Little Ripper Gold Inc.

About Us

About Us

Little Ripper Gold Inc. is a Not-for-Profit club made up of like-minded prospectors, looking for a safe place to camp and prospect on its own leases in and around the goldfields region of Western Australia. The idea is to help people to have a better prospecting experience both socially and in terms of finding that elusive nugget.

Learn More
Lrg Forms image
Welcome to the Forms page.
On this page you will find the Membership Application form, the Lease Expenditure Form and the Visit Site Notification Form. Please read the instructions relating to each of the forms, then click their respective link, which will redirect you to the required form.

If you have any questions relating to filling in any of these forms, please email: littleripper.sec@gmail.com

Membership Application Form
To apply to become a member of Little Ripper Gold Inc, please use the link below to complete and submit a Membership Application and Indemnity Waiver Form.
By completing a Membership Application and Indemnity Waiver form, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the terms and conditions of the Code of Conduct, Constitution, Indemnity Waiver, Social Media Policy, Advertising Policy and the Aboriginal Heritage Protection Policy, which can all be found on this website.
Annual memberships run from 1st January to the 31st December of each year.

Little Ripper Gold offers the following Member options:
(a) An Ordinary Member ($100/yr):
(i) Is any person over the age of 15.
(ii) An Ordinary Member must hold a WA Miner's Right.
(iii) An Ordinary Member can detect or prospect on any LRG Lease.
(iv) An Ordinary Member agrees to abide by LRG’s Constitution, Code of Conduct and Indemnity Waiver.
(v) An Ordinary Member has access to LRG’s Facebook page.

(b) An Associate Member ($50/yr):
(i) Is any person over the age of 15.
(ii) An Associate Member must be accompanied by a financial Ordinary Member, while attending any of LRG’s leases.
(iii) An Associate Member cannot detect or prospect on any LRG lease.
(iv) An Associate Member agrees to abide by LRG’s Constitution, Code of Conduct and Indemnity Waiver.
(v) An Associate Member does not have access to LRG’s Facebook page.

(c) A Junior Member ($50/yr):
(i) Is any person up to the age of 15.
(ii) A Junior Member must be accompanied by a financial Ordinary Member, while attending any of LRG’s leases.
(iii) A Junior Member must hold a WA Miner’s Right.
(iv) A Junior Member can detect or prospect on any LRG lease.
(v) A Junior Member agrees to abide by LRG’s Constitution, Code of Conduct and Indemnity Waiver.
(vi) A Junior Member does not have access to LRG’s Facebook page.

(d) A Child Member ($25/yr):
(i) Is any person up to the age of 15.
(ii) A Child Member must be accompanied by a financial Ordinary Member, while attending any of LRG’s leases.
(iii) A Child Member cannot detect or prospect on any LRG lease.
(iv) A Child Member agrees to abide by LRG’s Constitution, Code of Conduct and Indemnity Waiver.
(v) A Child Member does not have access to LRG’s Facebook page.

An individual who has not reached the age of 15 years, is only eligible to be a Child Member or a Junior Member.

Please allow 5 working days for processing of your membership application.

Membership Application and Indemnity Waiver Form

Lease Expenditure Form
All members who prospect on an LRG lease, regardless of whether you find any gold, must complete an Expenditure Form. These are required by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) because the leaseholder must submit annual expenditure reports, to be compliant with all aspects of managing a lease.
Click the link below to complete and submit a Lease Expenditure Form.

Note: If you're unsure about how to fill in the form, see the Example Expenditure Form in the Files section of the LRG Facebook page.

Expenditure Form

Visiting Site Notification Form
All members who are visiting an LRG Lease, are required to complete a Visit Site Notification Form. Click on the link below, enter your required details, and submit the form to the committee.
If family members from the same family or several unrelated members are travelling together in the one vehicle, all their details can be entered on 1 form.
However, if several members are travelling in their own vehicles, then each member is required to complete a separate form.

Visit Site Notification Form




Indemnity Waiver image
­Little Ripper Gold Inc. (LRG)
DEED OF RELEASE, ASSUMPTION OF RISK & INDEMNITY


In favour of: Little Ripper Gold Inc. ABN: 7899 3742423 and all related or associated companies, businesses and their respective directors, partners, officers, agents, employees, committee members and contractors.
By: The Releasor (being the person or persons whose details are set out below and their respective personal representatives, executors, administrators, successors and assigns).
In consideration of LRG permitting me to participate in prospecting, fossicking, metal detecting, bush walking or ancillary activities, including transit to or from, or instruction in such activities whether in or out of the track or on any other vehicle, and camping on Little Ripper Gold Inc. leases collectively and severally referred to in this deed as “recreational activities” I agree as follows:

Acceptance of Risk
1. The information I have provided in this document is true and correct and I understand that LRG is relying on that information in allowing me to participate in the Recreational Activities

2. I am participating in the Recreational Activities for the purposes of enjoyment, leisure or relaxation. I acknowledge that the Recreational Activities may be dangerous and involve a significant degree of physical exertion, physical harm and physical risk. I have been advised of the risks associated with the Recreational materialization of such risks and that undertaking may cause personal injury, death, property damage or economic loss. Some of those risks include:

2.1 Sudden vehicle movements, jarring and hard landings associated with travelling in or alighting on or off the quad bike/All Terrain Vehicle (ATV), Suburban Utility Vehicle (SUV), 4 Wheel Drive (4WD), bus or any other vehicle associated with LRG or my private vehicle in situations that will be affected by the weather conditions, track/road conditions or any other conditions.

2.2 Greater than usual physical exertion placing people at an increased risk of personal injury, trauma or death.

2.3 Falling onto or leaving the quad bike/ATV, SUV, 4WD, bus or any other vehicle including in the event of the quad bike/ATV flipping over.

2.4 Collision with other users, equipment or objects such as rocks, trees, fencing or any other object of which may cause injury or death including death by drowning.

2.5 Exposure to the natural elements which can be unpredictable and potentially harmful or fatal including uneven terrain, slippery Rocks and bush tracks, storm, wind, flooding, currents, heat, getting wet, flora and fauna including snakes and micro organisms.

