Colleen McIntosh – Cunnamulla Branch Life Member, 2003
Colleen McIntosh joined the Cunnamulla Branch of ICPA in 1985 and quickly became an active and enthusiastic member. Over the following 18 years, her involvement grew from dedicated Branch service to significant leadership roles at both Branch and Federal level.
In 1989, Colleen was elected Branch Secretary, serving for three years. Her efficiency and commitment set a high standard for those who followed. During this time, she also supported Branch activities including the annual “Meet the Teachers” night, which welcomed new members of the community, and the Junior Tennis Tournament, an event that became a popular sporting occasion for children throughout the Cunnamulla district.
On retiring as Secretary in 1991, Colleen was immediately elected Branch President, a position she held for four years until November 1995. During her final year as President, she invited ICPA Queensland State Council to hold an Executive meeting in Cunnamulla, providing local members with a valuable opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the work of State Council.
Colleen was also a strong representative of her Branch at conferences. She attended her first Queensland State Conference as a Cunnamulla delegate at Longreach in 1991, followed by Cairns, Mt Isa, Goondiwindi, Winton and Atherton. She also represented the Branch at Federal Conferences in Dubbo, Toowoomba, Alice Springs and Broken Hill.
In 1995, Colleen’s contribution moved to the national level when she was successfully nominated by the Cunnamulla Branch for ICPA Federal Council. She became portfolio leader for Boarding Schools and School Term Hostels, while also contributing to Allowances, Distance Education, Tertiary and Special Education. In 1998, she was elected Assistant Federal Secretary, where her efficiency and organisational skills again became a hallmark of her service.
Colleen’s leadership continued when she was elected Federal Vice President in 2000, remaining in the position until her retirement from Federal Council at the 2002 Federal Conference in Charleville. On her retirement, Federal President Megan McNicholl acknowledged that Colleen’s “knowledge of ICPA matters is legendary”, recognising both her expertise and the considerable time she had given to the organisation.
Even after retiring from Federal Council, Colleen continued to serve her Branch. At the 2002 State Conference in Atherton, she successfully nominated Cunnamulla to host the 2003 State Conference. She was subsequently the unanimous choice of Branch members to serve as Conference Convenor, taking responsibility for organising the event to be held in Cunnamulla on 11–12 September 2003.
In recognition of 18 years of dedicated Branch service, extensive conference representation and outstanding leadership at Branch and Federal level, Colleen McIntosh was nominated for Life Membership of the Cunnamulla Branch in 2003. Her Life Membership recognised an exceptional contribution to ICPA and her longstanding commitment to improving educational opportunities for isolated children and their families.
