NT COGSO Executive & Staff

President
Tabby Fudge

School Council: Girraween Primary School
School Board: Taminmin College
Contact: 0417 844 251

Tabby is a strong advocate for public education at both Territory and National levels and is committed to improving outcomes for Northern Territory students.

"A properly resourced needs based public education system would greatly benefit our communities, both socially and economically. For every dollar we invest into public education, we save at least ten dollars in our health and welfare budgets."

Tabby has held the position of President since October 2015, having previously held the positions of Treasurer and Vice Chair of the Palmerston and Rural Region.

In addition, Tabby is a member of the Northern Territory Board of Studies (NTBOS), Girraween Primary School Council and Taminmin College Board.

Vice President
Robin Lawrence

School Council: Sanderson Middle School
School Board: Casuarina Senior College
Contact: 0409 847 755

Robin is currently the Chair of Sanderson Middle School Council and a member of the Casuarina Senior College Board.

Born in Darwin and educated in government schooling Robin believes in the importance of public education. Both he and his wife have been involved with School Councils since 2007 when their children commenced at Anula Primary School.

Robin and his wife have four children with two attending schools; Sanderson Middle and Casuarina Senior College.

Treasurer
Tooba Awais

School Council: Stuart Park Primary School
Contact: (08) 8999 3255

"I would say that as parents we are given every opportunity to take part in our children's education. Elected as Treasurer of NT COGSO is a rewarding experience for me and I look forward to being a part of the amazing team of parents that run this valuable organisation".

Tooba Awais was born and raised in Dubai (United Arab Emirates) and is a proud mother of two daughters. Currently teaching Science at Darwin Middle school and also studying a Masters in Teaching with the aim of a PHD in Education.

Tooba strongly believes that education is the most powerful weapon that can change the world for the better.

Since arriving in Australia several years ago Tooba has immersed herself in her children's school's through mentoring children, teaching dance and preparing many multicultural dance performances.

Barkly Region Representative
Wayne Green

School Councils: Tennant Creek Primary School and Tennant Creek High School
Contact: (08) 8999 3255

Wayne is the Chair of Tennant Creek Primary School Council having served, over time, a total of nine years with the Council in addition to six years on Tennant Creek High School Council. Wayne has three children across both local schools ranging from Year 2 to Year 9.

Wayne is a strong believer in the need for parent and community involvement in schools for better outcomes for students.

East Arnhem Region Representative
VACANT

School Council:
Contact: (08) 8999 3255

Darwin Region Representative
Noelene Armstrong

School Council: Stuart Park Primary School
Contact: (08) 8999 3255

Noelene is a parent of two children at Stuart Park Primary School.

A passionate advocate for children with special needs, Noelene believes that with the appropriate support in place, all children can feel safe and thrive in the school environment.

Noelene also has a strong interest in child mental health and building resilience in children as part of the education curriculum.

Katherine Region Representative
Natasha O'Keefe

School Council: Borroloola School
Contact: (08) 8999 3255

Natasha is a Parent Member on Borroloola School Council and currently studying Certificate III in Early Childhood at Batchelor College. Natasha has been with Borroloola School for the past four years and enjoys working with children at the school and believes that education is the key for all children to learn and become independent life-long learners. She is passionate about her role as an Assistant Teacher and is looking forward to the day she graduates as an Early Childhood Teacher.

Natasha also participates in school events such as sport days, family fun days and any other important events held in the school.

Katherine Region Representative
Noela Anderson

School Council: Borroloola School
Contact: (08) 8999 3255

Noela is a Parent Member on Borroloola School Council and comes from two language groups; Garrwa and Yanyuwa and has spent her whole life in and around Borroloola.

Noela has been with Borroloola School for seventeen years. Her first three years as a Tutor/Assistant Teacher and fourteen years as the Home Liaison Officer which she still holds today.

Her role as Home Liaison Officer can be very challenging as she may oversee more than 300 students at the school on any given day. She provides support to her students on a daily basis; from helping them engage in the classroom to helping plan the schools Weekly Culture days. Noela loves her job.

Palmerston & Rural Region Representative
Nikki Elliott

School Council: Moulden Park Primary School
Contact: 0419 975 162 or (08) 8999 3255

Nikki emigrated to Darwin from England as a child. She is a successful product of the NT public education system and has worked for the NT Government as a Microbiologist for 25 years.

Nikki has two children who both attend government schools. She joined the Moulden Park Primary School Council in 2013 where she currently holds the position of Chair.

"Parent, Teacher, School and Community collaboration is so vitally important in creating successful learning. Supporting and working together is the key to success for all our children."

For the past two years Nikki has had a STEM partnership with Moulden Park Primary School. "The students truly amaze me with their interest and enthusiasm to learn all things scientific."

Southern Region Representative
David Sargeant

School Council: Braitling Primary School
Contact: 0455 107 271 or (08) 8999 3255

Dave has spent much of his working life overseas, returning to Australia and settling in Alice Springs at the start of 2016. He has a daughter at Braitling Primary School and a son in the preschool.

He joined the board of Braitling at the start of 2017 and has been an advocate for more counsellors in our schools and the teaching of Indigenous languages to be more widespread.

David has worked in education systems in different countries and saw firsthand how a successful system can improve the lives of disadvantaged children. He is a strong supporter of equity in schools.

Public Officer
Fred Richardson

Contact: 0408 944 265

1. The Public Officer must ensure that documents are filed with the Commissioner of Consumer Affairs in accordance with sections 23, 28 and 45 of the Act.
2. The Public Officer must keep a current copy of the Constitution of the Council.

Michelle Parker
Executive Officer

Contact: (08) 8999 3255 or (0428) 885 353

Michelle is responsible for supporting and enabling the Executive to fulfil its governance functions in line with NTCOGSO policy and constitution. Providing executive leadership, operational management and direction to achieve NTCOGSO's Mission, Vision and Strategic Objectives.

With an extensive background in Governance and Compliance, School Business Management, Mediation and having held various positions on Education Boards and Associations, Michelle is a passionate advocate for the provision of high quality education without discrimination and on the basis of equal opportunity for every child.

Michelle has a son in middle school and is an Invited Member of two School Councils.

Governance & Community Engagement Manager
Jodi-Anne Williamson

Contact: (08) 8999 3255 or (0488) 111 196

The GCEM is the central point of contact for all NT government schools and School Representative Bodies (SRBs) for governance and training. The role is responsible for building governance capacity, community engagement and best practice strategic planning for school improvement.

Jodi-Anne has substantial knowledge and experience in school operations and management, and has held senior roles with DoE with a focus on building the business and strategic financial management capacity of school leaders, school communities and senior management.

Governance & Mentoring Training
Moira Lanzarin

Contact: (08) 8999 3255 or (0477) 223 360

Moira primarily looks after the Katherine & Barkly Regions. She works remotely from her Mataranka base on a part time basis. She is an active member of the Mataranka School Council (holding the position of Chair since 2016) and is a passionate advocate for regional families.

Moira brings a wealth of knowledge of Governance, community dynamics and business.  When not working with NTCOGSO Moira runs the family cattle station and works tirelessly for her local community.