2.6 Participation in Recreational Activities conducted at locations that are remote in time, distance and/or accessibility from any medical treatment facility, and

2.7 Other risks of or incidental to the Recreational Activities or activities ancillary to the Recreational Activities.

2.8 When attending any of LRG leases, firearms are prohibited.

2.9 The Pastoral Lease Holders upon which LRG has Prospecting Licences, do not permit dogs on their Pastoral Leases.

2.10 Prior to travelling to any of LRG's leases, members must advise the committee by completing an LRG Visiting Lease Notification Form. The form can also be found on the LRG website under the LRG Forms tab.

Release & Discharge
3. I unconditionally release, discharge and agree not to sue LRG in respect of all liabilities, claims and cause of action that may arise from any act, omission, default, failure or error on the part of Little Ripper Gold Inc (including any negligent act, omission default, failure or error) occurring wholly or partially during the course of the Recreational Activities, including while in transit to or from such Recreational Activities.

Indemnity
4. I will indemnify and keep indemnified LRG from any liability, claim or cause of action that may be brought against LRG as a result or in connection with any act, omission, default, failure, or error on the part of LRG (including any negligent act, omission default, failure or error) occurring wholly or partially during the course of the Recreational Activities, including transit to or from the Recreational Activities.

5. In the event of my death caused wholly or partially by the Recreational Activities my estate and my personal representatives, executors or administrators indemnify and will keep indemnified LRG from any liability, claim or cause of action that may be brought against LRG by my personal representatives, executors, administrators, dependents or any other person entitled to claim damages in respect of my death under section 17 of the Supreme Court Act 1995 or otherwise.

Exclusion of Warranty
6. To the extent permissible by law, LRG expressly excludes and disclaims all conditions and warranties that may be express or implied, including any implied warranties under section 60 and 61 of the Australian Consumer Law Sec 2 of The Competition and Consumer Act 2010 that:

6.1 The Recreations Services will be rendered with due care and skill.

6.2 Materials supplied in connection with the Recreational Services will be reasonably fit for the purpose for which they are supplied.

6.3 The Recreational Services and any materials supplied in connection with the Recreational Services will be reasonably fit for a particular purpose or desired result.

Warranties
7. If, despite clause 6, the law prevents exclusion and implies any of the Warranties, then the liability of LRG for breach of any of the Warranties will, pursuant to section 64A of the Australian Consumer Law Sec 2 of The Competition and Consumer Act 2010, be limited to the supplying of the service again or payment of the cost of having the service supplied again.
Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.

8. Clause 3, 4 and 5 are limited to liability for death or personal injury.

Parent/Guardian Undertaking
9. Where this document includes any Child then the parent/guardian signing it warrants that the information provided is true and correct and personally covenants in terms of clause 4 in respect of any claim, liability or cause of action that arises out of or is incidental to the Child's participation of Recreational Activities.

Statement of Understanding
10. I acknowledge that I have read and understood the matters set out in this document and affirm I am of lawful age and legally competent to give this waiver, release and indemnity. I am not under the influence of alcohol or any drug.

11. I will take care of my safety and for the safety of any child. I will follow and ensure my Child follows the safety directions of LRG.

12. I understand that this document is contractual in nature and has legal effect and is not merely a warning or provided for information. I have signed this document of my own free will and without any representation or inducement by LRG, its agents or employees.

a. Even though LRG will make every effort to put you on gold bearing ground, there is no guarantee that gold will be found, it is where it is and you need to walk/detect over it.

b. Willfully negligent action that damages equipment will incur the cost of repair or replacement of that equipment, and incur disciplinary action from LRG's executive committee, as outlined in LRG's Constitution.

c. You MUST fill in any & all holes you dig. And there is to be NO holes dug on any tracks or roads.
Code of Conduct image
Little Ripper Gold Inc. (LRG)
ABN: 78993742423

Member's Code of Conduct

It is a criminal offence to be on a 'granted' lease without permission.

This club is about fostering a safe place for members to camp, go detecting and hopefully find some gold. Through common sense and manners this can be a great way to meet friends, gain experience and have a great time, whilst fostering the hobby of gold detecting.

All persons attending an LRG lease MUST be a financial member. To become a financial member you must;
i. Obtain a Miners Right (available from the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety)
ii. fill out and submit a Membership Application form, which includes an Indemnity Waiver
iii. provide a copy of your Miner's Right
iii. provide a copy of your drivers licence as Identification (ID) (or similar current photo ID)
iv. agree to this Code of Conduct, the Constitution, the Social Media Policy and the Advertising Policy
v. pay the appropriate membership fee to LRG.

All financial members will receive a Permission Letter and a Membership Card. The Permission Letter authorises them to camp and detect on all LRG leases, without cost. The letter remains in effect for the period of membership (from 1 January to 31 December each year) whilst you are a financial member. LRG guarantees not to revoke permission to use the leases because you have found gold on any site.

Members are not to divulge the whereabouts of the leases to non-members. Anyone found to be doing this will be ejected and his or her permissions revoked immediately.
Financial members are required to carry their LRG Membership Card at all times and may be asked to produce it, along with ID, by a committee member.

LRG members are not permitted to use any LRG lease for their own commercial gain. Any member found doing so, will have their membership terminated immediately.

All members are to treat others with respect and dignity at all times. Bullying or harassment in any form will not be tolerated on LRG leases, under Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines. People found to be breaking this rule will be ejected from LRG and their permissions revoked immediately. This may lead to criminal prosecution if you do not leave the lease immediately.

The leases are for detecting for gold only. There will be no pushing or scraping of the surface with any equipment or use any dry blowing equipment.

By accepting LRG's Code of Conduct and becoming a member, you agree this is a legally binding contract. You also agree not to apply for any Special Prospecting Licence (SPL) or Program of Works (POW) on any LRG Lease.

There is to be no pegging of claims within the leases. The leases are available to all members at all times.

