After more than 22 years operating under its original governing document, on the 14th August, 2024, Southern New England Landcare Ltd adopted a new constitution at a special general meeting held at the Uralla Community Centre.
The old constitution, which was adopted in 2002, was no longer fit for purpose and required a substantial review, which took place during the first half of 2024.
Chairman, Nick Reid, outlined what brought about the changes.
"During a review process, the board of Southern New England Landcare realised the old constitution was unhelpful in allowing for the appointment of skills-based directors, should the company see this as useful in future," said Nick.
"The constitution was dated in its language, difficult to understand due to legalistic speak, and contained typographical errors," said Nick.
The old governing document did not mention the Australian Charities and Not for Profit Commission (ACNC), the regulator whose Act of Parliament is the principal legislation that Southern New England Landcare Ltd must comply with.
"Essentially, it potentially left the organisation non-compliant with current statutory requirements," said Nick.
The updated constitution is based on the template from the ACNC website, with customisations to suit Southern New England Landcare’s needs.
The board sought quotes from several consultants to assist with the review process, with Liz Otto from Cornerstone Sustainability being chosen to assist.
Members were sent the draft new constitution during July 2024 and asked to put forward proposed amendments by 7th August 2024. Several amendments involving very minor stylistic changes and corrections were suggested and the final version was tabled at the special general meeting meeting on the 14th August.
Eighteen groups were represented at the special general meeting via their 'group representative' with voting rights (Guarantee Members). Apologies were accepted from 13 group representatives. Both resolutions put to the meeting were carried unanimously.
New Object
Southern New England Landcare's object has changed slightly to increase clarity and readability, while the essence of the object remains the same as in the old constitution.
The company’s object is to pursue the following charitable purposes:
- Protect and enhance the natural environment of farms, water catchments, urban zones, other significant places, and the landscapes and ecosystems in the Southern New England region.
- Assist members and community in the Southern New England Landcare region with planning, resourcing, practice changes, and undertaking of on-ground works to prevent and remediate environmental degradation.
- Promote sustainable use of land and water that has beneficial consequences for the environmental, economic, and social vitality of the urban and rural sectors in the Southern New England region.
- Provide education, extension, and engagement with stakeholders and community of the Southern New England region on matters relating to these objects.
- Commission and support research on matters relating to these objects.
- Cooperate with other organisations to achieve these objects.
- Resource the execution of these objects by sourcing and managing funding, donations, and other resources and contribution.
New Membership Classes
The membership classes have changed so that there are now four classes as follows:
- GUARANTEE - GROUP: An incorporated or unincorporated body that has been ratified by Southern New England Landcare Ltd, and who support the purposes of the company.
- GUARANTEE - INDIVIDUAL: An individual that has been ratified by Southern New England Landcare Ltd, who is a resident or has strong affiliation with the Southern New England Landcare region, and who supports the purposes of the company.
- ASSOCIATE - CORPORATE: A company, organisation or group who support the purposes of the company.
- ASSOCIATE - INDIVIDUAL: An individual who supports the purposes of the company.
The board approved a new members policy designed to accompany the updated constitution and, in particular, the clarifications made to the way board membership is made up. The board approved this policy subject to the new constitution being adopted.
The new constitution and the members policy can also be found at the website under the publications menu.
Going forward, the board will seek to ensure the organisation's strategic plan further aligns with the objects of the new constitution at their strategic planning and policy review workshop in early 2025.
The board of Southern New England Landcare Ltd thanks the membership for their participation in this significant milesone process.
