Summary of Proposed Constitution

As of 3 April 2025, Voices for Gippsland is not yet an incorporated association. However, it follows the laws of the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012. Until we have the required members, advertise the committee positions, and hold our first meeting to appoint those positions, we will operate as a group of concerned citizens with a plan to become an incorporated association. Below is a summary of our proposed constitution, which will become available in the Members Area. If you want a copy of the full document, please contact us.

  • Name & Purpose

    • Official name (when incorporated): Voices for Gippsland Inc.

    • Mission: To empower the Gippsland community through participatory democracy, grassroots advocacy, and ethical leadership, ensuring equitable, sustainable, and culturally respectful outcomes.

  • Governance Structure

    • Managed by a Committee (President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and ordinary members).

    • Committee members elected annually at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

    • Committee duties: Ensure compliance with rules, manage finances, and oversee operations.

    • Conflict of interest must be declared and managed; a register is maintained.

  • Membership

    • Open to anyone supporting the association’s purposes.

    • Minimum 5 members required.

    • Rights: Vote at meetings, propose agenda items, access records (with exceptions for confidentiality).

    • Associate members (e.g., under 15) have limited/no voting rights.

    • Annual subscriptions determined at AGM; fees may be waived or adjusted.

  • Meetings

    • Annual General Meeting (AGM) held within 5 months of financial year end (30 June).

    • Special General Meetings can be requested by 10% of members.

    • Notice periods: 21 days for special resolutions, 14 days for other meetings.

    • Quorum: 10% of voting members (in-person, proxy, or virtual).

    • Voting by proxy permitted (except for disciplinary appeals).

  • Financial Management

    • Not-for-profit: No profits distributed to members.

    • Funds sourced from subscriptions, donations, grants, and fundraising.

    • Financial records kept for 7 years; annual statements reviewed at AGM.

    • Bank account required; expenditures approved by Committee.

  • Disciplinary & Grievance Procedures

    • Grounds for disciplinary action: Breach of rules, conduct prejudicial to the association.

    • Mediation used to resolve disputes between members or with the Committee.

    • Appeals process for suspensions/expulsions via an independent subcommittee.

  • Transparency & Accountability

    • Members can inspect register of members, minutes, and financial records (subject to confidentiality).

    • Rules can only be changed by special resolution (75% majority) and approved by the Registrar.

  • Winding Up

    • Requires special resolution.

    • Surplus assets transferred to a similar not-for-profit organisation, not members.