Awareness of education in the bush is top of the agenda for the advocacy volunteer group, Isolated Parents’ Children’s Association’s 2024 annual conference, taking place in Sydney on 24-25 July.
Around 200 delegates are expected to attend the event, being held at Doltone House in Hyde Park, where issues related to education access in isolated areas will be addressed, drawing attention to the critical issue of education in remote and rural areas.
This year’s keynote address will be delivered by celebrated Olympic athlete, doctor, and mother of six, Jana Pittman, emphasising the importance of quality education for all children, regardless of location.
Other speakers and notable attendees will include former ICPA NSW President Duncan Taylor, founder and director of the Country Universities Centre, which supports 18 Regional University Study Hubs across NSW, Queensland, and Victoria. Former senator Fiona Nash will open the conference.
The conference will feature various esteemed guests and leaders in education and rural advocacy. Alongside advocates, the Department of Education will be in attendance, providing a strong opportunity for members’ stories to be heard by the government.
Critical discussions will take place around the issues affecting our most isolated parents and children accessing education and how to best bridge the educational divide between urban and rural areas, and provide equitable access to education for all Australian children.
The theme of this year’s conference is “Bridging the Divide,” aiming to address the disparities in educational access between metropolitan and remote regions, exploring effective strategies on a national level that can be implemented to provide equitable opportunities for all.
ICPA Australia federal president Louise Martin said as people reflected on what is needed to truly ‘Bridge the Divide,’ it was inspiring to see so many dedicated ICPA supporters heading for Sydney – a renowned education hub, offering plentiful options, quality education and opportunity.
“ICPA is advocating for access to the same opportunity to be offered to our most isolated children,” she said.
“We are asking for urgent and immediate improved access to funding, services, and educational opportunities. The goal is not only to sustain our communities but also to empower our young people to pursue their dreams, whatever that might look like.”
“We come together, as our Federal Government has withheld funding for ICPA’s requests in the latest budget. This is despite the positive conversations that have been held in Canberra. As a meeting of our brightest minds, the conference will also look at ways we can increase ICPA influence and be better heard at the policy-making level.”
“As cost-of-living bites, our most remote and isolated families are being forced to cover ever-rising costs, often with little to no choice. Reform is needed to address the growing disparity facing those seeking a ‘fair go’ and the ability to affordably access quality education in the bush,” Ms Martin said.
This year’s event promises to be the largest and most impactful to date, supported by major partners including NBN, Telstra, and the Australian Department of Education.
ICPA 2024 Federal Conference
Date: 24-25 July
Time: From 9am daily
Location: Doltone House, Elizabeth St, Hyde Park, Sydney
Conference details and tickets: Click here
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