Lynden Goddard – Bollon Branch Life Member, 1987
Lynden Goddard’s involvement with the Bollon Branch of ICPA began well before his own children commenced their schooling. His family experienced several forms of rural education, including correspondence schooling under their mother’s tuition, Bollon State School and later boarding school in Warwick. This firsthand experience gave Lynden a strong understanding of the educational challenges faced by geographically isolated families.
Lynden was elected Chairman of the Bollon Branch on 22 February 1977 and remained in the role for almost a decade, retiring on 8 December 1986. During this time, Lynden and his wife Marilyn represented Bollon Branch as delegates at State Conferences, ensuring the views of local families were heard while bringing valuable information back to their members.
One of Lynden’s significant contributions came at the Charleville Conference in October 1980, when he presented a motion on behalf of Bollon Branch calling for a more equitable system of allowances for isolated families. The motion sought the establishment of a committee to review and rationalise assistance available across Queensland. The proposal was successful, with a committee subsequently established and a new assistance scheme developed, reflecting the intent of the Bollon motion.
Lynden was also appointed to the ICPA Queensland State Council Executive in October 1978, serving until October 1980. Throughout his years of service, he remained committed to ensuring the Bollon Branch continued to function effectively, even during periods of low membership and participation. Under his leadership, the Branch maintained its support for State and Federal Council and continued its fundraising efforts.
In recognition of almost a decade of dedicated leadership as Chairman, his service at Branch and State level, and his commitment to improving educational opportunities for isolated children, Lynden William Goddard was awarded Life Membership of the Bollon Branch of ICPA in 1987. The award acknowledged not only Lynden’s contribution, but also the support of Marilyn and the Goddard family throughout his many years of involvement.