No member is allowed to 'chain' while detecting on any of LRG's leases. (chaining is the act of dragging a chain behind you when you walk, marking the ground to show where you have been)

Prior to travelling to any of LRG's leases, members must advise the committee by completing an LRG Visiting Lease Notification Form. The form can also be found on the LRG website under the LRG Forms tab.

All members visiting any LRG lease, must complete an Expenditure Form for each lease that you visit, regardless of whether you found gold or not. LRG is required to submit to Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation & Safety (DMIRS), annual expenditure for each lease.

When attending any of LRG leases, firearms are prohibited.

When attending any of LRG leases, no pets/dogs are allowed, unless the Pastoral Lease Holder (PLH) that LRG leases are on, allows pets/dogs on their station. It is the responsibility of the member to contact the PLH and confirm their pets/dogs policy, prior to attending any of LRG's leases.

Members must follow detecting etiquette and not shadow other members. Leave plenty of distance between members who are detecting.

If a member has a dispute with another member, it can be brought to the attention of the committee for a ruling or arbitration. All committee decisions are final.

Any member caught fighting, stealing or generally causing issues for other members including loud music and anti-social behaviour, will be ejected from LRG and their permissions revoked immediately.

LRG does not take any of the gold you find, but donations to help keep things going are welcome.

Although all leases are in gold bearing ground, LRG gives no guarantee implicit or implied of gold being found on these leases.

Members finding any issues on the leases will report back to the committee as soon as possible.

Members are to ensure that all holes are filled in. If you come across a hole that has been left by others, please fill it in.

Members are responsible for removing all their rubbish when the leave the lease and their site is to be left clean and rubbish free.

LRG leases are not licensed campsites and you will need to be fully self-sufficient, including bringing your own food, water and portable toilet.

As a member of LRG, you attend the leases at your own risk. No liability is accepted by LRG for any loss or injury whilst on any of LRG's leases. Your attendance on the lease is a contractual agreement with this condition and the club's Indemnity Waiver must be signed prior to entering any lease.

LRG committee reserves the right to add/amend/delete rules from this Code of Conduct, when and how it sees fit, for the benefit of members, and no correspondence will be entered into.

All decisions of the LRG committee are final.

Mission Statement image
Little Ripper Gold Inc. (LRG)

Mission Statement

Want to go prospecting in the W.A. Goldfields?
Little Ripper Gold Inc. (LRG) is a not-for-profit group dedicated to helping its members get the most out of their prospecting experience. Whether you're 20 or 80, it’s your first visit or you have been many times before, LRG will help you with the information you need, the people to meet and the places to go so hopefully your prospecting adventures will be a success.

Who We Are
LRG is made up of like-minded prospectors, looking for a safe place to camp and prospect on its own leases. The idea is to help people to have a better prospecting experience both socially and in terms of finding that elusive nugget.

What We Offer
LRG offers it's financial members, the opportunity to camp and prospect on LRG owned prospecting leases in and around the goldfields in Western Australia. More leases are under consideration and will be added as membership grows. All our leases are carefully selected but there are no guarantees that they will produce gold.

All financial Ordinary members have access to the LRG Facebook group; a private group where they can interact with other members to discuss all things gold, camping, prospecting, etc. to improve your chances of finding gold, while staying safe and enjoying their prospecting adventures.

Our Values
LRG strongly encourages all members to minimise their environmental footprint and leave W.A. better than they found it.

LRG promotes a strong emphasis on safety whilst prospecting. It also requires members using our leases, as well as interacting with members on the Facebook group, to abide by the Code of Conduct, Model Rules and Guidance Notes and the Indemnity Waiver.

Prospectors are lost and injured every year in W.A. which endangers the safety of those who have to help them as well as the individual concerned.
LRG would like to acknowledge the traditional landowners in the W.A. goldfields and always respect that we are guests on their lands.

How It Works
Potential members complete a Membership Application Form and if accepted, an annual membership fee is collected. The current annual membership fee for an Ordinary Member is $100 and this entitles them to prospect on all LRG leases throughout the year.
Other membership types include Associate, Junior and Child.

LRG is run by a 5 person volunteer executive committee made up of a Chairperson, a Vice Chairperson, a Secretary, a Treasurer and a Tenement Manager. There is also a 6 person volunteer working committee.
All committee members are elected officials from LRG's membership and all positions are held for a 12 month term.
Nominations for each committee position will be called for, before each Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Membership fees and any grants received from local shires or WA Tourism agencies, are spent entirely on club administration costs, as well as acquiring new leases and maintaining existing leases, (rent, shire rates, etc).

 
Little Ripper Gold Inc

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

Policy Overview and Purpose
Social media is changing the way we communicate. Little Ripper Gold Inc (LRG) appreciates that participation in social media is growing and that there are benefits to participating in online communities including to update members, club functions and to promote the growth of the club.

This policy has been developed to inform our members about using social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc) so that members and/or associate members feel enabled to participate in social media, while being mindful of their responsibilities and obligations to the club. In particular, this policy provides practical guidance allowing all parties to benefit from the use of social media, while minimising potential risks and protecting those involved.

This policy assists to establish a culture of openness, trust and integrity in all online activities related to the LRG.
This policy contains LRG's guidelines for the members to engage in social media use. It also includes details of the type of action that LRG may take in circumstances of any breach of this policy.
In circumstances where guidance about social media issues has not been given in this policy, we suggest you use common sense or seek out advice from those who have approved this policy.

 Underlying Principles
This policy complements LRG’s core values of TRUST, RESPECT and HUMILITY.

The Chairperson is responsible for all matters related to this policy.

Who Does This Policy Apply To?
This policy applies to all persons who are involved with the activities of LRG, whether they are in a paid or unpaid/voluntary capacity. For the avoidance of any doubt, this policy applies to all of the following persons involved with LRG:
1. members; persons appointed or elected to committees and sub-committees;
2. volunteers for the Little Ripper Gold Inc;
3. affiliated associations and clubs.

What is Social Media?
Social media refers to any online tools or functions that allow people to communicate and/or share content via the internet.

