go to receive assistance in rural areas?," Mrs Butler questioned.

"While there are fantastic services offered through Telehealth, access to good internet can be a problem, which is then becomes a communication issue."

Mrs Butler said there was a motion before the conference about offering incentives to health professionals to come into rural areas for this age group.

On the back of the drought and a challenging year, Mrs Butler said more government boarding options for children who must board away for secondary education was also up for discussion.

Mrs Butler said there were three government boarding schools; Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School (boys), Hurlstone and Yanco Agricultural High Schools.

"People need to send children away but they want them to be closer to home, we want to look at regional options for another government boarding school or hostel-style accommodation," she said.

There are 84 motions that have been submitted by ICPA branches from across NSW including some long-standing motions such as preschoolers having access to transport or a drive subsidy.

"This highlights the fact that there is still much to do to ensure that the unique educational needs of geographically isolated children are met," Mrs Butler said.

"We are really looking forward to seeing some healthy debate from the floor conference. This is the time for rural and remote people to have a strong voice that will be heard by those in parliament who have the power to make positive changes."

Some of the politicians that will be attending include: Education Minister Sarah Mitchell, Regional Youth Minister Bronnie Taylor, Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall, Barwon MP Roy Butler, Parks Federal MP Mark Coulton. Australian of the Year Local Hero and founder of BackTrack Boys Bernie Shakeshaft will be the guest speaker.

"Conference is not only about forming important policies to help shape the future of rural and remote areas, but is an opportunity to bring people together, many of whom have had a horrendous year due to drought and bushfires," Mrs Butler said.