Belyando - Mt Coolon

Welcome to the Belyando Mt Coolon Branch

The Belyando Mt Coolon branch supports an average of 45 member families annually. Children from these families engage in diverse educational pathways, including attending Schools of Distance Education (Capricornia and Charters Towers), boarding schools, apprenticeships away from home, or pursuing tertiary studies.

Branch meetings are held quarterly, typically hosted at a member’s property or the Mt Coolon Community Centre. Families are warmly welcomed to attend, and children are encouraged to join as well.

Branch Life members:

• Marion Fletcher - 2005
• Margaret Maloney - 2019
• Amanda Clark - 2024

Branch members who have served on State Council:

• Penny Wallace 1985 - 1990
• Judy Camm 1992 - 1995
• Amanda Clark 2019 - current 

BRANCH HISTORY

Compiled by Robyn Russell

The inaugural meeting of the Belyando/Mt Coolon branch was held on 24 August, 1984 with 12 people in attendance, under the shade of the old mango tree at Mt Douglas homestead.  The largest branch at this time was the Cairns Radio Branch which was vast – in both numbers and distance covered.  Cairns branch members, Reid Russell and Penny Wallace believed that due to the increasing number of members in the Belyando Crossing and Mt Coolon area, a local branch could be formed.

The first branch executive included:

• President - Penny Wallace 
• Vice President - Magaret Maloney 
• Secretary/Treasurer - Bridget Corr 
• Publicity Officer - Robyn Russell

Between 1984 - 1988, Robyn Russell supplied regular ICPA news to readers through monthly articles in the Cattleman, North Queensland Register, Pedals and other rural publications.    Robyn was also responsible (and acknowledged) for providing the title for the ICPA booklet, I Can Provide Answers.

Many branch members have represented the Belyando/Mt Coolon branch at state and federal conferences with our life member, Marion Fletcher, one of our most ardent delegates.  Branch members have also assisted with two state conferences - Mackay and Clermont. 

In 1987, the need for information about our Queensland Boarding Schools was recognised by Bridget Corr.  In response to this need Bridget collected data on scholarships and bursaries for the benefit of Queensland members.

From 1985 - 1990 the first Itinerant Governess Scheme in Queensland was shaped and coordinated by branch member Robyn Russell.  Initially, two governesses (usually teachers) serviced about 17 families who lived in an area which stretched from Cape Tribulation, west to Hughenden, east to Bowen and south to Clermont.  The nucleus of the families lived in the Belyando/Mt Coolon region.  In 1985, Robyn and Penny served on the Queensland Rural Industry Training Committee (as ICPA representatives) to assist with developing a Governess Tutor Training course at TAFE, with courses being offered in Brisbane and Emerald.

The first Distance Education Conference held in Brisbane was the turning point for correspondence students in Queensland and was attended by branch member, Penny Wallace.  This conference opened the doors for the Primary Correspondence School in Brisbane, to accept the home tutor as part of the education system.  In 1986, Penny and Robyn as Belyando/Mt Coolon branch representatives were appointed to the Ministerial Liaison Advisory committee for the setting up of the Charters Towers School of Distance Education.

In the formative years, members looked forward to branch meetings as much was gained from sharing ideas and problems. Prominent guests also attended meetings which added to the interest.  More importantly, breaking away from Cairns Radio Branch meant that members could have face to face contact with other branch members.  This hasn’t always been easy as depending on whether the meeting was held at Mt Coolon or Belyando Crossing, members (especially our dedicated past president Judy Camm) have at times travelled for up to five hours to attend a meeting.

The branch has had three members serve at ICPA State level - Penny Wallace served on Queensland Council from 1985 – 1990, with three of those years as State Treasurer.  Judy Camm was a member of State Council from 1992-1995, with two of those years as Assistant State Secretary and Amanda Clark was State Treasurer from 2019 - 2024 and is currently Vice President. 

40 Years of the Belyando Mt Coolon Branch

On 24 August 1984, twelve locals gathered under the old mango tree at Mt Douglas Homestead to form what is now the Belyando Mt Coolon ICPA Branch. In those early years, branch meetings were highly anticipated opportunities for connection across vast distances, a testament to members’ commitment to face-to-face advocacy.

While the issues have evolved over four decades, the branch’s purpose remains unchanged: ensuring rural and remote students have access to the same educational opportunities as their urban peers. Forty years on, the branch continues to stand strong.

40th Birthday Long Lunch – October 2024

In October 2024, members returned to the very same mango tree at Mt Douglas Homestead to celebrate the branch’s 40th Birthday Long Lunch. It was a special day of reflection, recognition and renewed commitment to the future.

Members travelled from across the district to reconnect and celebrate. Life Members Marion Fletcher and Margaret Maloney, along with Penny Wallace, shared memories of the branch’s early years and their pivotal contributions. The day also included the presentation of a Branch Life Membership to Amanda Clark.

Over the past 40 years, the branch has proudly:

• Participated in State and Federal Conferences across Queensland and Australia

• Hosted two ICPA Qld State Conferences (2014 and 2024)

• Fundraised through community events including country music festivals, catering for car rallies and gymkhanas

• Maintained strong and consistent membership

Our branch has truly stood the test of time. As we look ahead, we remain committed to building friendships and connections, and most importantly, continuing to advocate for positive educational outcomes for rural and remote students.

Thank you to Mt Douglas Pastoral for hosting the celebration under the iconic mango tree and sponsoring the catering. Sincere thanks also to the dedicated committee who organised the event following a busy year hosting the ICPA Qld State Conference in Townsville.

Here’s to 40 years of advocacy, community and impact and many more to come.
Happy 40th Anniversary, Belyando–Mt Coolon Branch!

Photo Credits: GM Photography