This social media policy applies to platforms including, but not limited to:
1. Social networking sites (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, Pinterest, Yammer, etc)
2. Video and photo sharing websites or apps (e.g. YouTube, Vimeo, Instagram, Flickr, Vine, etc)
3. Blogs and micro-blogging platforms (e.g. Tumblr, Wordpress, Blogger, etc) Review sites (e.g. Yelp, Urban Spoon, etc)
4. Live broadcasting apps (e.g. Periscope, Meerkat, Facebook Mentions, etc)
5. Podcasting (e.g. iTunes, Stitcher, Sound cloud, etc) Geo-spatial tagging (e.g. Foursquare, etc)
6. Online encyclopedias (e.g. Wikipedia, etc)
7. Instant messaging (e.g. SMS, Skype, Snapchat, WhatsApp, Viber, etc)
8. Online multiplayer gaming platforms (e.g. World of Warcraft, Second life, Xbox Live, etc)
9. Online voting or polls
10. Public and private online forums and discussion boards (e.g. Google Groups)
11. Any other online technologies that allow individual users to upload and share content
12. Any other services that would reasonably fall within the common understanding of the umbrella term "social media", including as they develop in the future

When Is This Policy Applicable?
This policy is applicable when using social media as:
1. an officially designated individual representing LRG on social media; and
2. if you are posting content on social media in relation to LRG, that might affect The Club’s interests, business, products, services, events, sponsors, members or reputation.

NOTE:
LRG recognises that you may participate in social media in your own time. This policy does not apply to the personal use of social media where it is not related to or there is no reference to LRG or its business, participants, products, services, events, sponsors, members or reputation. However, any misuse by you of social media in a manner that does not directly refer to LRG may still be regulated by other policies, rules or regulations of LRG.

All LRG members accessing the private member's group, must only use 1 (one) Facebook account. Multiple Facebook profiles are not acceptable and any member found to breach this, will face disciplinary action.

Using Social Media In An Official Capacity
You must be authorised by the Chairperson before engaging in social media as a representative of LRG.

As a part of the LRG community, you are an extension of the LRG brand.

As such, the boundaries between when you are representing yourself and when you are representing LRG can often be blurred. This becomes even more of an issue as you increase your profile or position within LRG. Therefore, it is important that you represent both yourself and LRG appropriately online at all times.

Guidelines
You must adhere to the following guidelines when using social media related to LRG or its business, products, participants, services, events, sponsors, members or reputation.

1.  Use Common Sense
Whenever you are unsure as to whether or not the content you wish to share is appropriate, seek advice from others before doing so or refrain from sharing the content to be on the safe side.
When using social media, the lines between public and private, personal and professional, may be blurred. Remember, you are an ambassador for LRG.

2.  Protecting Your Privacy
Be smart about protecting yourself and your privacy.
When posting content online there is potential for content to become publicly available through a variety of means, even if it was intended to be shared privately. Therefore, you should refrain from posting any content online that you would not be happy for anyone to see, even if you feel confident that a particular individual would never see it.

Where possible, privacy settings on social media platforms should be set to limit access. You should also be cautious about disclosing your personal details.

3. Honesty
Your honesty—or dishonesty—may be quickly noticed in the social media environment. Do not say anything that is dishonest, untrue or misleading. If you are unsure, check the source and the facts before uploading or posting anything. LRG recommends erring on the side of caution – if in doubt, do not post or upload.

Do not post anonymously, using pseudonyms or false screen names. Be transparent and honest. Use your real name, be clear about who you are and identify any affiliations you have.
If you have a vested interest in something you are discussing, point it out. If you make an endorsement or recommendation about something you are affiliated with, or have a close relationship with, you must disclose that affiliation.

The web is not anonymous. You should assume that all information posted online can be traced back to you. You are accountable for your actions both on and offline, including the information you post via your personal social media accounts.

4.  Use of Disclaimers
Wherever practical, include a prominent disclaimer stating who you are affiliated with (e.g. member of LRG) and that anything you publish is your personal opinion and that you are not speaking officially. This is good practice and is encouraged, but don't count on it to avoid trouble as it may not have legal effect.

 5.  Respect Confidentiality and Sensitivity
When using social media, you must protect and maintain the confidentiality of LRG’s confidential information. This includes information that is not publicly accessible, widely known, or not expected to be shared outside of LRG.

For the avoidance of any doubt, the confidential information of LRG includes all information which has been specifically designated as confidential by the club, confidential know-how, information about proposals, plans, litigation, unreleased product information and unpublished details about our practices, financial information and Club secrets.

Remember, if you are online, you are on the record—much of the content posted online is public and searchable.

Within the scope of your authorisation by LRG, it is perfectly acceptable to talk about LRG and have a dialogue with the community, but it is not okay to publish confidential information of LRG.

When using social media you should be considerate to others and should not post information when you have been asked not to, or where consent has not been sought and given. You must also remove information about another person if that person asks you to do so.

Permission should always be sought if the use or publication of information is not incidental, but directly related to an individual. This is particularly relevant to publishing any information regarding minors. In such circumstances, parental or guardian consent is mandatory.

If you are uncertain about whether information is confidential information, you must immediately ask those who have approved this policy. Until you receive an answer you must treat that information as confidential information.

6. Gaining Permission When Publishing a Person’s Identifiable Image
You must obtain express permission from an individual to use a direct, clearly identifiable image of that person.

You should also refrain from posting any information or photos of a sensitive nature. This could include accidents, incidents or controversial behaviour.

In every instance, you need to have consent of the owner of copyright in the image.

 7.  Complying With Applicable Laws
Do not post or link to content that contains illegal or indecent content, including defamatory, vilifying or misleading and deceptive content.

8.  Abiding By Copyright Laws
It is critical that you comply with the laws governing copyright in relation to material owned by others and LRG’s own copyrights and brands.

You should never quote or use more than short excerpts of someone else's work, and you should always attribute such work to the original author/source. It is good practice to link to others' work rather than reproduce it.

9.  Discrimination, Sexual Harassment and Bullying
The public in general, and LRG’s members reflect a diverse set of customs, values and points of view.

