Kim Hughes – Richmond Branch Life Member, 2022
Kim Hughes has been a passionate and dedicated member of ICPA since joining the Richmond Branch in 2002, contributing significantly to the organisation at Branch, State and Federal levels. Over two decades, Kim has demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to improving educational opportunities for geographically isolated children and their families.
Kim initially joined ICPA to connect with other mothers sharing similar experiences of raising and educating children in the bush. She quickly became an active member of the Richmond Branch, serving in executive positions including Publicity Officer and Secretary. Her involvement strengthened her understanding of the challenges faced by rural families and the importance of having a collective voice through ICPA.
In 2006, Kim attended her first ICPA Queensland State Conference as a Richmond Branch delegate in Mt Isa. It was here that she gained a greater appreciation of ICPA's advocacy processes and the influence that motions brought forward by Branches could have on government policy and educational outcomes. This experience inspired her to become increasingly involved in the organisation.
Kim was elected to ICPA Queensland State Council at the 2011 State Conference in Rockhampton, taking responsibility for the Distance Education portfolio. Her leadership came at a particularly challenging time, with the introduction of the Curriculum into the Classroom (C2C) initiative in 2012. The transition to a more complex, digitally focused curriculum created significant challenges for Distance Education families, and Kim worked tirelessly to ensure their concerns were communicated to the Department of Education and relevant stakeholders.
Throughout this period, Kim maintained strong connections with Branch members, listening to their experiences and assisting them in preparing motions for State Conference. Her commitment to ensuring that advocacy reflected the practical realities faced by families became a defining feature of her leadership.
In 2012, Kim was appointed Vice President of ICPA Queensland State Council, recognising her outstanding contribution and leadership abilities. After three years in this role, she was elected ICPA Queensland State President at the 2015 State Conference in Cloncurry.
During her presidency, Kim worked to strengthen ICPA's profile and ensure the organisation remained connected to its grassroots membership. She encouraged greater communication between Branches and State Council, supported the development of emerging leaders and promoted opportunities for the next generation of ICPA members to become actively involved.
One of Kim's significant achievements during her time on State Council was leading a comprehensive review and redevelopment of the ICPA Queensland Constitution, helping create a clearer, more practical and contemporary governance document. Her dedication to strengthening the organisation's structure and future sustainability was an important part of her contribution.
After eight years on ICPA Queensland State Council, Kim concluded her State Council service in June 2019. However, her passion for rural education and commitment to ICPA continued. In August 2020, Kim was elected to ICPA Federal Council, taking responsibility for the Tertiary and Training portfolio. Her leadership and organisational abilities were further recognised in November 2021, when she accepted the position of Federal Secretary, a role she continued to hold at the time of her Life Membership nomination in 2022.
Throughout her involvement at every level of ICPA, Kim has remained a strong advocate for ensuring the organisation's priorities are driven by the experiences and concerns of its members. She has consistently encouraged families to raise issues affecting their children's education, recognising that Branch motions and grassroots advocacy are fundamental to ICPA's continued relevance and effectiveness.
Beyond her formal leadership positions, Kim has generously volunteered countless hours to supporting fellow members, mentoring emerging leaders and strengthening the organisation. Her professionalism, dedication and willingness to undertake demanding responsibilities have earned her considerable respect throughout ICPA.
In recognition of her 20 years of dedicated membership, Branch executive service, eight years on ICPA Queensland State Council, leadership as State President, contribution to constitutional reform and continued service on Federal Council, Kim Hughes was recognised with Life Membership of the Richmond Branch in 2022. Her Life Membership acknowledged an exceptional contribution to ICPA and her enduring commitment to ensuring geographically isolated children and their families have access to equitable educational opportunities.
