NTCOGSO influences the direction of public education for the benefit of our students.
The Northern Territory Council of Government School Organisations (NTCOGSO) was founded in 1971 as a single representative body to give parents a collective voice.
NTCOGSO is a member based, not-for-profit organisation which is governed by our constitution under the NT Association Act (2015). Our objectives are to ensure the interests of government schools, through our affiliated members, are represented to the Northern Territory and Australian governments, including their agencies.
Vision
Students and families thriving in government schools.
Mission
We strengthen public education by encouraging continual improvement in the provision of quality education for all students.
Who we represent
We represent every NT government school.
Our Values
2021
NTCOGSO marked 50 years of advocacy.
1979
The NTG embraced the school council model proposed by NTCOGSO to foster stronger collaboration with parents and encouraging increased community engagement in children's education and school management.
1974
In response to a submission by NTCOGSO, the NT Executive established the ‘Education Advisory Group’ (EAG) to advise on transferring education to the Northern Territory. The EAG played a crucial role in designing a system that incorporated ministerial oversight, structured input from teachers and parents, and decentralised administration, ultimately leading to the Territory Government assuming control of education.
1974
Parents gained representation through the newly formed NT Executive, Member for Education and Community Services, Elizabeth Andrew. This was a few years prior to the Federal Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act 1978.
1972
Dr. Hedley Beare assumed the position of the first Director of Education in Darwin. His tenure coincided with the visit of Dr. Bill Radford and Dr. Wal Neal, whose Radford Neal report to the Australian Government included recommendations from NTCOGSO. This report, alongside Dr. Beare's support for community involvement, paved the way for increased parental engagement in school decision-making processes.
1971
On 9 August 1971, the Northern Territory Council of Government School Organisations (NTCOGSO) was officially established.
1970
Commonwealth Department of Education and Science Director, John Steinle, invited representatives from various NT parent groups to consider formation of a Northern Territory parent organisation. The aim was “to develop a single representative body to give parents a collective voice, one that would have a direct line of communication with government, the Education Department (Cth), and schools. Conversely, it would give the Australian Government direct contact with NT parents.”