Communications

ICPA Qld lobbies to ensure that Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is utilised to the best possible advantage for geographically isolated students.

The Communications Portfolio is focused on addressing key issues including: 

• Highlighting the critical need for improved telecommunications to enhance the safety of students, families and school staff.
• Regular engagement with Telstra and NBN Co to ensure that Members' issues remain at the forefront of their considerations in planning and development.
• Collaborating with Digital Child and the DoE on research regarding online learning.
• Sharing key findings from research studies to keep members informed about online learning strategies.
• Advocating for families during the Telstra CAN Radio exit for:
  • An Adequate and resourced transition timeline
  • Reliable and suitable electricity backup consistent with current service (no loss of phone service 24/7)
  • Reliable backup power to supply backup power for telephone connectivity
  • Solar power to support the new systems in areas with no mobile service as per the current provision

Have you ever wondered how ICPA Qld supports you with your communication challenges?

• ICPA Qld provides advisory support to the Department of Education (DoE), Telstra and NBN Co on matters affecting the delivery and affordability of quality internet and voice services for small schools and distance education classrooms.
• ICPA Qld maintains regular communication with the DoE IT department to address current issues.
• ICPA Qld meets regularly with various key DoE branches, including those focused on Infrastructure, Schools, Curriculum, Human Resources and Operations.
• ICPA Qld offers members timely technical information to enhance connectivity.
• ICPA Qld collaborates with telecommunications stakeholders, Telstra and NBN Co, to address connectivity challenges and explore emerging improvements.
• ICPA Qld prepares submissions to relevant organisations and government departments to ensure that rural and remote education is prioritised in legislative and programmatic changes.
• ICPA Qld liaises with and supports ICPA Australia on Federal Communications.

The Communications Report 2026 presented at the ICPA Qld State Conference is available for your perusal.  View the Communications Policy 2026 - 2027.

Useful links and resources

Regional Tech Hub - whilst funding for The Regional Tech Hub has ceased, The Regional Tech Hub website is a valuable resource for regional Australians, providing independent advice and support on phone and internet services. Its role was especially crucial in helping individuals and businesses navigate the confusing landscape of connectivity options, technical issues, and telecommunications services available in rural and remote areas. ICPA Qld has joined the many voices advocating for the reinstatement of The Regional Tech Hub to provide this vital service.

eSafety is an excellent Government website providing valuable information on ensuring online safety.  One standout resource is the Mighty Heroes online video series, designed for children aged 5 to 8 years.  Additionally, a comprehensive suite of downloadable resources are available for parents, providing guidance on online safety for their children. 

NBN Co - plays a pivotal role in connecting Australia by operating the wholesale broadband access network, with the core mission of bridging the digital divide across urban, regional, and remote areas. Their key objective is to ensure that all Australians, regardless of location, have access to reliable, affordable, and fit-for-purpose broadband services as swiftly as possible. This infrastructure is crucial in supporting education, healthcare, business, and other vital services, particularly in rural and remote communities where connectivity can be challenging.

If you’d like to see what nbn service is available to you, click here Home | nbn.

Regional Landing Page provides further information relevant to regional and remote areas.  

ICPA Qld has been involved in the consultation for the nbnco LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellite due to be rolled out for regional and remote customers soon.  More information can be found here.

Having nbn co™ representatives attend branch meetings could be a great opportunity to address specific concerns and enhance understanding of connectivity options, cyber safety, and digital literacy. Tailored presentations could also help address any unique challenges faced by rural and remote communities, including those relevant to Schools of Distance Education. If your branches are interested, this could be a useful addition to ongoing efforts to improve broadband access for education and communication in remote areas.

Regional nbn co™ representatives can be contacted as below -:

• Southern Qld - Lucas Wegener lucaswegener@nbnco.com.au
• Far North Qld - Molly Hill mollyhill@nbnco.com.au
• North Qld - Vincent Bin Dol vincentbindol@nbnco.com.au
• Central Qld - Adele Lewis adelelewis@nbnco.com.au 
• Wide Bay/Burnett & Surrounds - Karen Shipp karenshipp@nbnco.com.au

Satellite Skymuster + Providers can be found here. 

Telstra - plays an important role in supporting ICPA Qld's efforts to improve telecommunications in rural and remote areas. By offering direct communication channels, such as the Team Telstra emails, Telstra provides assistance with service-related issues that impact families, schools, and businesses in these regions. This is particularly relevant for addressing challenges like mobile coverage, internet connectivity, and the unique demands of remote education.

Telstra also engages with ICPA Qld on broader initiatives, such as improving infrastructure and exploring solutions that enhance safety and access to services in rural areas. Through meetings, consultations, and providing technical support, Telstra can contribute to addressing concerns raised by ICPA Qld, such as connectivity for Schools of Distance Education, teacher accommodation, and safety measures for isolated communities. These collaborations help in advocating for better telecommunications infrastructure, which is crucial for education and daily life in remote areas.

For general enquiries which are not service related, you can get in touch with the relevant person for your area. 

Southern Qld - telstrasthqld@team.telstra.com  

• May Boisen (Regional General Manager) may.boisen@team.telstra.com
• Sarah Brand (Regional Engagement Manager - Darling Downs/South West Qld) sarah.r.kenny@team.telstra.com
• Matt Thornton (Regional Engagement Manager - Wide Bay Burnett) matthew.thornton@team.telstra.com  
• Geoff Aumann (Regional Experience Specialist) geoff.aumann@team.telstra.com

Northern Qld - telstranorthernqld@team.telstra.com

• Rachel Cliffe (Regional General Manager) rachel.a.cliffe@team.telstra.com
• Josie Pickering (Regional Engagement Manager - North & North West Qld/Far North Qld) josie.m.ryan@team.telstra.com
• Michael Dwan (Regional Engagement Manager - Central Qld/Central West Qld)  michael.dwan@team.telstra.com
• Roger Dewar (Customer Operations Specialist) Roger.Dewar@team.telstra.com

BIRRR (Better Internet for Rural, Regional & Remote Australia) - By offering resources, advice, and support to rural families, BIRRR complements ICPA Qld’s advocacy by ensuring that families have the information and tools they need to improve their internet connectivity for educational purposes.