2024 RREd Day photo competition winner.

IN AN effort to raise awareness of the urgent need for equal access to education no matter where a child grows up, the Isolated Children’s Parents Association (ICPA) of Australia is again asking supporters to wear red on Wednesday, 15 October.

After a hugely successful first year, Rural and Remote Education Day (RREd Day) is set to be bigger and brighter in its second year with the ICPA now inviting schools, families, and supporters nationwide to wear red, and share photos on social media to spark conversations about educational equity for rural kids.

The ICPA Federal President Louise Martin said the day is about celebrating children in the bush while reminding the nation of the daily hurdles they face.

“Rural and remote children face hurdles at every stage of their education that most Australians never see,” Mrs Martin said.

“From patchy internet and mobile service that makes online learning almost impossible, to the high cost of boarding away from home to limited subject choices and fewer teachers on the ground, these challenges create a constant barrier to equity.

“RREd Day is about putting these kids in the spotlight. They deserve the same opportunities as their city peers to learn, connect and thrive.

“By wearing red and joining the conversation, we can help shift these issues from the margins to the mainstream, where real change can happen and it sends a powerful message of support and solidarity, showing our students in the bush that they are seen, valued and backed by the wider community.”

There are prizes up for grabs for the most impressive RREd Day photos shared online for both schools and ICPA members.

• Schools will share in book voucher prizes of $500, $300, and $200 awarded to the most impressive RREd Day photos shared online.
• The most inspiring RREd Day post from an ICPA member will be awarded a Cel-Fi GO 4G/5G Mobile Booster (RRP $999).

Participants can enter simply by posting a photo in red with the hashtag #WearRREd. Winners will be announced on ICPA’s social media channels and website.