People from across the state will converge on Moree in March this year, when Moree hosts the 2020 Isolated Children's Parents Association (ICPA) NSW conference.
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The Moree branch of ICPA NSW is currently busy planning the two-day conference, which is set for March 18 and 19.
Each year a different branch volunteers to host the state conference, and Moree branch president Sarnia Walker thought it'd be a great opportunity to bring people to Moree and help boost our economy during the drought.
"Given the impact the drought is having, I thought it'd be a great idea to bring people to the community, especially some of the politicians and dignitaries, so they can witness first-hand the difficult situation we're facing," Ms Walker said.
"It will also inject some money into the community.
"We're really keen to bring people to our area and show people that even though we're in the grips of drought, Moree is a great place to be."
The two-day conference will provide ICPA NSW members and interested members of the public with the opportunity to discuss the issues that affect children's education in rural and remote areas.
ICPA NSW state councillors will then take the issues raised at the conference and present them to the relevant parliamentary ministers in Sydney.
"It's really important that we have this conference, as it's an opportunity for people to bring all their concerns and issues," Ms Walker said.
"It's also an opportunity for everyone to have a chance to talk to ministers."
A number of ministers from both sides of government will be attending the conference, as well as Telstra and NBN representatives and people from the NSW Department of Education.
Major guest speaker will be Back Track CEO Bernie Shakeshaft, who was named the 2020 NSW Local Hero and is a finalist in the Australian Local Hero award.
Anyone is welcome to attend the conference, however only ICPA NSW members can present motions and vote on issues.
"We encourage people to attend and come along to listen to what's happening," Ms Walker said.
"Unless we make our voices heard, no-one knows what's happening out here and nothings gets done. The people who can make changes can hear what changes need to be made."
The ICPA NSW advocates for equity of access to education for children living in rural and remote areas, basically anywhere this side of the Great Dividing Range.
Members advocate for everything to do with rural education, from early childhood access and keeping mobile preschools running, special education and how children with special needs and teachers can access support, and support for teachers coming to rural areas, right through to internet access for rural schools, maintaining vital school bus runs and access to tertiary education.
This year's conference will also feature a new event, with the Moree conference committee planning to host an additional day on March 17 which would be free to the public.
The day will feature a number of guest speakers, with a focus on bringing information to people about alternative access to education.
"So for kids that might be struggling at school, we'll have people there to talk about TAFE and TVET courses, distance education courses, the Country Universities Centre will be talking about early start uni courses and the role the CUC can play in supporting children's education in rural areas," Ms Walker said.
There will also be a pre-conference dinner at Moree Town and Country Club on March 17, a main conference dinner at the Max Centre on March 18 and a post-conference dinner on March 18 at Bank Art Museum Moree, featuring an exclusive preview of the Archibald Prize exhibition before it opens to the public.
Registrations for the conference will open on the ICPA website www.icpa.com.au at the end of this week.
Up to 200 people are expected to attend the 2020 ICPA NSW conference in Moree.
The Moree branch would like to thank their sponsors - the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal in partnership with the Australian Government, Destination NSW, Telstra and Moree Plains Shire Council.
"We are most grateful for their support in helping us to host this exciting event, along with many Moree businesses that are keen to encourage people to come and enjoy all Moree has to offer," Ms Walker said.
