Marilyn Delforce – Arcadia Valley Branch Life Member, 1996
Marilyn Delforce made an outstanding contribution to ICPA at Branch, State and Federal levels, demonstrating exceptional leadership, determination and a longstanding commitment to improving educational opportunities for geographically isolated children. A foundation member of the Roma Branch, Marilyn played an important role in strengthening ICPA during its formative years, particularly through her advocacy for financial assistance, her involvement in revitalising the Roma Branch and her leadership at Federal level.
Marilyn's commitment to rural education developed through her family's experiences of educating their three young children. In 1969–1970, Marilyn and her husband Rex established a second home in Roma to enable their children to access schooling. This experience gave Marilyn firsthand knowledge of the considerable financial and practical challenges faced by geographically isolated families and the importance of providing parents with appropriate educational options.
In 1972, Marilyn became a foundation member of the Roma Branch of ICPA, beginning an association with the organisation that would extend across several levels of leadership and advocacy. Between 1973 and 1976, she returned to her former career in infant teaching due to the beef recession, gaining valuable professional experience that would later complement her work in the field of special education.
Although the Roma Branch was relatively inactive during 1973–1974, Marilyn remained committed to improving educational opportunities for isolated children. She personally prepared and submitted a proposal supporting the continuation of the Second Home Allowance to the Senate Standing Committee on Education and the Arts during its inquiry into the education of isolated children. She was subsequently interviewed by the Committee, ensuring the experiences and concerns of rural families were directly represented.
At the time, ICPA did not fully support the continuation of the Second Home Allowance, favouring policies that encouraged families to remain together through correspondence education. However, Marilyn and Rex strongly believed that parents should have the freedom to choose the educational arrangements best suited to their children's needs. Her willingness to advocate for this position demonstrated her determination to ensure rural families had access to flexible and appropriate educational options.
In 1976, the Senate Committee's report recommended payment of a Second Home Allowance, representing an important development in the recognition of the financial challenges associated with educating geographically isolated children.
Following her retirement from teaching in 1976–1977, Marilyn turned her attention to revitalising the inactive Roma Branch. Her efforts were successful, and she took on the role of Branch Secretary, helping restore the Branch's activities and strengthen its advocacy. She also represented the Roma Branch on local and regional councils of the Priority Country Area Program (PCAP), contributing to initiatives aimed at improving educational opportunities and resources for rural students.
One of Marilyn's most significant contributions came in 1978, when she was personally responsible for securing Roma's successful bid to host the 1979 ICPA Federal Conference. She subsequently served as Roma Branch Secretary and Conference Convenor, undertaking the considerable organisational responsibilities associated with hosting a major national event.
With assistance from Bunny Pownall and fellow members, Marilyn coordinated conference preparations, fundraising and community involvement. She also served as the chief fundraiser, helping ensure the Branch had the financial resources necessary to deliver the event. The conference brought together the wider Roma community and provided an important opportunity to raise awareness of the educational challenges faced by geographically isolated families.
The 1979 ICPA Federal Conference in Roma attracted more than 200 delegates and guests and was recognised as a great success. It provided a significant boost to the Roma Branch and brought the town and surrounding district together in support of ICPA. The event was believed to be the first time Roma had hosted a conference of such size.
Following the conference, Marilyn was elected ICPA Federal Secretary in 1979, a responsibility she regarded as one of the most stimulating, rewarding and enlightening experiences of her life. Her election reflected the confidence fellow members placed in her organisational abilities, knowledge and commitment to the association.
Throughout her involvement, Marilyn was continually impressed by the dedication of ICPA members across Australia. She recognised the considerable volunteer effort required to sustain the organisation and generously contributed her own time and expertise to ensuring its continued growth and success.
Marilyn's contribution was characterised by her determination, organisational ability and willingness to advocate for educational policies that recognised the diverse needs of isolated families. Her work in securing support for the Second Home Allowance, revitalising the Roma Branch, organising a successful Federal Conference and serving as Federal Secretary demonstrated her commitment to strengthening ICPA and improving educational opportunities for rural children.
In recognition of her foundation involvement in ICPA, advocacy for the Second Home Allowance, leadership in revitalising the Roma Branch, service as Branch Secretary, outstanding contribution as Convenor of the 1979 Federal Conference and subsequent election as ICPA Federal Secretary, Marilyn Delforce was recognised with Life Membership of the Arcadia Valley Branch in 1996. Her Life Membership acknowledged a remarkable contribution to ICPA during its formative years and her determination to ensure geographically isolated families had access to equitable educational opportunities and meaningful choices in the education of their children.
