Jenny Crichton – Charleville Branch Life Member, 2005
Jenny Crichton’s contribution to the Charleville Branch of ICPA was marked by many years of dedicated leadership, advocacy and a strong commitment to the education of isolated children. Described by her Branch as a remarkable woman, mentor and friend, Jenny brought the same tenacity and endurance she instilled in her three daughters to her work with ICPA.
Jenny served as President of the Charleville Branch on two occasions, from 1982 to 1985 and again from 1990 to 1996. During her second term, the Charleville Bursary Scheme was introduced to encourage Year 7 students as they transitioned to secondary school. First instigated in 1993, the award continued for many years as an important initiative of the Branch.
Jenny also played an important role in several significant ICPA conferences. She was actively involved in hosting the 1980 State Conference in Charleville and was a driving force behind the highly successful 1996 Silver Jubilee State Conference. When Charleville was invited to host the 2002 ICPA Australia Year of the Outback Federal Conference, Jenny once again worked tirelessly alongside fellow Branch members. She also represented Charleville as a delegate at numerous State and Federal Conferences, ensuring the issues affecting local families were clearly presented.
Another important contribution was Jenny’s longstanding involvement with the annual School of Distance Education Sports Muster, an important fundraiser for the Branch. Over many years she assisted with its organisation while encouraging members to participate at all levels of ICPA and consistently leading by example.
Jenny’s commitment to the education and future pathways of isolated children remained at the heart of her ICPA involvement. Her leadership, willingness to give of her time and dedication to both the Branch and the families it represented made her a highly valued member of the Charleville ICPA community.
In recognition of her many years of leadership, advocacy and outstanding service, Jenny Crichton was awarded Life Membership of the Charleville Branch on 5 November 2005. Her Life Membership acknowledged a remarkable contribution and enduring dedication to ICPA and the education of rural and remote children.
