Club Constitution

Preamble to The Model Constitution:

Objectives (as lodged with the NSW Office of Fair Trading): The objectives of the Sydney Audio Club Incorporated (SAC) are to provide a forum for high fidelity audio and music enthusiasts:

• To meet regularly in a social setting to discuss and share an interest in music and its high quality recording and reproduction;
  
• To share enjoyment and knowledge of music and its reproduction amongst the membership and with the broader community in a variety of venues including private homes, professional establishments and live performances;
  
• To foster and to increase awareness and knowledge of the technical aspects influencing the recording and reproduction of music, including development and modification of audio equipment;
  
• To establish and promote good relations and exchange of information with other similar groups and societies;
  
• As a community based society the SAC will contribute to the general community through support for selected charity and community based organisations and other initiatives;
  
• The SAC aims to be independent of and impartial towards any specific commercial interests in the music and audio industries. 
  

Values and principles: In pursuing the above objectives, we adhere to the following values and principles:

• We value our members and their differing opinions and interests;
  
• We provide a non-judgmental forum for the sharing of our hobby;
  
• We are respectful and tolerant of other peoples views; 
  
• We expect opinions to be shared in a gentle and constructive manner;
  
• We listen actively without disturbing others enjoyment;
  
• We appreciate the efforts of others and work constructively together to achieve the Club’s objectives.
  

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The club has adopted the 'Model Constitution' provided by NSW Fair Trading, with the detailed information available on Fair Trading WebSite. This current constitution, dated 1 September 2022, was adopted at the 2023 Annual General Meeting.

The constitution of an incorporated association is a contract between the association and its members, who agree to adhere to the provisions outlined in the constitution.
Every incorporated association must have a constitution. This can be the Model constitution or the association’s own constitution, which is recorded in the public register of incorporated associations, maintained by NSW Fair Trading.
What matters must be included in the constitution?
The constitution must address each of the matters referred to in Schedule 1 of the Associations Incorporation Act 2009 (the Act), as follows:

• Membership qualifications The requirements, if any, to become a member.
• Register of members The register of the association’s members.
• Fees, subscriptions etc. Any entrance fees, subscriptions and other amounts, if any, to be paid by the members.
• Members liabilities A member’s liability, if any, towards the debts and liabilities of the association.
• Disciplining of members The procedure, if any, for disciplining members, including an appeals process.
• Internal disputes The procedure for the resolution of disputes between members and between members and the association.
• Committee The composition, functions and processes of the committee, including:
  • the election or appointment of the committee members
  • the terms of office of the committee members
  • the maximum number of consecutive terms of office of any office-bearers on the committee
  • the circumstances in which a committee member has to vacate office
  • the filling of casual vacancies on the committee, and
  • the quorum (minimum number of members required at a meeting) and procedures to be followed at committee meetings.
• Calling of general meetings The procedure for calling and holding a general meeting and the intervals between meetings.
• Notice of general meetings The process for notifying members of a general meeting and notices of motion.
• Procedure at general meetings The quorum, procedure and requirements for conducting a general meeting, and whether members are entitled to vote by proxy.
• Postal or electronic ballots The types of resolutions that may be voted on by a postal or electronic ballot.
• Sources of funds The sources of the association’s income.
• Management of funds How the association's funds are to be managed and the procedure for drawing and signing cheques on behalf of the association.
• Custody of books etc. Who is responsible for the association's books, documents and securities.
• Inspection of books etc. The procedures for the inspection of books and documents by members.
• Financial year The association's financial year.
• Winding up The winding up of the association.

A representative of the association must certify that the constitution complies with the requirements of the Act, including the above matters, when registering the association and when registering changes to the constitution.

Full details are available at NSW Fair Trading