Alison Murphy – Cairns Radio Branch Life Member, 2000
Alison Murphy joined the Cairns Radio Branch of ICPA in 1979, bringing with her a strong personal understanding of the challenges of educating children in isolated areas. Living with her husband Tony on properties north of Hughenden, Alison taught their two children, David and Jenny, by correspondence from Years 1 to 7, before they left home to attend boarding school for their secondary education.
Alison became Branch Treasurer in October 1982, a position she held for eight years until October 1991. When the Cairns Radio Branch hosted the 1992 ICPA Queensland State Conference, Alison stepped into the demanding role of Conference Convenor, helping lead the organisation of this significant event.
At that conference, Alison was elected to ICPA Qld State Council. After serving one year as a Councillor, she was elected State Treasurer, a position she held for five years until her resignation in October 1998. During her years on Council, Alison contributed across a wide range of portfolios, including Boarding Schools and Hostels, Allowances, Further and Tertiary Education, Information Technology and Curriculum. She also served on the News & Views subcommittee.
Alison’s particular contribution to Boarding Schools saw her lead the portfolio for several years. She represented ICPA at meetings and assisted in preparing numerous submissions, ensuring the concerns of geographically isolated families whose children needed to leave home for their education were represented at State level.
After completing her State Council service, Alison returned to Branch leadership as Cairns Radio Branch Secretary. She was also a regular delegate at State and Federal Conferences and remained a strong supporter and mentor within the Branch, encouraging new members and providing valuable support to young mothers beginning their own journey of teaching children at home. Alison also contributed tirelessly to Branch fundraising over many years.
In recognition of her more than 20 years of dedicated service, eight years as Branch Treasurer, leadership as State Conference Convenor, five years as ICPA Qld State Treasurer and her ongoing commitment to the Cairns Radio Branch, Alison Murphy was awarded Branch Life Membership on 8 December 2000, with the presentation taking place in May 2001. Her Life Membership recognised an exceptional contribution to both her Branch and ICPA Qld.
