About Us

The Northern Territory Council of Social Service (NTCOSS) is the peak body for the Social and Community Sector in the NT and an advocate for social justice on behalf of people and communities who may be affected by poverty and disadvantage.

We do not accept poverty, inequity or injustice in the Territory and believe all people should be treated with dignity and respect.

The NTCOSS team is located in both Darwin and Alice Springs, and for more than 40 years has worked with its membership base, government and other stakeholders to strive for better outcomes for Territorians.

NTCOSS represents a varied service sector, with members contributing different experiences and perspectives.

The Community Sector represents 20,000 Territory workers and volunteers and is one of the largest employers in the NT. It is made up of community managed, non-government, not for profit organisations that work in social and community service delivery, sector development and advocacy.

The Community Sector plays a vital role in creating social wellbeing for all Territorians and in building safe and healthy communities. The Sector provides services that enable people to access and participate in society, including health, education, employment, economic development and family and community life.

NTCOSS members are central to our work and advocacy. As a representative voice of the Sector to government, NTCOSS seeks to strengthen the Sector so that it can continue providing its essential services to the NT community.

More than one quarter of our population is Aboriginal – the highest in the nation – and a third of NTCOSS’s members are Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.

We support self-determination for First Nations people and Closing the Gap.

We have failed Aboriginal people, who continue to be affected by disadvantage and intergenerational trauma, which are the repercussions of historical policies such as the forced removal of children from families and the failed NT Intervention.

Our Values

Social Justice

Integrity and Respect

Courageous Independence

Collaborative Leadership

Our Vision

A fair, inclusive and sustainable Northern Territory

Our Mission

To promote an awareness and understanding of social issues throughout the NT community and to strive towards the development of an equitable and just society.

Our Work

To have a positive impact on Territorians experiencing disadvantage, by working with others for strategic influence and with consideration of social, economic and environmental sustainability.

The COSS Network

The National network of Councils of Social Service in Australia collaborate to achieve our vision of a fair, inclusive and sustainable Australia. The COSS Network is committed to achieving the best outcomes for people affected by poverty, disadvantage and inequity.

Australia’s Councils of Social Service (COSS’s) are the peak councils of the community welfare sector and the principal voice for people affected by poverty and disadvantage.

There are nine independent organisations, (one for each state and territory in Australia and a national body), which work together to reduce poverty and promote social justice.

Key Areas: the COSS network is active on many fronts in key areas of social and economic policy, including: social security and income support, community services, health, including mental health, housing and urban development, law and justice, rural and regional communities, Indigenous communities – rights and reconciliation, economic development and taxation, employment, education and training.