That’s a wrap on NTCOGSO’s 2026 Annual Full Council & AGM Conference!
This year’s event brought together delegates, members and guests from across the Territory (and beyond!) for a full day of discussion, collaboration and shared ideas about public education in the NT. It was fantastic to see such strong engagement throughout the day, with plenty of thoughtful conversations, questions and contributions from those in the room.
Have a read of some of the days' highlights and watch our visual reel [coming shortly!] below …
"Everything was interesting, informative, helpful and empowering."
The day began with a grounding Welcome to Country delivered by proud Larrakia woman, Mary Williams. NTCOGSO's President, Ruth Mirams, then took the stage to warmly welcome everyone.
Our keynote speakers from the eSafety Commission were the first presenters we heard from. Gulsum Adas and Lauren Elston took members through online safety 101, the latest emerging trend updates for schools and families (including AI and deepfake threats) and specific support available for First Nations families.
This presentation gave all attendees an excellent opportunity to discuss and reflect together.
We thank eSafety for their time, expertise, engaging keynote and valuable resources kindly donated to attending delegates.
"My biggest take away is that we need to engage with our families better to help them support what’s happening in our schools. And that we are unprepared for the challenges AI will bring to our schools and students."
Across the day, delegates had the chance to admire all of this year's Art Competition entries, as well as casting a vote for their favourite piece. Congratulations to Nathan, Year 12 student from Driver High, and Johlize, Year 9 student from Katherine High for winning the 'Full Council's Choice' Award! All of the beautiful artworks provided so much joy and conversation, and we thank all of our 2026 entrants once again for submitting their creative masterpieces!
Proceedings of the Annual Full Council followed - confirming the 2025 minutes, looking at the work of the Executive Committee across the past year, as well as the financial position.
Anika Oling, from the NT Anti-Discrimination Commission ran delegates through the work the Commission does - including Positive Duty - ensuring organisations (including schools) take proactive, meaningful steps to prevent and eliminate discrimination, sexual harassment, and victimisation, rather than just reacting after an incident occurs.
"My biggest take away was the good bunch of people! [The day] gave me a new perspective of NTCOGSO. Much respect to everyone involved."
Our Project Officer, Harry ran a short ‘brain break’ between speakers with a classic game of bingo! The ‘55’ theme took the room on a trip down memory lane and provided a few laughs and fun facts while highlighting how old COGSO truly is!
Before lunch, Acting Chief Executive of the Department of Education and Training, Aderyn Chatterton addressed members with some priorities and updates before sitting down with Paul van Holsteyn, Deputy Chief Executive Schools, for a Q&A - addressing several questions pre-submitted by School Bodies. Delegates had the opportunity to seek clarification on motions raised and talk further during the break.
After enjoying a good feed, friendly yarns, some fresh air and sunshine - we recommenced the conference with a short workshop: ‘Top Tips for School Bodies’. Alice Gawler, our recently-departed governance guru, took the stage for one final presentation. We once again thanked Alice for her almost decade of service with COGSO.
In the afternoon, returning guest Lisa Svara - lead teacher from Nightcliff High - provided an update to delegates on the importance of Physical Literacy in schools. Her incredibly interactive and engaging session highlighted some recent data on misbehaviour in schools, and how movement and connection can be the antidote to this. This session was once again a firm favourite for many delegates. We also thank Lisa for her sporadic ’30 second movement breaks’ she weaved throughout the day!
"Lisa is an amazing teacher and beautiful person. Lucky to have her around."
"I will take this back to the school and it would be great to be part of the project."
"Really engaged me and made me realise the important benefits of physical exercise and expression."
After a few other novelties including a ‘happy birthday COGSO’ cake and song, raffle draw and survey - the AGM was officially opened covering the business of the President's AGM Annual Report and the Regional Rep reports. During the elections, we welcomed:
- Stacey Kopf (from Nakara School Council) as Vice President
- Emma Delahunty (from Stuart Park Primary Council) as the Regional Rep for Darwin
- Larissa Lee (from Barunga School Council) as the Regional Rep for Big Rivers
- Serin Clarris (from ) as the Regional Rep for Top End
- and Georgina Hamlyn (from Alice Springs School of the Air School Council) as the Regional Rep for Central.
We warmly welcome these faces to the Executive Committee and look forward to working alongside them across the 2026-27 period.
"Very grateful to have the opportunity to attend, would highly recommend to other school council members."
During Ruth’s AGM President Report, two additional special motions were raised. Firstly, the late Noela Anderson (Big Rivers Region Representative) was acknowledged and celebrated for her incredible work with COGSO across the years, and her unwavering commitment to public education.
Delegates unanimously passed the Motion that "Full Council formally acknowledge and honour the contribution of Noela Anderson to NTCOGSO and public education in the Northern Territory, and record its appreciation for her service as an Executive Member and Big Rivers Regional Representative".
After a moving visual presentation and moment to reflect, several of Noela’s family members bravely took to the stage as Ruth introduced a new incentive ‘The Noela Anderson Public Education Award' - to recognise those that excel in
parent and community involvement in government schools. This will be presented from 2027 onward - more on this soon... watch this space!
The other special motion moved by delegates was to induct Invited Member and Public Officer, Fred Richardson, as an NTCOGSO Life Member. Fred, who was equally surprised as he was stirred by this, gratefully accepted his badge and certificate.
"The best part of the day was meeting everyone from other councils and the COGSO team. I like the way the day was set out, with meeting business, informative speakers, brain breaks and lovely food throughout the day. It made the meeting more interesting."
With the last of the AGM proceedings completed, the only business remaining to finish off the day was the Agenda Items. Members were reminded of and taken through the various proposals submitted by different School Bodies and the Executive Committee before voting. All tabled Agenda Items were passed, shaping COGSO’s new and ongoing advocacy work.
With this, the day officially came to a close. An applause sounded for all of the hard work put in by many to make the event run smoothly and successfully. Some birthday cake was enjoyed, photos were taken, hugs and goodbyes were exchanged as the Full Council conference wrapped for another year.
Finally, an enormous thank you to everyone who attended. To give up a day of a weekend is a big ask - and not only did you show up, but you all brought astounding listening, enthusiasm, ideas, humour, and, above all - your passion to continually improve public education across our NT schools.
Here’s to the next 55 years of advocacy and working together!
"My biggest take away was the good bunch of people! [The day] gave me a new perspective of NTCOGSO. Much respect to everyone involved."
To view and download some of the day's presentations, click here.