Life Members Register

Matt's involvement on School Council started as a teacher representative at Alice Springs High School in the 1990s, and then as a parent representative at Larapinta Primary School, Alice Springs High School/Centralian Middle School and Centralian Senior College throughout his childrens’ schooling (1999-2015).

After attending a COGSO Annual Conference that featured Edward de Bono and Jim Stynes as keynote presenters, he became interested in contributing to the COGSO Executive, representing the Southern Region. In that time he learnt how COSGO engages with the NT Department of Education leadership and the Minister of Education, to draw attention to matters that affect equitable educational opportunities and outcomes for students. COGSO represents the largest voting block - parents - and so have significant influence on policy and funding arrangements.

 

Wendy has been married for over 40 years and is proudly the mother of four daughters, as well as grandmother to five granddaughters and two grandsons. Her involvement with schools spans decades and reflects a lifelong commitment to supporting students, families, and educational communities.

Her journey in school governance began in 1990 as the Preschool Representative on the Tennant Creek Primary School Council. When her eldest daughter started school, she continued her service as a parent member. This became her introduction to COGSO, where she was nominated as a delegate to the 1991 AGM and Full Council Meeting in Katherine. That first meeting proved a turning point, revealing just how much influence parents could have in shaping their schools. She returned to the School Council energised and determined, surprising (and perhaps unsettling) the principal with a comprehensive report that signalled her intent to ensure parents had a meaningful voice.

She went on to serve as the Barkly Vice President of NT COGSO for several years, and over time held numerous roles on the Executive, all while remaining actively involved in School Councils. Her positions included:
• Barkly Vice President
• East Arnhem Vice President
• Barkly Vice President (second term)
• Palmerston and Rural Vice President
• Treasurer
• Vice President
• President - proudly serving as the first female President

During these years, she trained as a teacher, firmly believing then, as now, that she was a parent who became a teacher, not a teacher who became a parent. That distinction shaped her advocacy and her approach to education.

She was honoured with Life Membership in recognition of her dedication and contribution. One achievement particularly close to her heart is the establishment of the Teacher Board of Registration. She initiated this concept at the Adelaide River School Council, which supported its progression to COGSO, then to ACSSO, and ultimately through to implementation. The Board remains a vital safeguard for students, and she is proud to have played a role in its creation.

Alan commenced with NTCOGSO from Katherine for the School Council of Clyde Fenton School. He progressed to being Chair of the local group until he left Katherine in 1989.

Things worked that he was involved at Wulagi and then Sanderson High where he was voted onto the Executive of NTCOGSO.

During his time on the Executive he was fortunate enough to represent parents on the NT Board of Studies, when Dr Harry Payne was chair. He was also voted onto the Executive of ACSSO and continued on there when Richard Creswick was elected President of that organisation.

He also chaired many Selection Panels for School Principals and Vice Principals.

It was an active involvement until he left the NT in 1995.