In 1979...
Henry Collis of the National Association for Gifted Children (UK) addressed a meeting in north Brisbane where initiatives for the gifted and talented had been undertaken. This preceded the inaugural meeting of the Association for Gifted and Talented Children in Brisbane North Education Region on Thursday 20 September 1979 which coincided with the publication of state government reports (The Ahern Reports) demanding attention be given to the needs of gifted children. Founding members of the Association were responsible for successful lobbying resulting in inclusion of giftedness in these reports.
In 1980...
The name was changed to, "The Queensland Association for Gifted and Talented Children" and incorporated soon after.
The branch system was established in response to a need to support gifted children in all areas of the state. Wherever sufficient numbers of interested people indicate commitment, a branch can be formed to operate at the local level. In 2012, extensive work was completed on the Association website to facilitate the support of branches and to proactively safeguard the privacy details of association members. Members of QAGTC Inc organise, attend and lead presentations at local, state, national and international levels.
The work of the Association is carried on at all levels whenever possible, according to availability of people, time and funds. QAGTC receives no regular grants and operates as a non-profit organisation. All committee work is voluntary.
Branches...
The work of the Association is supported by branches who, supporting the Central Management
Committee, provide activities and services to their respective local communities. Running activities for parents and children, these wonderful volunteers ensure that the events provided are specific to the needs of the members at the local level.
Activities...
QAGTC branches and State Management Committee offer a variety of activities to meet the needs of children, their families and educators.
- Mindscape (Members on-line magazine)
- Workshops and information sessions run by branches
- Children activities run by branches
- Annual Children's Challenge
- Annual State Conference
