Helen Williams has made an outstanding and enduring contribution to the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association of South Australia, with more than 20 years of dedicated involvement at branch, state and national levels.
Helen’s commitment to ICPA has seen her take on a wide range of roles, each carried out with great reliability, knowledge and dedication. Her contribution has played an important role in supporting the ongoing work of SA ICPA and advocating for families living in rural and remote areas.
Helen served as SA ICPA State Secretary from 2008 to 2011. When the elected Secretary was unable to continue during the 2011–2012 council year, Helen stepped back into the role midway through the year and remained in the position until the 2012 Annual General Meeting, ensuring continuity and stability for State Council.
At the 2012 State Conference, Helen was elected State Treasurer, a position she held for a four-year term until early 2016.
Beyond her executive roles, Helen has made a significant contribution to SA State Council in a number of capacities, including Marla Oodnadatta Branch Representative, Lone Member Officer, Publicity Officer and State Webmaster. She also represented South Australia at a joint council meeting and served on the convening committee for the 2013 Federal Conference.
Helen has been widely valued for her willingness to step up whenever needed and for the knowledge and support she has provided to fellow ICPA members. She has assisted new council members by sharing her experience, reviewing documents, providing guidance and helping with the many tasks required to keep the organisation running effectively. Her steady support has been particularly valuable during busy periods of council work and conference preparation.
A significant part of Helen’s State Council service occurred after her own children had completed their schooling. Her continued involvement demonstrates a strong commitment to ICPA and to improving educational opportunities for future generations of rural and remote children. This commitment has also continued within her own family, with her grandchildren completing their schooling through Distance Education.
Whether supporting her local branch, attending State Council meetings, assisting with conferences or contributing at state and federal levels, Helen has consistently given her time, knowledge and experience to the organisation.
In recognition of her outstanding contribution and more than two decades of service to ICPA South Australia, Helen Williams was awarded SA ICPA Life Membership in April.
Helen’s dedication, reliability and willingness to support others have made a lasting contribution to SA ICPA and the families it represents.
