WA held its first virtual conference. ‘It’s ironic that after 50 years we were back in someone’s kitchen as ICPA members having a meeting about many of the same issues that we faced 50 years ago!”
Due to the changing risks associated with the spread of COVID-19 the conference was changed to an online event in the weeks leading up to the date. The ‘celebrations’ planned for the 50th year have been held over until 2023, with sponsors, guest speakers, venues, etc all agreeing to hold over for next year.
The Hon Sue Ellery, MLC opened the conference and spoke of the challenges for families and schools while dealing with Covid in present times. Later in the program, Ms Lisa Rodgers, the Western Australia Department of Education’s Director-General, provided an update to the conference and took questions from the floor. There were several very well-thought-out questions and Ms Rodgers answered them willingly and frankly. There were general messages from Branches and WA members of importance sprinkled throughout the conference to acknowledge and celebrate WA’s 50th year, and it was lovely to hear these thoughts and messages. Photos and further messages were shown as a slide presentation during the breaks.
10 Agenda Motions, 3 Sup motions, and AGM motions which included some Constitution updates were all unanimously passed.
The State Council gave an update on where things are at for Federal Conference in Perth this year and encouraged members to attend.
- The AGM went well with the following people being elected to the 2022 WA ICPA Council:
- President - Sally Brindal
- Vice President - Jane Cunningham
- Secretary - Kym Ross
- Treasurer - Michelle Abbott
- Publicity Officer - Sam Greay
- Lones Officer - Michelle Abbott
- Committee Chandra Ridley, Louise Ford, Jane Hughes.
The position of Webmaster is currently vacant. Sally Brindal advised that there was still room for more councillors on the Council and anyone interested could be co-opted after the conference and they would be welcomed.
While WA would have much preferred to have held the conference in person, it was still a very successful virtual conference and accolades go to Sally Brindal and WA State Council for putting it all together and running such a well organised and worthwhile conference.
“The conference was well supported online, and we look forward to bringing everyone together in 2022 to celebrate our 50 +1 anniversary.”
A compilation of work by Sue W, Wendy Hick and Naomi Obst.
