Welcome to the Clarke Creek Branch!
Established 2005
BRANCH HISTORY
Clarke Creek is proud to be one of the youngest ICPA branches.
In response to community concerns around the inclusion of an additional cohort (Prep) to one-teacher schools and no foreseeable change by the Education Department to the teacher: student ratio in one-teacher schools, our ICPA branch was formed. Rose Philp who was our QLD President at the time, drove to Clarke Creek and attended a community meeting to share information about ICPA and assist with establishing our ICPA branch.
Our first branch executives were:
- Mrs Anneli Day (President)
- Mrs Lynise Conaghan (Secretary)
- Mrs Jane Sherry ( Vice-President)
- Mrs Elizabeth Hill (Treasurer)
It was not long before the first of our motions around one-teacher school staffing were presented at our first conference by new delegates Lynise Conaghan and Anneli Day at St George. Our motions were passionately debated and (eventually) carried! Our branch has since been represented by delegates at most State Conferences and some Federal Conferences.
The work undertaken by ICPA to address and lobby issues that were and continue to be pertinent to families living in geographically isolated areas have not gone unnoticed. We are proud to have had local representation on both State and Federal Councils.
Members on State Council
- Penny Wallace, State Councillor 1985-1986, State Treasurer 1987-1990
- Lynise Conaghan, State Councillor 2007-2010, State Publicity Officer 2008-2009
- Anneli Day, State Councillor 2021 – 2024
Members on Federal Council
- Lynise Conaghan, Federal Councillor 2015 –2017
Branch Life Members
- Anneli Day - 2024
- Lynise Conaghan - 2024
Branch Success Stories
Clarke Creek ICPA Branch strives to provide opportunities for our local bush kids.
In 2011 we combined forces with the Capricornia Branch of the Air to host the 40th ICPA State Conference at the Rockhampton Grammar School.
We have, over many years contributed towards the cost of sending our local primary children to Clermont ICPA Sports Camp.
In 2017, following significant flooding from Cyclone Debbie a Ladies Day fundraiser was held at “Beranlie”, the home of the Day family. It was a highly successful day with almost 200 guests. The event placed the branch in its strongest financial position to date and has allowed us to support many community initiatives in recent times.
We also provide free swimming lessons to children aged from birth to 4 years who are members of our local branch.
Plans are well underway to host a Gala Dinner this year to celebrate 50 years of our local school and to thank the many families and community members, past and present who have contributed in some way towards making our school what it is today.
Current Area of Concern
Staffing in our one-teacher schools continues to be an area of concern for our members, despite the staffing formula changing since the implementation of Prep. The addition of Kindy brings new concerns, particularly when the school enrolment represents a high number of students in K-2. Young adults undertaking apprenticeships, relocating for this work, and the support networks in place continues to also be an area of concern for our branch. Recent closures of on-site accommodation facilities at Schools of Distance Education and the adverse impacts that this has on students and families is also relevant to our members.
Clarke Creek ICPA Celebrates 20 Years of Connection and Community
The Clarke Creek Community Hall came alive on Saturday, 4th October, as more than 60 guests gathered to celebrate 20 years of the Clarke Creek ICPA Branch. Visitors travelled from near and far to join in marking this remarkable milestone, sharing memories, laughter and a strong sense of community spirit.
The day began with a warm welcome from MC Amanda Clark, who set the tone for a day of celebration and reflection. Guests then enjoyed a fabulous lunch prepared by members of the Clarke Creek Branch. The spread was nothing short of amazing, showcasing the generosity and effort of everyone involved. Truly a feast to remember!
The celebration also featured two inspiring guest speakers. Dr Kerry Reid shared an insightful look into her career journey, reminding everyone that with determination and focus, anything is possible. Kim from Country Universities Centre, Manager for the Isaac Centre, spoke about the growing educational and career opportunities now available for bush kids through regional university centres. These opportunities open doors for students to pursue their goals without leaving their communities.
One of the most special moments of the day was the recognition of Branch Life Memberships awarded to Mrs Anneli Day and Mrs Lynise Conaghan. Both women have made outstanding contributions to the branch over the years, helping to strengthen connections and support families in rural education. Their dedication and hard work were met with heartfelt applause and gratitude from all in attendance.
Adding to the fun and fundraising spirit, the event also featured a raffle and auction which were filled with wonderful items kindly donated by many. The generosity of donors and bidders alike made the day even more memorable and ensured the branch can continue its important work in the years ahead.
As the celebrations ended, there was a shared sense of pride and gratitude for how far the Clarke Creek ICPA Branch has come since its beginnings in 2005. The 20-year milestone was more than just a celebration of time; it was a tribute to community, commitment and the enduring spirit of rural families.
All these achievements are a credit to the dedication of our members, the generosity of our supporters and the strong sense of community that binds us together. Clarke Creek ICPA is more than just a branch; it is a family that works to give our bush kids the opportunities they deserve.
Photo Credits - GM Photography
Clarke Creek ICPA branch members
Celebrating 20 years of Clarke Creek ICPA branch
Celebrating 20 years with the first executive - Anneli Day, Lynise Conaghan, Jane Sherry & Elizabeth Hill
Clarke Creek ICPA presented Anneli Day & Lynise Conaghan with Branch Life Memberships
BLM Lynise Conaghan & Anneli Day with Lou Fox (middle), Clarke Creek ICPA President
Clarke Creek ICPA Branch President Lou Fox
Past & present state coucillors - Lynise Conaghan, Amanda Clark, Anneli Day, Heidi Flint & Sonya Shelley
