Elizabeth Shoecraft – Dawson Valley Branch Life Member, 2021
Liz Shoecraft has been a longstanding and dedicated member of the Dawson Valley Branch of ICPA, giving many years of service to rural families and advocating strongly for equitable educational opportunities. Liz served as Branch President from 1999 to 2012, providing 13 years of committed leadership, before taking on the role of Publicity Officer from 2012.
Liz’s commitment to ICPA continued well beyond the schooling years of her own children. In a 2006 President’s report, she explained that she remained involved because she still cared deeply about what happened in small rural and remote communities and believed ICPA provided an essential voice for children’s educational opportunities from Early Childhood through to Tertiary education.
Together with her husband Keith, Liz operated several school bus runs servicing Theodore P–10 State School. This gave her an extensive understanding of school transport and the allowances available to rural families. Branch members relied heavily on Liz’s knowledge—she knew the distances of local bus runs and worked to ensure eligible students and families received the assistance to which they were entitled. Even after stepping away from the executive, she remained the Branch’s “go to” person for bus-run matters and navigating forms.
Liz also represented Dawson Valley extensively at State and Federal Conferences, often travelling thousands of kilometres with fellow member Anne Chater. Together they represented the Branch at conferences from Canberra, Adelaide and Darwin to Cloncurry, Charleville, St George and Longreach. Liz even travelled alone to Katherine for a conference, demonstrating her commitment to ICPA and its advocacy.
Throughout her involvement, Liz remained determined that rural children should receive the same educational opportunities as children in regional and metropolitan areas. She was never afraid to write letters highlighting inequities and continued to advocate strongly whenever she identified discrepancies affecting rural families.
Liz also contributed countless hours to Branch fundraising and community activities. Whether loading her school bus with supplies to sell tea, coffee, sandwiches, cakes and steakburgers at local events, selling raffle tickets or simply explaining the benefits of ICPA to others, she willingly gave her time to strengthen the Branch and support its work.
In recognition of her 13 years as President, ongoing service as Publicity Officer, extensive conference representation, advocacy and tireless commitment to rural education, Liz Shoecraft was nominated for Life Membership of the Dawson Valley Branch in 2021. Her nomination particularly acknowledged that it was through Liz’s dedication and determination that the Dawson Valley Branch continued to remain active and support rural families.
