Gina Harrington – Julia Creek Branch Life Member, 2023
Gina Harrington has been a passionate and dedicated member of ICPA for more than 30 years. Her commitment to ICPA quickly grew, and in 1993 she was part of the Burke and Wills Branch committee that hosted the ICPA Queensland State Conference in Mt Isa.
Following the closure of the Burke and Wills Branch, Gina joined the Julia Creek Branch, where she became an enthusiastic advocate for growing and strengthening ICPA. Over the years, she recruited many new members, encouraging not only parents but also teachers to become involved. Gina strongly believed in ICPA’s role in working towards quality educational opportunities for all children living in rural areas and enthusiastically shared that message with others.
Throughout her more than three decades of involvement, Gina held numerous leadership positions within the Branch, including President, Treasurer and Secretary. Beyond these formal roles, she remained a dependable source of support and knowledge for incoming Presidents, Secretaries and Treasurers and continued to contribute as an active committee member. Gina also represented the Branch at numerous ICPA Qld State Conferences as a delegate.
Gina’s commitment is particularly evident in the fact that her involvement continued long after her own family’s schooling journey had finished. After spending 19 years educating her children, she remained an active ICPA member, continuing to assist with Branch fundraising, catering and community events. She regularly helped with activities such as Caravan Park dinners, using these opportunities to speak with tourists and visitors about ICPA and the important work the organisation undertakes.
Perhaps one of Gina’s greatest contributions has been her ability to encourage others. Her enthusiasm has helped recruit new members, support successive Branch executives and ensure that the knowledge and passion of experienced ICPA members are passed on to the next generation.
In recognition of her more than 30 years of service, extensive Branch leadership, conference representation, fundraising and unwavering advocacy for rural education, Gina Harrington was awarded Life Membership of the Julia Creek Branch. Her Life Membership recognises an enduring contribution to ICPA and a passion for supporting rural and remote children and families that has continued well beyond her own family’s years of schooling.
