Clair O’Brien – Cairns Radio Branch Life Member, 1994
Clair O’Brien joined ICPA in 1978 and became an active and committed member at Branch, State and Federal levels. Her many years of service were characterised by a particular passion for Special Education and Distance Education, areas in which she had considerable personal experience and knowledge.
At Branch level, Clair served as Vice President and New Members Coordinator of the Cairns Radio Branch. She also represented ICPA on the PCAP Northern Committee and State Management Committee for almost 10 years, providing an important voice for isolated families and their educational needs.
In 1985, Clair was elected to ICPA Qld State Council, where she served until 1990. Her contribution then extended nationally when she was elected to ICPA Federal Council in 1988, remaining a Federal Councillor until 1993. Her principal portfolios were Special Education and Distance Education, where her firsthand experience and extensive knowledge enabled her to make a valuable contribution to ICPA’s advocacy.
In 1993, Clair and her family moved from Queensland to the Northern Territory. Despite leaving Queensland, she maintained her connection with ICPA as a Lone Member in the Northern Territory, while also devoting considerable energy to the Landcare movement.
Clair’s contribution to her wider community was also recognised in 1990, when she received the Dalrymple Shire Australia Day Citizen Award. Her ongoing contribution to rural life was later acknowledged in 1996 when she received the ABC Northern Territory Rural Woman of the Year Award.
In recognition of her extensive service at Branch, State and Federal levels, Clair O’Brien was presented with Life Membership of the Cairns Radio Branch in 1994. Her Life Membership acknowledged years of dedicated service and her significant contribution to improving educational opportunities for isolated children and their families.
