Far North Queensland Branch – History
The Cairns Radio Branch was established in 1975 by Mark Stoneman, who served as the inaugural President for five years. At the time, the branch covered approximately 30% of Queensland, extending from the islands in the north, west to the Hughenden region and south to the Mackay hinterland. Membership grew to more than 130 members.
In 2013, a motion was passed to rename the branch the Far North Queensland Branch, better reflecting the geographical area and communities it represents.
Today, the branch continues to cover an extensive area, stretching north to the Torres Strait Islands, west to Karumba and south to Cardwell and Gilberton. Its membership includes geographically isolated families, those educating their children through distance education or home schooling and families living in rural and remote locations across Far North Queensland.
Due to the vast distances separating members, the branch meets monthly via online, providing an opportunity to connect, share experiences and advocate for the educational needs of rural and remote families. The branch warmly welcomes new members who share its commitment to improving access to quality education, services and support for families across Far North Queensland.
The branch has a proud history of contributing to ICPA conferences, having hosted the 1984 Federal Conference in Townsville and three Queensland State Conferences: Cairns in 1992, Atherton in 2003 and Atherton again in 2026.
Over the years the branch has had several representatives on Queensland State Council:
Mark Stoneman AM
- Committee Member 1975 - 1978
- Vice President 1978 - 1980
- President 1980 - 1982
- Immediate Past President 1982 - 1986
- Federal Executive, Committee 1979 - 1982
- 1980 Branch Life Membership
- 1999 Certificate of Appreciation, Queensland Council
- 2002 Life Membership ICPA Qld Inc.
Valerie Nixon
- State Councillor 1981 - 1983
Geraldine Murphy
- State Councillor 1983 - 1988
Penny Wallace
- State Councillor 1985 - 1987
Robyn O'Brien
- State Councillor 2023 - 2025
Branch Life Members
- Mark Stoneman AM (also State Life Member)
- Jenny Ford
- Alison Murphy
- Don Neuendorf
- Margot Nimmo
- Clair O'Brien
- Karen Pedersen
- Gail Truelove
- Karen Muccignat