You must not post any material that is offensive, harassing, discriminatory, embarrassing, intimidating, sexually explicit, bullying, hateful, racist, sexist or otherwise inappropriate.

10. Avoiding Controversial Issues
Within the scope of your authorisation by LRG, if you see misrepresentations made about LRG in the media, you may point that out to the relevant authority at the club. Always do so with respect and with the facts. If you speak about others, make sure what you say is based on fact and does not discredit or belittle that party.

11. Dealing With Mistakes
If LRG makes an error while posting on social media, be up-front about the mistake and address it quickly. If you choose to modify an earlier post, make it clear to the club that you have done so.
If someone accuses LRG of posting something improper (such as their copyrighted material or a defamatory comment about them), address it promptly and appropriately and if necessary, seek legal advice.

12. Conscientious Behaviour and Awareness of the Consequences
Keep in mind that what you write is your responsibility, and failure to abide by these guidelines could put your participation in social events and other functions with the club and membership at risk.
You should always follow the terms and conditions for any third-party sites in which you participate.

13. Branding and Intellectual Property of LRG
You must not use any of LRG’s intellectual property or imagery on your personal social media without prior approval from the Chairperson.

LRG’s intellectual property includes but is not limited to:
confidential information;
1. trademarks;
2. logos;
3. slogans;
4. know-how;
5. concepts;
6. promotions;
7. documentation;
8. business method; and
9. imagery which has been posted on LRG’s official social media sites or website.

You must not create either an official or unofficial LRG presence using the organisation’s trademarks or name without prior approval from LRG.

You must not imply that you are authorised to speak on behalf of LRG unless you have been given official authorisation to do so by the Chairperson.

14. Posting on LRG's Facebook Page
All posts and comments made by LRG members on the Facebook page, are limited to 'gold prospecting in nature', in order to maintain the group's focus and encourage all members to participate. The idea is to help members have a better prospecting experience both socially and in terms of finding that elusive nugget or two.
Posts that don't meet this criteria will be removed by the Admins/Moderators and the member whose post is removed, will be contacted by a committee member to explain the reason for their post's removal.

Breaches of This Social Media Policy 
Breaches of this policy include but are not limited to:
1. Using LRG’s name, motto, crest and/or logo in a way that would result in a negative impact for the organisation, club and/or its members.
2. Posting or sharing any content that is abusive, harassing, threatening, demeaning, defamatory or libelous.
3. Posting or sharing any content that includes insulting, obscene, offensive, provocative or hateful language.
4. Posting or sharing any content that is a breach of any State or Commonwealth law.
5. Posting or sharing any material to our social media channels that infringes the intellectual property rights of others.
6. Posting or sharing material that brings, or risks bringing LRG, its affiliates, its officials, or members into disrepute. In this context, bringing a person or organisation into disrepute is to lower the reputation of that person or organisation in the eyes of the ordinary members of the public.

1.  Reporting a Breach
If you notice inappropriate or unlawful content online relating to LRG or any of its members or content that may otherwise have been published in breach of this policy, you should immediately bring the matter to the attention of the Chairperson who will ensure that all complaints are treated seriously, sympathetically and in as confidential manner as possible and active steps are taken as are appropriate in the circumstances, including to investigate and/or resolve the complaint.

2.  Investigating a Breach
Alleged breaches of this social media policy may be investigated by the club.

Should an investigation into any complaint be appropriate, complaints will be thoroughly investigated fairly and impartially, and action will be taken to make sure that any misconduct stops and disciplinary action may be taken, if appropriate.

To ensure the maintenance of this policy, members of LRG authorise, acknowledge, consent and agree to submit to, and cooperate with, any audit conducted by LRG of any accounts (such as Instagram and Facebook), including by delivering to the club or its authorised representative, without any further demand, any and all usernames and passwords associated with any such social media account, where the club has reasonable grounds for suspecting that any applicable law or policy of the club, is being, or has been, breached.

No audit shall be conducted unless the alleged wrongdoer is present, except where the alleged wrongdoer has given their express permission for such an audit to take place in their absence.

If you are required to submit to an audit, it is by no means an accusation of any wrongdoing.

Where it is considered necessary, LRG may report a breach of this social media policy to the police.

3.  Disciplinary Process, Consequences and Appeals
Action to be taken depends on the particular circumstances and can be dealt with either formally or informally.

Members of LRG who breach this policy may face disciplinary action up to and including termination of membership in accordance with any other relevant policy of LRG.

For the avoidance of any doubt, all relevant aspects of this policy apply to LRG policies, which operate in conjunction with this policy.

However, in the first instance, a member's right to participate in LRG's Facebook group will be revoked for a period of 7 (seven) days. During this 7 day cooling off period, the committee will discuss the matter arising from the member's actions and formalise an appropriate response, that will then be forwarded to that member.
Once the matter has been dealt with, the member's right to then participate in LRG's Facebook group again, will be determined by the committee.

Should you have any questions in relation to this policy, or have any doubts about the operation of this policy, please contact the Club Secretary.

Little Ripper Gold Inc. Facebook Page Advertising Policy 

This policy offers guidance to Little Ripper Gold Inc (LRG) members on the acceptable use of the Facebook page for advertising purposes. 

The LRG committee encourages its members to advertise on the Facebook page, under the following guidelines: 

1. Members can only advertise ‘gold prospecting’ related services. 

Camps, tagalong tours, detector training, etc. 

2. However, no ‘gold prospecting’ services can be conducted on any LRG lease. 

3. Members can only advertise ‘gold prospecting and camping/going bush’ related Buy & Sell items. 

All items for sale must include a description, photos (recommended), the location, the price, postage/pick up options and contact details. 

4. Members can advertise on any day of the week, however, this option may change at the discretion of the committee. 

5. Members are limited to 1 advertising post per day. 

6. Members MUST remove old posts before adding a new one. No bumping of old posts. 

7. Members MUST remove their Buy or Sell post, once the item has been Bought or Sold. 


Failure to comply with these guidelines will see your advertising posts removed by page Admins. 

