Athol & Myrtle Greaves – Auburn Burrandowan Cadarga Branch Life Members, 2000
Athol and Myrtle Greaves were longstanding and dedicated members of the Auburn Burrandowan Cadarga Branch of ICPA, contributing more than two decades of service, leadership and support to improving educational opportunities for geographically isolated children. Their commitment to ICPA began in 1973, when they became members of the Auburn Burrandowan Cadarga Branch, and continued through the development and growth of the organisation in their district. Their firsthand experience of the challenges associated with educating children in isolated areas gave them a strong understanding of the importance of ICPA and its advocacy for rural families.
Both Athol and Myrtle played an important role in the establishment of the Auburn Burrandowan Cadarga Branch, attending its inaugural meeting at Boondooma on 25 March 1984. Their involvement helped bring families together and strengthen ICPA's presence throughout the district.
Over the years, Athol and Myrtle became highly valued members of the Branch, generously contributing their time, energy and enthusiasm to its activities. Both held various office-bearing positions, providing leadership and practical support to ensure the Branch remained active and effective in representing isolated families.
In 1987, the Auburn Burrandowan Cadarga Branch hosted the ICPA Queensland State Conference in Chinchilla, with Athol and Myrtle serving on the organising committee. Their contribution to the planning and delivery of this important event reflected their willingness to undertake significant responsibilities for the benefit of ICPA and its members.
Athol and Myrtle were also well known for their hospitality and generosity. Their home became a welcoming meeting place for Branch members, with the couple regularly providing a venue for meetings and informal gatherings. Their willingness to open their home and support fellow members helped foster the friendship and community spirit that are such important aspects of ICPA.
Their commitment extended beyond their local Branch, with Athol and Myrtle travelling as delegates to numerous ICPA Queensland State Conferences, presenting motions on behalf of the Auburn Burrandowan Cadarga Branch. Through this involvement, they helped ensure the concerns and educational needs of families in their district were represented at State level.
One particularly memorable occasion was their attendance at the ICPA Queensland State Conference in Hughenden, which coincided with their 40th wedding anniversary. Rather than celebrating the occasion elsewhere, Athol and Myrtle chose to spend it attending an ICPA conference, reflecting the importance of the organisation in their lives.
Throughout their many years of involvement, Athol and Myrtle demonstrated the value of working together to support their community. Their dedication, hospitality and willingness to contribute wherever needed made them highly respected members of the Branch.
In recognition of their more than 20 years of dedicated service, Branch leadership, contribution to the 1987 State Conference, extensive conference representation and longstanding support of isolated families, Athol and Myrtle Greaves were awarded Life Membership of the Auburn Burrandowan Cadarga Branch in 2000. Their Life Membership acknowledged their outstanding contribution to ICPA and the important role they played in strengthening the Branch and supporting rural and remote education.
