Heather Turnbull – Tambo Branch Life Membership, 2026
Heather Turnbull has made an outstanding contribution to the Tambo Branch of ICPA, demonstrating more than 30 years of dedication, leadership and commitment to supporting rural and remote children and their families. Her extensive involvement in Branch administration, fundraising and conference representation, combined with her longstanding service as Branch President, has made her a highly valued and respected member of ICPA.
Heather joined the Tambo Branch in 1993, when she was the mother of three young children. Over the following years, her family grew to six children, all of whom attended Tambo State School. Her firsthand experience of raising and educating a large family in a rural community strengthened her understanding of the challenges faced by geographically isolated families and reinforced her belief in the importance of ICPA's advocacy for equitable educational opportunities.
Throughout her membership, Heather has been an enthusiastic and dependable supporter of the Tambo Branch, willingly contributing her time and energy to its activities. She undertook a variety of committee and executive responsibilities, including serving as Branch Publicity Officer and Vice President, providing valuable leadership and organisational support to fellow members.
Heather was also instrumental in organising numerous Branch catering and fundraising activities, generously contributing her time and practical skills to ensure their success. These events not only provided important financial support for the Branch but also brought members and the wider community together, strengthening the friendships and connections that are such an important part of ICPA.
In 2013, Heather was elected President of the Tambo Branch, beginning nine years of dedicated leadership. Throughout her presidency, she provided stability, consistency and guidance, helping the Branch navigate changing circumstances while ensuring the educational needs of rural and remote families remained a priority.
Heather's leadership was characterised by her integrity, commitment and willingness to support fellow members. She actively encouraged new families to join ICPA, recognising the importance of maintaining a strong and engaged membership to ensure the organisation continued to represent the needs of geographically isolated children.
Her welcoming and supportive approach helped foster a positive Branch environment, encouraging members to become involved and contribute to the organisation's activities and advocacy. Heather understood the importance of building relationships, sharing knowledge and ensuring new members felt valued and supported.
Heather's contribution extended beyond her local Branch through her regular attendance at ICPA Queensland State and Federal Conferences, where she represented the Tambo Branch and helped ensure the concerns of local families were heard within the wider organisation. Her willingness to undertake these responsibilities, while balancing the demands of raising six children and managing family commitments, demonstrated her dedication to ICPA and its purpose.
Throughout her more than three decades of involvement, Heather has remained committed to strengthening the Tambo Branch and supporting the families it represents. Her extensive experience, organisational abilities and willingness to contribute wherever needed have provided valuable continuity and guidance to successive Branch committees.
Importantly, Heather's commitment to ICPA has extended well beyond her own family's educational needs. Her continued involvement reflects a genuine belief in the importance of supporting future generations of rural and remote children and ensuring their families have access to appropriate educational opportunities.
In recognition of her more than 30 years of dedicated membership, service as Branch Publicity Officer and Vice President, nine years as Branch President, extensive contribution to catering and fundraising activities, regular representation at State and Federal Conferences and unwavering support of the Tambo Branch, Heather Turnbull was awarded Life Membership of the Tambo Branch.
