The NSW ICPA conference, held in Euston and organised by Balranald ICPA was a resounding success.

There was an impressive presence of representatives from government bodies including NBN and Telstra, and organisations including the Royal Far West, highlighting the ICPA’s ability to foster important partnerships.

These interactions during the conference provide opportunities for dialogue and collaboration towards addressing the challenges faced by rural and remote communities.

The speakers, including representatives from the Department of Education, the Early Childhood sector, NBN and Telstra expressed appreciation for the ICPA and their collaborative relationships.

The conference addressed critical issues for rural and remote education, including teacher retention, rural equity, inter-agency support, Early Childhood Education access and funding, transport challenges, boarding school matters, and connectivity.

Tangible wins and progress were reported. Portfolio holders reported on several achievements over the past year, most notably the resolution resulting in the Public Schools fee waiver of $6000 per year for the child of a Temporary Skilled Worker visa holder in rural, regional and remote NSW which was a motion raised originally by the ICPA Rankins Springs branch, and the extending of the Tertiary Access Payment to students up to the age of 22, originally a motion raised by the ICPA Hay branch.

The launch of the annual sports bursary using funds raised by Gus Argent Smith’s mammoth fund raising initiative was also a significant positive outcome.

This article appeared in The Riverine Grazier, 2 April 2025.