June-Mary Mott – Richmond Branch Life Member, 1991
June-Mary Mott was a foundation member of the Richmond Branch of ICPA, joining when the Branch was established in 1971. Over the following two decades, she became a dedicated and highly respected advocate for rural and remote education, contributing significantly to ICPA at Branch and State levels. Her commitment to improving educational opportunities for geographically isolated children extended well beyond her local community, with June-Mary actively representing the needs of isolated families through numerous committees, conferences and educational initiatives.
June's leadership within the Richmond Branch began in 1973, when she was elected to the Branch executive. In 1977, she became Branch President, a position she held until 1982. Throughout these years, she provided strong leadership and worked tirelessly to ensure the concerns of rural families were heard and addressed.
Her contribution extended to ICPA Queensland State Council, where she was elected on 3 September 1982 and served until 19 October 1985. During this time, June held responsibility for the Travel, Student Hostels and Teacher Training portfolios, advocating for improvements in areas particularly important to geographically isolated families. She also represented the Richmond Branch at numerous State and Federal Conferences and served as the Queensland representative at the first Northern Territory Conference.
June's advocacy reached well beyond her formal ICPA positions. She served on numerous committees focused on improving education for isolated students, contributing submissions, research and recommendations to help influence educational policy and decision-making.
Among her significant contributions was her involvement in the Bachelor of Education Review in Sydney in 1987, where she represented the interests of rural education. She also contributed to Towards 2000 at Kelvin Grove and campaigned for the deregulation of bus services, recognising the importance of accessible transport for rural and remote students.
June was also one of the initiators of the Trainee Teachers to the West scheme; an initiative aimed at encouraging student teachers to gain experience in rural and remote communities. Her involvement reflected a strong understanding of the challenges associated with attracting and retaining teachers in isolated areas and the importance of exposing future educators to rural schooling.
Her expertise and commitment were further recognised through her role as an ICPA representative on the ABC Advisory Council, where she provided a voice for geographically isolated families. In June 1990, she also participated in the Think Tank at James Cook University's Rural Education Research and Development Centre, contributing to discussions on the future of rural education.
Throughout her involvement, June was recognised for her determination, knowledge and tireless work on behalf of isolated children. Her willingness to contribute to committees, prepare submissions and represent ICPA at conferences ensured that the educational challenges faced by rural families remained firmly on the agenda.
In recognition of her 20 years of dedicated service, leadership as Richmond Branch President, three years on ICPA Queensland State Council and extensive contribution to rural education advocacy, June-Mary Mott was awarded Life Membership of the Richmond Branch on 19 October 1991. Her Life Membership badge and certificate were presented at the Richmond Branch's 20th Anniversary Dinner. The honour acknowledged her exceptional contribution to ICPA and her longstanding dedication to improving educational opportunities for isolated children throughout Queensland.