Continued breaches of these guidelines may see your advertising privileges revoked.

Please note: all buy and sell posts are the responsibility of those members engaging in buying and selling of items. The LRG committee can not be held responsible for items listed for sale or wanted to buy.

Purpose of The Policy 

Little Ripper Gold Inc (LRG) have created this policy to ensure all members:

  • comply with the State and Commonwealth laws relating to Aboriginal heritage sites
  • understand and be aware of the laws regarding the protection of Aboriginal cultural sites, and 
  • understand the processes and procedures that LRG have put in place for ensuring heritage protection on LRG leases.

The Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (AHA)

The AHA is a law in the state of Western Australia governing the protection of Aboriginal cultural sites. The law protects all Aboriginal heritage sites in Western Australia, whether or not they are registered with the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage. The AHA also provides protection for Aboriginal objects.

The places that the AHA applies to, include:

  • any place of importance and significance where persons of Aboriginal descent have, or appear to have left any object, natural or artificial, used for or made or adapted for use for, any purpose connected with the traditional cultural life of the Aboriginal people, past or present
  • any sacred, ritual or ceremonial site, which is of importance and special significance to persons of Aboriginal descent
  • any places that are or were associated with the Aboriginal people and which is of historical, anthropological, archaeological  or ethnographical interest.

When Members Are On LRG Leases

To ensure compliance with the AHA when on LRG leases, any member who comes across any Aboriginal sites that may be places to which the AHA applies, will:

  • not camp on or detect in or around such sites
  • not dig or disturb the ground around such sites
  • not touch or remove any artifacts from such sites, and
  • report any Aboriginal sites found, to the secretary via email, littleripper.sec@gmail.com The report should include coordinates and pictures (if taken) so the Committee can create a register of sites for all LRG leases.

If you have any questions relating to this Aboriginal Heritage Protection Policy, please direct them to the secretary via email, littleripper.sec@gmail.com



Model Rules and Guidance Notes


This document includes additional summaries of the obligations arising from the Associations Incorporation Act 2015 and other explanatory material.  These are presented in the form of ‘Guidance Notes’ and ‘Act Requirements’.  These summaries do not form part of the model rules.  They have been included to assist associations adopting the model rules or modifying them to create a set of own rules to understand each of the various requirements.

Note for these rules: If an association or incorporated association approves the adoption of these model rules as its own rules, section 7(4) or 29(5) of the Act, as appropriate, requires the association or incorporated association to notify the Commissioner of the following information — 

  1. the name of the association;
  2. the objects or purposes  of the association;
  3. the quorum for a general meeting of members of the association;
  4. the quorum for a meeting of the management committee of the association;
  5. if relevant, the period of the first financial year of the association.

Guidance Note – Information Provided To The Commissioner Under Section 29(5) – This information is part of the rules of your association and must be attached to the copy of the rules provided to members. 

The information provided to the Commissioner should be inserted here: 

  1. The name of the Association is:  Little Ripper Gold Inc. 
  2. The objects of the Association are: To provide a club that will offer free gold prospecting and fossicking camps for prospectors from all around Australia that visit Western Australia goldfields. 
  3. Any 6 members personally present (being members entitled to vote under these rules at a general meeting) will constitute a quorum for the conduct of business at a general meeting. 
  4. A percentage of 50% committee members personally present will constitute a quorum for the conduct of the business of a committee meeting. 
  5. The association’s financial year will be the period of 12 months commencing on 1st July and ending on 30th June of each year. 

PART 1 — PRELIMINARY

1. Terms Used

 In these rules, unless the contrary intention appears — 

Act means the Associations Incorporation Act 2015

Associate member means a member with the rights referred to in rule 8(6); 

Association means the incorporated association to which these rules apply; 

Books, of the Association, includes the following — 

  1. a register;
  2. financial records, financial statements or financial reports, however compiled, recorded or stored;
  3. a document;
  4. any other record of information;

By laws means by-laws made by the Association under rule 64; 

Chairperson means the Committee member holding office as the chairperson of the Association;  

Commissioner means the person for the time being designated as the Commissioner under section 153 of the Act; 

Committee means the management committee of the Association; 

Committee meeting means a meeting of the committee; 

Committee member means a member of the committee; 

Due date means the due date for membership renewals;

Financial records includes — 

  1. invoices, receipts, orders for the payment of money, bills of exchange, cheques, promissory notes and vouchers; and
  2. documents of prime entry; and
  3. working papers and other documents needed to explain —

         (i) the methods by which financial statements are prepared; and

         (ii) adjustments to be made in preparing financial statements;

Financial report, of a tier 2 association or a tier 3 association, has the meaning given in section 63 of the Act; 

Financial statements means the financial statements in relation to the Association required under Part 5 Division 3 of the Act;

Financial year, of the Association, has the meaning given in rule 2; 

General meeting, of the Association, means a meeting of the Association that all members are entitled to receive notice of and to attend; 

Life member means a member recognised for their contribution to LRG, referred to in rule 8(2)(e)

Member means a person (including a body corporate) who is an ordinary member or an associate member of the Association; 

Ordinary committee member means a committee member who is not an office holder of the Association under rule 27(3); 

Ordinary member means a member with the rights referred to in rule 8(5);

Register of members means the register of members referred to in section 53 of the Act; 

Rules means these rules of the Association, as in force for the time being; 

Secretary means the committee member holding office as the Secretary of the Association; 

Special general meeting means a general meeting of the Association other than the annual general meeting; 

Special resolution means a resolution passed by the members at a general meeting in accordance with section 51 of the Act; 

Subcommittee means a subcommittee appointed by the committee under rule 48(1)(a);   

Tenement Manager means the committee member holding office as the Tenement Manager of the Association;

Tier 1 association means an incorporated association to which section 64(1) of the Act applies;   

Tier 2 association means an incorporated association to which section 64(2) of the Act applies;   

Tier 3 association means an incorporated association to which section 64(3) of the Act applies;   

Treasurer means the committee member holding office as the Treasurer of the Association;

Vice Chairperson means the committee member holding the office as Vice Chairperson of the Association.

