Communications

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

In 2024 the Communications Portfolio will focus on issues including: 

• regular engagement with Telstra and nbn to ensure that Members' issues remain at the forefront of their considerations in planning and development
• working with The Australian Research Centre of Excellence for The Digital Child to progress Stage 2 of the co-designed study into the online education of children
• maintaining presence in the Communications field, with a recent submission to the Australian Government's Review into the Better Delivery of Universal Services Obligations - you can read that submission here. 

Do you wonder how ICPA Qld assists you with your communications issues?
• ICPA Qld advises the Department of Education (DoE), Telstra, and NBN on issues that impact the delivery and affordability of quality internet and voice services to our small schools and distance education classrooms.
• ICPA Qld regularly communicates with the DoE IT department on current issues.
• ICPA Qld meets regularly with other key DoE branches in regards to Infrastructure, Schools, Curriculum, Human Resources, and Operations.
• ICPA Qld provides members with up to date technical information to assist with connectivity.
• ICPA Qld works with nbn co™ to provide members with the latest news.
• ICPA Qld works with Telstra to provide members with the latest news.
• ICPA Qld makes submissions to relevant groups to ensure rural and remote education remains a key consideration in legislative or program change.
• ICPA Qld remains a key stakeholder in various communications groups— including the Telstra Regional Advisory Council (TRAC) and other stakeholder groups.
• ICPA Qld liaises with, and supports, ICPA Australia with federal communications issues.

The Communications Report 2024 is available for your perusal.  You may also find the Communications Portfolio Policy document helpful when considering motions for State Conference.  

Useful links and resources

Regional Tech Hub - The Regional Tech Hub offers independent advice and support and helps regional Australians navigate often confusing phone and internet options and technical issues.

eSafety is a great Government website providing information for ensuring online safety.  An example of an excellent resource is the Mighty Heroes online videos for children aged 5-8 years of age.  An excellent suite of downloadable resources are available for parents regarding online safety for their children. 

QLearn is the Department of Education's new digital learning management system for student learning, replacing The Learning Place and integrating multiple systems.  This will be rolled out in Term 3 and 4 of 2022, and available for student learning in 2023.  

Click here for a look at the QLearn experience from the eyes of a student. This poster also provides an overview of the Student Dashboard. 

nbn Co - operate Australia’s wholesale broadband access network whose purpose is to connect Australia and bridge the digital divide. The key objective of nbn is to ensure all Australians have access to fit for purpose, affordable and accessible broadband as soon as possible. 

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

Branches are welcome to make contact if they would like nbn Co representatives to attend meetings either face to face or virtually.  They can cover a range of topics and can tailor presentations to suit specific branch interests or requests. This includes connectivity options, cyber safety/digital literacy educational sessions and a wide range of additional support when contacting your regional ambassador. 

Southern Qld - Kristen Coggan E: kristencoggan@nbnco.com.au 

Far North Qld - Louise Barnes E: louisebarnes@nbnco.com.au

North Qld - Carly Crompton E: carlycrompton@nbnco.com.au

Central Qld - Emma Murphy E: emmamurphy@nbnco.com.au

Wide Bay/Burnett & Surrounds - Karen Shipp E: karenshipp@nbnco.com.au

Satellite Skymuster + Providers can be found here. 

Telstra

The ideal contact initially for anyone with service questions is through the Team Telstra emails.  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) E: may.boisen@team.telstra.com
• Sarah Brand (Regional Engagement Manager - Darling Downs/South West Qld) E: sarah.r.kenny@team.telstra.com
• Matt Thornton (Regional Engagement Manager - Wide Bay Burnett) E: matthew.thornton@team.telstra.com 
• Caley Pearce (Regional Engagement Manager - Outer Metro South & Gold Coast Hinterland/ Ipswich, Lockyer Valley & Somerset) E: caley.pearce@team.telstra.com
• Troy Hobson (Regional Experience Specialist) E: troy.hobson@team.telstra.com

Northern Qld - telstranorthernqld@team.telstra.com

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

BIRRR (Better Internet for Rural, Regional & Remote Australia) - Here you will find information about the frequently confusing topic of broadband services in rural Australia. BIRRR has created this ‘one-stop shop’ for relevant information and links related to the topic.