Our Committee

Ruth completed her schooling in the Queensland public education system. This set her up to go on to successful post graduate studies, and she holds a PhD in data analytics in complex systems.

Her children are thriving at Tennant Creek Primary School, where she is Chair of the School Council.

In her professional life, Ruth is a trusted advisor to government and corporate clients, providing support around strategy, governance and funding. Throughout her career, she has focused on working with inspiring, passionate teams to create meaningful outcomes.

Ruth believes that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive through access to quality education, and is committed to using her skills and experience to support NTCOGSO, parents and children throughout the NT.

Bianca completed her schooling in the New Zealand public education system before completing a Bachelor of Media Arts in Communications at the Waikato Institute of Technology (WINTEC). With a professional background in executive assistant and secretarial roles across the health and education sectors, Bianca brings strong administrative and communication experience. 

Now based in Tennant Creek, Bianca has children attending local government schools and serves as Treasurer of the Tennant Creek Primary School Council. 

With a strong understanding of the important role families and school communities play in education, Bianca believes every child deserves access to quality education and the opportunity to thrive. Bianca is committed to using this experience to support NTCOGSO, parents, families and government school communities across the Northern Territory.

Wayne is the Chair on the Tennant Creek High School Council having previously served on Tennant Creek Primary School Council for over ten years. Wayne and wife Karyn have four children who have all been educated in Tennant Creek.

Wayne is a strong believer in the need for parent and community involvement within schools for better and broader outcomes for students. He is also a proud advocate for the Barkly region and ensures Barkly voices are heard by those shaping Territory education.

Noela is a Parent Member on the Borroloola School Council and comes from two language groups; Garrwa and Yanyuwa and has spent her entire life in and around Borroloola. Having worked for three years at Borroloola School as a Tutor/Assistant Teacher, Noela is currently in the role of Home Liaison Officer, in addition to being an active participant of the School Council.

Noela loves her role of assisting and supporting up to 200 students, from helping them engage in the classroom to helping plan the schools Weekly Culture days.

Position currently vacant. Contact us to enquire!

Fred has lived and worked in the Northern Territory since 1973, including 32 years in Adult Education where Fred has specialised in the development and delivery of adult IT skills in remote locations. Fred was elected Central Regional Council Representative in 2015 and 2016 with a son at Centralian Senior College. Since 2017 Fred has served as an Invited Member on the Executive and is valued for his critical thinking and a creative and innovative approach to curriculum improvement.

Fred firmly believes that well informed families, engaged in the discussions and decisions that affect and chart their children's experiences and accomplishments at school, are a crucial part of the work that goes on to nurture the potential each student has.

In 2026, at the Annual Full Council & AGM Conference, Fred was awarded Life Membership for his service to NTCOGSO.

Public Officer
Fred Richardson

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.

Ralph D’Souza served as Chair at Zuccoli Primary School, where he fostered collaborative culture, championed family engagement, and promoted continuous improvement in student outcomes. With experience in both private and public sectors, Ralph brings strengths in stakeholder engagement, frontline leadership, and operational excellence to his community work.

In 2025-26, Ralph was also the Top End Regional Representative.

Ralph’s education in business administration and property management underpins his commitment to good governance and effective teamwork. As a long-term Top End resident, he is passionate about supporting schools and local families. Ralph is passionate about serving on the NTCOGSO committee, as he continues to support parent voices, strengthen partnerships, and advance educational quality for students in the Top End.