2. Financial Year

  • The first financial year of the Association is to be the period notified to the Commissioner under section 7(4)(e) or, if relevant, section 29(5)(e) of the Act.
  • Each subsequent financial year of the Association is the period of 12 months commencing at the termination of the first financial year or the anniversary of that termination.
  • The Association's financial year will be the period of 12 months commencing on the 1st July and ending on the 30th June of the next year.

PART 2 — ASSOCIATION TO BE NOT FOR PROFIT BODY

3. Not-For-Profit Body

 (1) The property and income of the Association must be applied solely towards the promotion of the objects or purposes of the Association and no part of that property or income may be paid or otherwise distributed, directly or indirectly, to any member, except in good faith in the promotion of those objects or purposes.

(2) A payment may be made to a member out of the funds of the Association only if it is authorised under subrule (3).

(3) A payment to a member out of the funds of the Association is authorised if it is —                                      

(a) the payment in good faith to the member as reasonable remuneration for any services provided to the Association, or for goods supplied to the Association, in the ordinary course of business; or

(b) the payment of interest, on money borrowed by the Association from the member, at a rate not greater than the cash rate published from time to time by the Reserve Bank of Australia; or

(c) the payment of reasonable rent to the member for premises leased by the member to the Association; or

(d) the reimbursement of reasonable expenses properly incurred by the member on behalf of the Association.

Note for this rule-

Section 5(1) of the Act provides that an association is not eligible to be incorporated under the Act if it is formed or carried on for the purpose of securing pecuniary profit for its members from its transactions, and section 5(3) of the Act provides details about when an association is not ineligible under section 5(1) of the Act.

Act Requirements – Powers of Incorporated Association - Under section 14 of the Act the Association may do all things necessary or convenient for carrying out its objects or purposes.  Section 14(1)(a)-(g) provides particular examples.

PART 3 — MEMBERS

Act Requirements - Membership - Under sections 4 and 17 of the Act an association must always have at least 6 members with full voting rights.

Act Requirements – Liabilities of the association - Under section 19 of the Act a member of the management committee, trustee or a member of the association is not liable in respect of the liabilities of the association. This does not apply to liabilities incurred by or on behalf of the association prior to incorporation. 

Guidance Note – Liability of Members - A member is only liable for their own outstanding membership fees (if any) payable under rule 12.

Division 1 — Membership

 4. Eligibility For Membership

(1) Any person who supports the objects or purposes of the Association is eligible to apply to become a member.

(2) An individual who has not reached the age of 15 years is not eligible to apply for a class of membership that confers full voting rights.

          (a) An individual who has not reached the age of 15 years, may only apply for a Child Membership or a Junior Membership.

Guidance Note  – Eligibility for membership 

  • The by-laws may require members to hold specified educational, trade or professional qualifications.
  •  The association must comply with all legal and regulatory obligations that may apply to the association under any other law when assessing eligibility of an applicant for membership.

5. Applying for Membership

 (1) A person who wants to become a member must apply in writing to the Association.

(2) The application must include a member’s nomination of the applicant for membership.

(3) The application must be signed by the applicant and the member nominating the applicant.

(4) The applicant must specify in the application the class of membership, if there is more than one, to which the application relates.

6. Dealing With Membership Applications

 (1) The committee must consider each application for membership of the Association and decide whether to accept or reject the application.

(2) Subject to sub-rule (3), the committee must consider applications in the order in which they are received by the Association.

(3) The committee may delay its consideration of an application if the committee considers that any matter relating to the application needs to be clarified by the applicant or that the applicant needs to provide further information in support of the application.

(4) The committee must not accept an application unless the applicant —

(a) is eligible under rule 4; and

(b) has applied under rule 5.

(5) The committee may reject an application even if the applicant —

(a) is eligible under rule 4; and

(b) has applied under rule 5.

(6) The committee must notify the applicant of the committee’s decision to accept or reject the application as soon as practicable after making the decision.

(7) If the committee rejects the application, the committee is not required to give the applicant its reasons for doing so.

7. Becoming a Member

An applicant for membership of the Association becomes a member when — 

(a) the committee accepts the application; and

(b) the applicant pays any membership fees payable to the Association under rule 12.

Guidance Note – Becoming a member - The applicant immediately becomes a member, when rule 7 has been fulfilled, and is entitled to exercise all the rights and privileges of membership, including the right to vote (if applicable), and must comply with all of the obligations of membership under these rules.

Act requirement – Member to receive rules – section 36(1)(b) of the Act provides that the association must give each person who become a member of the association of copy of the rules in force at the time their membership commences. 

Guidance note – Format of rules provided - It is acceptable for the association to provide a copy of the rules to new members by electronic transmission or providing the details for the website whether the rules may be downloaded. A hard copy must be provided if the member requests that the rules be provided in that manner.

8. Classes of Membership

(1) The Association consists of Ordinary Members and any associate members provided for under subrule (2). 

          (a) An Ordinary Member:

                    (i) Is any person over the age of 15 

                    (ii) An Ordinary Member must hold a WA Miner's Right

                   (iii) An Ordinary Member can detect or prospect on any LRG Lease

                   (iv) An Ordinary Member agrees to abide by all of LRG’s rules and regulations

                   (v) An Ordinary Member has access to LRG’s Facebook page.

(2) The Association may have any class of associate membership approved by resolution at a general meeting, including junior membership, senior membership, honorary membership and life membership.

           (a) A Child Member: 

                    (i) Is any person up to the age of 15 

                    (ii) A Child Member must be accompanied by a financial Ordinary Member, while attending any of LRG’s leases

                    (iii) A Child Member cannot detect or prospect on any LRG lease

                    (iv) A Child Member agrees to abide by all of LRG’s rules and regulations 

                    (v) A Child Member does not have access to LRG’s Facebook page. 

