Patricia McKenzie – Cunnamulla Branch Life Member, 2021
Patricia McKenzie joined the Cunnamulla Branch of ICPA in 2001. Over the following 20 years, Trish became a dedicated and highly valued member, serving as Branch President from 2003 to 2008 and again from 2017 to 2018, as well as undertaking numerous committee and subcommittee roles.
One of Trish’s most significant contributions came in 2017, when the Cunnamulla Branch was facing possible closure due to declining membership. Trish and four other past members stepped forward to fill committee positions and rebuild the Branch. Within 12 months, they had recruited and mentored a new executive committee. Through initiatives including the inaugural Eulo Ladies Day, which brought together around 80 rural and remote women and their families, Branch membership grew remarkably from just four members to 40 members.
Trish was equally well known for her willingness to work behind the scenes. Together with her family, she contributed countless hours to planning and delivering Branch events, including the 2001 and 2021 ICPA Queensland State Conferences, Eulo Ladies Days in 2017, 2018 and 2019, and numerous clearing-sale barbecues. Whether helping convene a State Conference for more than 400 attendees, coordinating a fundraiser or simply ensuring a job was done, Trish could always be relied upon to step in when needed.
Her contribution also extended to the national level. In 2010, Trish was elected to ICPA Federal Council, serving until 2013. Drawing on her background as a registered nurse, she represented ICPA on the National Rural Health Alliance from 2010 to 2015, advocating for the health and wellbeing needs of isolated children and their families.
Beyond ICPA, Trish has made a significant contribution to rural and remote communities through a range of organisations. She was the founding Chair of the Country Education Foundation of Paroo, supporting young people pursuing tertiary education, trades and other post-school pathways. Her work with the Royal Flying Doctor Service Drought Wellbeing Service, AgForce Queensland Farmers and Centacare Toowoomba also enabled her to build networks and connect ICPA families with valuable services, funding and specialist support.
In recognition of 20 years of distinguished and voluntary service, exceptional leadership and an enduring commitment to rural and remote families, Patricia McKenzie was nominated for Life Membership of the Cunnamulla Branch in 2021. Her contribution not only helped sustain the Branch through challenging times but also strengthened it for the next generation of members.
