Del Luke – Clermont Branch Life Member, 1997
Del Luke was an active member of the Clermont Branch of ICPA for many years, serving in numerous leadership roles and becoming a passionate advocate for improved educational opportunities for isolated children. Her commitment was particularly significant given that she lived on a very isolated property, three hours from town, while educating her own five children.
As a Branch delegate to the 1978 ICPA Queensland State Conference in Emerald, Del presented a Clermont Branch motion calling for the decentralisation of the Primary Correspondence School. This advocacy ultimately came to fruition with the establishment of Schools of Distance Education. In 1991, Del again became involved with this issue as ICPA worked towards establishing a School of Distance Education in Central Queensland.
Del’s own experience teaching her five children gave her a strong understanding of the challenges faced by home tutors and isolated families. In 1975, she was involved in establishing the Clermont Correspondence Activity Day Group, which she helped organise for many years in conjunction with Branch meetings. Del was fondly remembered for arriving with her five small children in all kinds of weather, along with large jars of biscuits to provide smoko for everyone.
Over the years, Del held numerous leadership positions within the Clermont Branch. She served as Vice President from 1981 to 1985, President from 1986 to 1988 and Publicity Officer in 1989. She represented the Branch as a delegate at the 1981 State Conference and the 1984 Federal Conference in Townsville, and coordinated the Education Week display in 1988. Del was also involved with the Capricornia SDE Reference Group in 1992 and co-compiled Reflections, a history of the Clermont Branch, that same year.
In 1993, Del took on the demanding role of VISE Coordinator for the Capricornia region, continuing in this position until early 1997. This further reflected her longstanding commitment to supporting isolated students and their families.
Described by her Branch as a “true champion” of the Clermont ICPA, Del gave of herself unstintingly, contributing countless hours in practical, hands-on ways to improve access to education for isolated students. In recognition of her enthusiasm, leadership and many years of dedicated service, Del Luke was awarded Life Membership of the Clermont Branch on 28 October 1997.
