Susie Whitehead – Nebo Branch Life Member, 2002
Susie Whitehead has made an outstanding contribution to ICPA and the education of geographically isolated children, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to rural communities at Branch, State and national levels. Susie's involvement with ICPA began when she became a member at an inaugural Branch meeting in 1977. As a home tutor to her own children through Distance Education, she understood the importance of providing isolated students with quality educational opportunities and became a passionate advocate for rural families.
At Branch level, Susie provided significant leadership, serving as Branch President for six years. She was also the Coordinator of the Mobile School in the Nebo district, helping provide valuable educational and social opportunities for isolated children. Her commitment to fundraising was equally significant, with Susie recognised as the main driving force behind the original ICPA biennial concert, an initiative that generated thousands of dollars for Nebo Branch, ICPA Queensland State Council and Federal Council.
In 1986, Susie took on the demanding role of Convenor of the ICPA Queensland State Conference held in Mackay, contributing her organisational skills and enthusiasm to the successful delivery of this important event. She also represented her Branch as a delegate at ICPA conferences, ensuring the concerns of local families were heard within the wider organisation.
Susie's contribution extended to ICPA Queensland State Council, where she served for two years and held responsibility for the Lone Members portfolio. She also represented ICPA on the Priority Country Area Program (PCAP) Central and State Management Committees, as well as the Brigalow Local Area Committee, advocating for educational support and opportunities for rural and remote students.
Recognising the challenges faced by rural communities during the prolonged drought years in Central Queensland, Susie helped develop the concept of the Positive Rural Future Conferences. Working with Central PCAP and the Department of Primary Industries, she encouraged a focus on positive opportunities and community resilience during difficult times.
Susie's compassion and commitment extended beyond Australia. Following the devastating tsunami in Itape, she initiated and volunteered for the Children to Children fundraising project, personally seeking donations to help rebuild educational opportunities for affected children. Beginning with school equipment, pencils and books, the project expanded to include monetary donations and the coordination of supplies packed into containers for delivery to Papua New Guinea.
Beyond these initiatives, Susie remained a willing volunteer at local ICPA Branch functions and served as an ICPA representative on the Board of St Joseph's College, Nudgee, further demonstrating her commitment to education and the needs of rural families.
In recognition of her outstanding Branch leadership, service on ICPA Queensland State Council, conference organisation, educational advocacy, fundraising and commitment to rural communities, Susie Whitehead was awarded Life Membership of the Nebo Branch in February 2002. Her Life Membership acknowledged a remarkable contribution to ICPA and her determination to improve educational opportunities for isolated children, both within Australia and beyond.
