General News
21 November, 2025
50-year mark for isolated kids
THE FNQ Isolated Children’s Parents Association (ICPA) is this month celebrating 50 years of fighting for equal rights in education for rural and remote students.
The branch was established on 24 November 1975 as part of a national not-for-profit volunteer lobby group, with an “enormous catchment area from Thursday Island in the north all the way down to Cardwell, then over to the gulf”, ICPA branch vice president Karen Muccignat said.
Formerly known as the Cairns Radio Branch, its founder, Mark Stoneman, will be the honoured special guest at the ICPA FNQ branch 50th celebrations on 21 November at Cazalys in Cairns.
“ICPA has been successful in lobbying for the living away from home allowances and other subsidies, in-home care, kindy, teacher ratios in small schools, curriculum, tertiary trade and training, special needs students, bus runs, communication, and distance education,” Ms Muccignat said.
“Anything affecting children, really.”
The organisation operates at national, state and local levels, with conferences held throughout Australia.
Next year, the state conference will be hosted by the FNQ branch in June at Atherton.
“Ministers, departmental staff and the who’s who of all things education attend conference days,” Ms Muccignat said.
“Motions are debated and voted on, and if a motion is carried, the state and federal councillors take [it] to relevant ministers and departments.”
The network has changed dramatically from 50 years ago, when the only communication was via the RFDS HF radio. These days, connecting ICPA families is made easier through monthly zoom meetings.
What hasn’t changed is the tireless fundraising – auctions, social events and dinners – to support delegates at the conferences.
The current branch executive would like to invite past members, anyone who has had anything to do with ICPA over the 50 years, and anyone who would like to support and celebrate with them to the event on 21 November, from 5pm at Cazalys in Cairns.
For more information contact Karen Muccignat on 0418 76 899.
