Isolated Children s Parents Association NSW President Duncan Taylor, former Cooma resident and media personality Steve Liebmann and Monaro High careers advisor Brad McElroy.
TELEVISION and radio celebrity Steve Liebmann sang the praises of the Monaro at the Isolated Children's Parents Association (ICPA) annual conference held in Cooma last week.
Mr Liebmann grew up in Cooma and went to Cooma Public School and Monaro High School and said he owed a lot to Cooma.
"If it wasn't for the quality local education and supportive local business people, I would not have achieved what I have," Mr Liebmann said.
"Isn't Monaro [High] a fantastic school? "
He noted the importance of government providing educational opportunity for all people regardless of where they live or their socio-economic status.
"It is essential no matter where you live, whether it is in rural or remote areas of Australia, the highest standard of education must be available, along with career opportunity," Mr Liebmann said.
"I got that from 1958 to 1962 when I worked for John Scott at 2XL. John was an eccentric but brilliant man.
"He taught me skills I still use today. He was a mentor. I was very lucky."
"I have very fond memories and lived here before the Snowy Scheme, so can contrast what is was like, before and after the scheme."
Steve Liebmann has been one of Australia's most respected television and radio journalists for more than four decades. In early 2005, after more than 20 years, he stepped down as co-host of the Nine Network's Today program to pursue other media and professional interests.
ICPA NSW president Duncan Taylor said the Monaro branch had done a fantastic job of organising the 41st annual conference.
"A number of issues have been raised at the conference including the staffing of early childhood and small schools, and funding issues at Yanco High School.
"There is a move for Karabar Distance Education School to become a K-12 school and be more autonomous, which is supported by ICPA and Karabar P&C.
"Karabar [Distance Education Education Centre] will definitely be on our agenda this year. We would love to see it become a centre of excellence."
ICPA, a volunteer organisation, strives for equity of access to appropriate education for children and their families living in rural and remote communities.