Welcome to the Roma Branch!
The Branch is thirty years old. We meet approximately every six weeks at the Roma Rural Student Hostel, Powell Street in Roma, and the meetings usually commence at 9.30 am. After the meetings members enjoy lunch together. Our aim is to address equitable educational opportunities for all children in rural and remote Australia. Welcome to our branch and we welcome you to our meetings.
Howard formed the Roma Branch of ICPA Qld in 1977, following an initial attempt in 1971 which faltered after a couple of years (1971-1972), and was the elected President. Their focus at that time was 'equal educational opportunities for all children' and that 'the opportunity for boarding school was so important for isolated children'. Mr Jensen is currently 91 years old, lives on his home property and still drives to town twice a week to join in the Men's Shed antics. Howard was thrilled to be presented with Roma Branch Life Membership at our AGM in September 2020.
Barbara joined Roma ICPA with her husband Allen in 1992. She worked part time as a teacher whilst raising their 5 children on ‘Echo’, 60km NW of Roma. Barb started attending meetings in 1994. She became Secretary in 2000 and President in 2004. She went on to become a State Councillor from 2005-2008. She still attends Roma Branch’s AGMs and is continually supporting current committees. Barbara was honoured to be presented with Roma Branch Life Membership at Roma Branch’s AGM in 2020.
Dorinda has been a Roma ICPA member since the mid-1980s, whilst living on their property east of Surat. She became the Branch Secretary and held that position until 1990 when she was elected to ICPA State Council at the Clermont Conference. Dorinda then became State Council’s Assistant Secretary in 1991, then Vice President from 1992-1994. During her time as both a State Councillor and Roma Branch member, Dorinda attended many State and Federal conferences in Kalgoorlie, Alice Springs and Adelaide and others. In 1997 Roma Branch hosted the Federal Conference and Dorinda was the convenor, supported by a fantastic committee. At the Conference dinner that year, Dorinda was presented with Roma Branch Life Membership, which came as a complete surprise. Dorinda and her husband Ennis now reside in Roma.
Florence has been a member of the branch since its inception. She has held the positions of Vice-President (1979-1980), Secretary (1982-1984) and President (1985-1986). Florence continued her support for ICPA after her own children left school. Much of her contribution will not be found in the minutes book - rather her efforts with branch catering and fundraising were behind the scenes. Florence always endeavoured to find time to attend all meetings concerned with education in the area and had a general concern for the quality of and access to education for all children.
Howard and Barbara were presented with Branch Life Membership in September 2020.
Florence convenes State Conference in Roma in 1988.
