Dianne Redman – Taroom/Wandoan Branch Life Member, 2000
Dianne Redman was a foundation member of the Taroom/Wandoan Branch of ICPA, playing an instrumental role in establishing the Branch and supporting its growth into one of the largest ICPA Branches in Queensland. Her dedication, generosity and willingness to undertake the work required behind the scenes made her a highly valued member and a strong advocate for geographically isolated families.
Dianne's involvement began in 1987, when Sue Frame of the Auburn/Burrandowan/Cadarga Branch advertised in the Chinchilla News that ICPA Queensland President Teresa Cobb would be visiting the Taroom/Wandoan district to gauge interest in forming a local Branch. As the proposed meeting date approached, there had been little discussion among local families, prompting Dianne to take the initiative to contact friends and neighbours to encourage their attendance.
Her efforts proved successful, and on 21 November 1987, the Taroom/Wandoan Branch of ICPA was officially established. Dianne was elected the inaugural Branch Treasurer, a position she held for five years. During this time, she managed the Branch's finances efficiently, ensuring funds were available to support ICPA Queensland State and Federal Councils in their advocacy for improved educational opportunities for isolated children.
From the outset, Dianne strongly believed that the Branch should represent both the Taroom and Wandoan communities equally. She advocated for meetings to be held alternately in each town, ensuring members from both districts had opportunities to participate and remain connected to the organisation.
Dianne was particularly committed to supporting families whose children had completed their schooling. She recognised the value of retaining experienced members and made a special effort to encourage them to remain involved in ICPA. Her willingness to personally contact members, answer enquiries and provide practical assistance helped strengthen the Branch and maintain its membership.
One of Dianne's most significant contributions was her assistance with educational allowance applications. Until 1999, she regularly organised allowance forms for Wandoan members and followed up with families to ensure they were aware of and received the financial assistance to which they were entitled. Her efforts provided valuable support to families navigating the financial challenges associated with educating children in geographically isolated areas.
Dianne was also a strong supporter of Branch fundraising, particularly the annual fundraising dinner, which was held alternately in Taroom and Wandoan. She willingly contributed her time and energy to organising and supporting these events, helping maintain the Branch's financial strength and its ability to contribute to ICPA's wider advocacy.
Although Dianne preferred to work quietly behind the scenes rather than seek recognition, she also represented the Taroom/Wandoan Branch as a delegate at several ICPA conferences. Her involvement demonstrated her commitment to ensuring the educational needs of families throughout the district were represented within the wider organisation.
In 1996, Dianne volunteered to coordinate the distribution of ICPA Queensland's News & Views magazine, undertaking an important responsibility that supported communication with members across the state. Initially, she organised volunteers from Taroom and Wandoan to assist with preparing and mailing the publication. However, recognising the logistical challenges involved, Dianne eventually took on much of the work herself, with assistance from her family.
For several years, Dianne generously devoted her time to ensuring News & Views was mailed to members, providing an essential communication link between ICPA Queensland and families throughout the state. Remarkably, even after Dianne and her husband Malcolm retired and relocated to Toowoomba, she continued undertaking this responsibility, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the organisation.
Throughout her involvement, Dianne was recognised for her reliability, generosity and willingness to support fellow members. Her practical assistance was particularly valued by Branch office bearers, who knew they could depend on her whenever additional help was needed. Her encouragement of new members and continued support of existing families played an important role in the Branch's growth and success.
Dianne's dedication helped ensure the Taroom/Wandoan Branch remained active, financially strong and well connected to the wider ICPA organisation. Her contribution reflected the importance of volunteers whose countless hours of work behind the scenes provide the foundation for successful Branches.
In recognition of her foundation membership, five years as inaugural Branch Treasurer, commitment to membership growth, assistance with educational allowances, conference representation, fundraising and outstanding contribution to the distribution of News & Views, Dianne Redman was awarded Life Membership of the Taroom/Wandoan Branch on 25 October 2000. Her Life Membership acknowledged an exceptional contribution to ICPA and her longstanding dedication to supporting geographically isolated children and their families.
