Fay Nugent – Tambo Branch Life Membership, 2015
Fay Nugent has been a dedicated and highly respected member of ICPA for many years, contributing significantly to the organisation through her leadership, educational expertise and commitment to improving opportunities for geographically isolated children. Her extensive experience as a teacher, Home Tutor and parent of five children has provided her with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by rural and remote families.
Fay and Alec became members of the Clermont Branch of ICPA, where Fay became actively involved in Branch activities. She was preparing to take on the role of Branch President when the family relocated to Tambo. Following the move, Fay joined the Tambo Branch, continuing her commitment to ICPA and rural education advocacy.
In 1998, Fay was elected to ICPA Queensland State Council at the Longreach State Conference, beginning six years of dedicated service until 2004. During this time, she held responsibility for several important portfolios, including Small Schools, Curriculum, Small Remote Schools and Distance Education. Her professional teaching background, combined with her firsthand experience educating children in isolated areas, made her a knowledgeable and effective advocate across these portfolios.
Fay's expertise in curriculum was particularly valuable. In 1999, she travelled to Longreach to attend discussions concerning national literacy and numeracy standards. Following this meeting, Fay prepared a submission addressing the Draft 7 National Literacy and Numeracy Benchmarks, ensuring the needs and circumstances of rural and remote students were considered in the development of educational policy.
Alongside her portfolio responsibilities, Fay also served as the ICPA Queensland Priority Country Area Program (PCAP) Coordinator in 1999. Her involvement reflected her commitment to improving educational resources, support and opportunities for students attending rural and remote schools.
At Branch level, Fay provided valuable leadership as President of the Tambo Branch, contributing to its ongoing activities and advocacy. Her organisational abilities and dedication were particularly evident when she undertook the demanding role of Convenor of the 2007 ICPA Queensland State Conference held in Tambo. The conference was recognised as a great success, reflecting Fay's commitment and the considerable effort involved in coordinating such an important event.
Importantly, Fay's involvement with ICPA continued long after her own children had completed their formal education. As a grandmother, she remained an active and supportive member of the Tambo Branch, regularly contributing to Branch activities and maintaining a strong interest in the educational opportunities available to future generations of rural families.
Throughout her years of involvement, Fay has demonstrated the value of combining professional knowledge with practical experience. Her understanding of rural schooling, willingness to undertake leadership responsibilities and commitment to supporting other families have made her a highly valued member of ICPA.
In recognition of her longstanding Branch membership, leadership as Tambo Branch President, six years on ICPA Queensland State Council, significant contributions to curriculum and Distance Education advocacy, service as PCAP Coordinator and outstanding work as Convenor of the 2007 State Conference, Fay Nugent was nominated for Life Membership of the Tambo Branch. Her nomination acknowledged her exceptional dedication to ICPA and her enduring commitment to improving educational opportunities for geographically isolated children and families throughout Queensland.
