Lorraine Greenfield has made a significant and long-standing contribution to the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association of South Australia and to rural and remote communities.
The North West Branch of ICPA SA was formed in early 1984, following the growth of the original Port Augusta Branch. The first meeting was held at Wilgena Station, near Tarcoola, and was attended by Port Augusta Branch President Julia Materne, Lorraine Greenfield, Ann Halls and other interested families. With a growing number of families in the North West seeking a stronger local voice on education issues, it was decided to establish a branch to advocate for the needs of rural and remote families in the region.
Lorraine was one of the inaugural members of the North West Branch and remains a current ICPA member today. She has been involved with ICPA since 1987 and has contributed extensively at both branch and state level.
Lorraine and her husband Keith lived at Billa Kalina Station for more than 30 years and raised their two children in the remote community. Both children undertook their early education through Port Augusta School of the Air before attending boarding school in Adelaide, giving Lorraine first-hand experience of the challenges faced by families accessing education from remote locations.
Throughout her involvement with ICPA, Lorraine has held a number of important roles. She served as North West Branch President for many years and also as Branch Treasurer. At State level, she was a member of SA ICPA State Council from 1987 to 1993, including serving as State Treasurer from 1989 to 1993. Lorraine also served as a State Conference Convenor.
Her dedication to ICPA has been matched by her extensive contribution to the wider rural and remote community. Lorraine has been actively involved with the KAPRC, now the Glendambo Sporting Club, for more than 35 years, serving as Secretary, Treasurer and Head Caterer, and is a Life Member. She has been a member of the CWA for more than 40 years and was awarded Life Membership of the Air Branch in 2025.
Lorraine has also contributed to the Port Augusta School of the Air parent groups and the Port Broughton Hospital Auxiliary. In 1996, she was a founding board member of the Kingoonya Soil Board, now part of SA Arid Lands.
In recognition of her remarkable contribution to rural and remote communities, Lorraine was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the King’s Birthday Honours for service to remote communities.
Lorraine’s involvement with ICPA spans almost four decades and reflects a lifelong commitment to ensuring families living in rural and remote areas have a strong voice and access to equitable opportunities and services.
In recognition of her many years of service, leadership and dedication to the North West Branch, Lorraine was awarded Life Membership of the North West Branch of ICPA SA.
Volunteers like Lorraine are the backbone of our rural and remote communities. Her dedication, leadership and tireless service have made a lasting difference to countless people across regional South Australia.
Thank you, Lorraine, for everything you have done and continue to do. This recognition is incredibly well deserved.
