Lex & Beulah Stephenson – Cunnamulla Branch Life Members, 1981
Lex and Beulah Stephenson played an important role in the establishment and early development of the Cunnamulla Branch of ICPA. The Branch was formed at a public meeting on 28 August 1971, chaired by Councillor Jack Tonkin, making Cunnamulla the first ICPA Branch established in Queensland, following the formation of the original ICPA Branch at Bourke earlier that year.
Lex was elected the inaugural President of the Cunnamulla Branch, taking a leading role as the new organisation began establishing itself within Queensland. At the following Annual General Meeting on 30 September 1972, Beulah accepted the position of Secretary/Treasurer. Together, they continued in their executive roles until the Branch AGM in October 1974.
Having raised four children themselves, Lex and Beulah understood firsthand the difficulties associated with educating children in the bush. At a time when ICPA was still a very new organisation, they became ardent advocates for isolated children and worked to increase awareness of the challenges rural families faced. They actively promoted the aims of ICPA and helped spread the word about the organisation throughout their district.
Their contribution came during the formative years of ICPA, when policies were only beginning to be developed and governments were being made aware of the educational disadvantages experienced by isolated families. Lex and Beulah’s willingness to take on leadership roles and advocate for change helped establish a strong foundation for the Cunnamulla Branch and ICPA’s growing presence in Queensland.
Beyond ICPA, Lex and Beulah were also strong supporters of the Cunnamulla district, with active involvement in organisations including the Pony Club and Show Society. Their commitment reflected a broader dedication to their local community and the families who lived within it. 1981 - 6 - Lex Stephenson and 7…
In recognition of their pioneering contribution and dedicated service to ICPA, Lex and Beulah Stephenson were jointly awarded Life Membership of the Cunnamulla Branch at its 10th Annual General Meeting on 6 November 1981. Their Life Memberships were presented by Councillor Jack Tonkin, who had chaired the meeting at which the Branch was established a decade earlier—a fitting acknowledgement of their role in the beginnings of ICPA in Queensland.
