Rick Old – Mt Isa Branch of the Air Life Member, 1984
Rick Old was a foundation member of the Mt Isa ICPA Branch of the Air, joining on 22 May 1978. From the outset, Rick demonstrated a strong commitment to improving educational opportunities for geographically isolated children, quickly becoming involved in Branch leadership and advocacy at both State and Federal levels.
In 1979, Rick was elected reserve delegate to the ICPA Queensland State Conference in Charters Towers, which he attended. The following year, on 14 April 1980, he was elected Branch President, a position he held for three years. During this time, Rick became a determined advocate for families educating their children through the School of the Air, particularly those disadvantaged by limited access to educational support and services.
One of Rick's earliest priorities was ensuring that all children enrolled through the School of the Air were included in Priority Country Area Program (PCAP) areas. He continually pressed for the program to be extended across Queensland, recognising the importance of equitable access to educational assistance for isolated families.
Rick was also instrumental in advocating for improvements to the Mt Isa School of the Air. In May 1980, he initiated correspondence with the Department of Works and other relevant authorities requesting alterations and extensions to the school's facilities. His ongoing advocacy contributed to the announcement in late 1981 of approval for a new School of the Air building and frequency.
Rick's contribution extended to ICPA Queensland State Council, following his election at the 1980 State Conference in Charleville. In November that year, he assisted with an evaluation inquiry into Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) allowances and participated in discussions with Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen during his visit to Mt Isa. These discussions addressed School of the Air concerns, including travel expenses, the need for a second radio frequency and relocation of the School of the Air from the Royal Flying Doctor Service facilities. Rick subsequently helped prepare a formal submission in April 1981.
In 1981, Rick represented ICPA at the Federal Conference in Bourke and attended the Queensland State Conference in Rockhampton, where he was elected State Vice President. Throughout this period, he continued advocating for the expansion of PCAP and assisted with submissions addressing travel difficulties experienced by isolated children attending school.
Rick was equally committed to strengthening his local Branch. When Mt Isa hosted the 1982 ICPA Queensland State Conference, he contributed significantly to fundraising and conference organisation. He also actively encouraged existing members to recruit new families, recognising the importance of a strong membership base in supporting ICPA's advocacy.
In recognition of his foundation membership, three years as Branch President, leadership on ICPA Queensland State Council and significant advocacy for School of the Air families, Rick Old was awarded Life Membership of the Mt Isa Branch of the Air in 1984, becoming the Branch's first Life Member. His Life Membership was presented at a Sports Day by Branch Treasurer Yvonne McCoy, acknowledging his outstanding contribution to improving educational opportunities for isolated children and families throughout Northwest Queensland.
