Loretta lives with her husband Noel and their two sons on a family-run cattle property north of Alpha, in central Queensland. Their eldest son, Lochlan has completed his education and is now working at home within the family business. Their younger son, Zane is currently in Year 9 and attends boarding school in Charters Towers.
Before starting a family, Loretta worked in the early childhood sector for many years. After moving to the property, she became a teacher aide at the local one teacher school, which her sons attended during their primary years. She also supported their education through the School of Distance Education, reflecting her commitment to rural learning.
Loretta has been actively involved with the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association (ICPA) since moving to her area. In 2021, at the Cunnamulla 50-year conference, she nominated for State Council, after many years of attending conferences as a delegate for the Alpha Branch. Loretta has thoroughly enjoyed contributing to the work of the State Council, advocating for improved educational opportunities for rural and remote students. Loretta currently holds the position of portfolio leader for the schools-Students and Staffing and sits on a few other portfolios. She values the experience and teamwork that comes with being part of ICPA.
In addition to her role on State Council, Loretta has served as secretary of her branch for over 9 years and has recently stepped down from this role but remains a dedicated member of her branch, helping with the annual Alpha seven a side cricket day and many other events the branch run. She was also on the convening committee as Secretary when Alpha hosted the 2016 State Conference in a Tent City.
Beyond ICPA, Loretta is actively involved in several local community groups and enjoys volunteering to support events and initiatives in her area.
For Loretta, being involved in her community and the ICPA is not just a role – it’s a way of life in rural areas, where supporting our children’s education is more important than ever.
