Emma Brodie – Winton Branch Life Member, 2021
Emma Brodie has made an outstanding contribution to the Winton Branch of ICPA, demonstrating more than 25 years of dedication, leadership and commitment to improving educational opportunities for geographically isolated children. Her extensive involvement at both Branch and State levels, combined with her enthusiasm for community projects and willingness to undertake significant responsibilities, has made her a highly valued and respected member of ICPA.
In 2004, Emma was elected Branch Vice President, sharing the position with Elisabeth Mayne. With no President elected that year, the two women jointly guided the Branch, with Emma chairing meetings while Elisabeth managed correspondence from State and Federal Councils. Although Emma described the experience as a steep learning curve, she embraced the responsibilities with enthusiasm, developing her knowledge of meeting procedures and Branch administration. That same year, she represented Winton as a delegate at the ICPA Queensland State Conference in Blackall, beginning many years of conference involvement.
At the 2004 Annual General Meeting, Emma accepted the position of Branch President, serving for six years from 2005 to 2010. Throughout her presidency, she provided strong leadership, bringing dedication, humour and enthusiasm to the role. She was particularly remembered for including thoughtful and inspiring quotations in her annual reports, reflecting her positive approach to leadership and her commitment to the organisation.
During her presidency, Emma represented Winton at numerous ICPA Queensland State Conferences, attending as a Branch delegate in 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2011. Her continued involvement ensured the concerns and educational needs of families throughout the Winton district were represented within the wider organisation.
One of Emma's most significant contributions came in 2008, when she and fellow Winton delegate Donna Paynter successfully presented the Branch's bid to host the following year's State Conference. Emma subsequently undertook the demanding role of Conference Convenor, leading the planning and organisation of the 38th ICPA Queensland State Conference, “Waltzing into the Future”, held in Winton in September 2009. Her leadership, organisational abilities and willingness to coordinate a team of volunteers contributed to the successful delivery of this important event.
After stepping down as Branch President at the end of 2010, Emma immediately accepted the role of Branch Publicity Officer, a position she held for three years. Her commitment to promoting ICPA and keeping members informed demonstrated her willingness to continue contributing beyond her formal leadership responsibilities.
In 2011, Emma was elected to ICPA Queensland State Council at the Rockhampton State Conference, beginning four years of service at State level. During this time, she held responsibility for the Post Compulsory and Travel portfolios, contributing to advocacy concerning educational pathways beyond compulsory schooling and the travel challenges faced by geographically isolated families.
Emma's enthusiasm for creating opportunities for rural children extended beyond formal ICPA advocacy. At the 2013 State Conference in Toowoomba, Emma and fellow Winton members met singer-songwriter Josh Arnold, who spoke about engaging students through music, particularly in small rural and remote schools. Inspired by his presentation, the idea emerged to bring Josh and his team to Winton to work with local students to create a song celebrating their community.
Emma became a driving force behind the project, helping develop the idea, secure funding and in-kind support, coordinate stakeholders and ensure the initiative became a reality. In 2015, the project culminated in the creation of “Waltzing in the Dusty Diamantina”, a song celebrating the resilience, determination and community spirit of Winton. Her commitment helped provide local children with a memorable creative opportunity while strengthening community pride.
In 2017, Emma once again demonstrated her organisational abilities when she led preparations for the Winton Branch's 45th anniversary celebrations. Held at the Winton Club on 21 October 2017, the event brought members together to reflect on the Branch's history and achievements. Despite last-minute changes caused by rain, the celebration was enjoyed by those attending, with inaugural Branch President Noel Kennedy among the special guests.
Emma continued her involvement in major ICPA events, serving on the convening committee for the 2018 ICPA Queensland State Conference hosted by the Winton Branch. Her willingness to contribute to another State Conference reflected her dedication to supporting the Branch and ensuring the success of its activities.
Throughout her many years of involvement, Emma has been recognised for her enthusiasm, leadership, humour and willingness to encourage others. She has consistently promoted ICPA, welcomed new members and inspired fellow volunteers to become involved. Her contribution has extended well beyond executive positions, encompassing fundraising, conference organisation, community celebrations and initiatives that have created lasting opportunities for rural children.
In recognition of her 25 years of dedicated membership, six years as Branch President, service as Vice President and Publicity Officer, four years on ICPA Queensland State Council, leadership as Convenor of the 2009 State Conference, involvement in the 2018 State Conference and outstanding contribution to community initiatives, Emma Brodie was nominated for Life Membership of the Winton Branch in 2021.