          (b) A Junior Member: 

                    (i) Is any person up to the age of 15

                    (ii) A Junior Member must be accompanied by a financial Ordinary Member, while attending any of LRG’s leases 

                    (iii) A Junior Member must hold a WA Miner’s Right             

                    (iv) A Junior Member can detect or prospect on any LRG lease 

                    (v) A Junior Member agrees to abide by all of LRG’s rules and regulations 

                    (vi) A Junior Member does not have access to LRG’s Facebook page. 

           (c) An Associate Member:

                    (i) Is any person over the age of 15

                    (ii) An Associate Member must be accompanied by a financial Ordinary Member, while attending any of LRG’s leases 

                    (iii) An Associate Member cannot detect or prospect on any LRG lease

                    (iv) An Associate Member agrees to abide by of LRG’s rules and regulations 

                    (v) An Associate Member does not have access to LRG’s Facebook page.

         (d) An Honorary Member:

                    (i) is any person over the age of 15

                    (ii) is appointed by the committee to hold this membership, in acknowledgement of their contribution to LRG

                    (iii) must hold a WA Miner's Right

                    (iv) has their membership fee waived by the committee of LRG

                    (v) can detect and prospect on any LRG lease

                    (vi) agrees to abide by all of LRG's rules and regulations

                    (vii) has access to LRG's Facebook page.

          (e) A Life Member:

                    (i) is any person over the age of 15 

                    (ii) must hold a WA Miner's Right 

                    (iii) can detect and prospect on any LRG lease 

                    (iv) agrees to abide by all of LRG's rules and regulations 

                    (v) has access to LRG's Facebook page 

                    (vi) is nominated by a financial member. 

This nomination is forwarded to the Secretary, outing the reasons why this person should be granted Life Membership, ie. Recognising/acknowledging their significant contribution to LRG over many years of continued faithful service. The committee will review the nomination and advice all parties of their decision, including all LRG members.

(3) An individual who has not reached the age of 15 years, is only eligible to be a Child Member or a Junior Member.

(4) A person can only be an Ordinary Member or belong to one class of associate membership, provided for under subrule (2).

(5) An Ordinary Member has full voting rights and any other rights conferred on members by these rules or approved by resolution at a general meeting or determined by the committee.

(6) A Child Member, Junior Member and Associate Member have the rights referred to in subrule (5) other than full voting rights.

(7) The number of members of any class is not limited unless otherwise approved by resolution at a general meeting.

Guidance Note  - Voting rights of Members 

  • Each ordinary member of the Association has one vote at a general meeting of the Association.
  • Each ordinary member of the Association that is a body corporate has one vote at a general meeting of the Association.

When membership Ceases

 (1) A person ceases to be a member when any of the following takes place —

(a) for a member who is an individual, the individual dies;

(b) for a member who is a body corporate, the body corporate is wound up;

(c) the person resigns from the Association under rule 10;

(d) the person is expelled from the Association under rule 15;

(e) the person ceases to be a member under rule 12(4).

(2) The secretary must keep a record, for at least one year after a person ceases to be a member, of —

(a) the date on which the person ceased to be a member; and

(b) the reason why the person ceased to be a member.

10. Resignation

 (1) A member may resign from membership of the Association by giving written notice of the resignation to the secretary.

(2) The resignation takes effect —

(a) when the secretary receives the notice; or

(b) if a later time is stated in the notice, at that later time.

(3) A person who has resigned from membership of the Association remains liable for any fees that are owed to the Association (the owed amount) at the time of resignation.

(4) The owed amount may be recovered by the Association in a court of competent jurisdiction as a debt due to the Association.

11. Rights Not Transferable

   The rights of a member are not transferable and end when membership ceases.

Division 2 — Membership Fees

12. Membership Fees

(1) The committee must determine the entrance fee (if any) and the annual membership fee to be paid for membership of the Association. 

(2) The fees determined under subrule (1) may be different for different classes of membership.

          (a) A Child Member's fee is 25% of the annual membership fee. 

          (b) A Junior Member's fee is 50% of the annual membership fee. 

          (c) An Associate Member's fee is 50% of the annual membership fee.

          (d) An Ordinary Member's fee is 100% of the annual membership fee.

          (e) A Life Member may have their membership fees waived at the discretion of the Executive Committee.

          (f) A Honorary Member may have their membership fees waived at the discretion of the Executive Committee.

(3) A member must pay the annual membership fee to the treasurer, or another person authorised by the committee to accept payments, by the date (the due date) determined by the committee.

          (a) the association's membership will be the period commencing 1st January and ending on the 31st December of that year.     

(4) If a member has not paid the annual membership fee within the period of 1 month after the due date, the member ceases to be a member on the expiry of that period. Until their membership fees are paid, access to all of LRG's leases and Facebook page (if applicable) will be denied.

(5) If a person who has ceased to be a member under subrule (4) offers to pay the annual membership fee after the period referred to in that subrule has expired —

(a) the committee may, at its discretion, accept that payment; and

(b) if the payment is accepted, the person’s membership is reinstated from the date the payment is accepted.

Division 3 — Register of Members

13. Register of Members

Act Requirements – Register Of Members Section 53 of the Act requires an incorporated association to maintain a register of its members and record in the register any change in the membership of the association.  Any change to the register must be recorded within 28 days after the change occurs. 

Under section 53(2) of the Act the register of members must include each member’s name and a residential, postal or email address.  

Under section 54 of the Act a member is entitled to inspect the register free of charge. The member may make a copy of, or take an extract from, the register but has no right to remove the register for that purpose.  

Under section 56 of the Act the management committee is authorised by to determine a reasonable charge for providing a copy of the register. 


(1) The secretary, or another person authorised by the committee, is responsible for the requirements imposed on the Association under section 53 of the Act to maintain the register of members and record in that register any change in the membership of the Association.

(2) In addition to the matters referred to in section 53(2) of the Act, the register of members must include the class of membership (if applicable) to which each member belongs and the date on which each member becomes a member.

(3) The register of members must be kept at the secretary’s place of residence, or at another place determined by the committee.

(4) A member who wishes to inspect the register of members must contact the secretary to make the necessary arrangements.

(5) If —

(a) a member inspecting the register of members wishes to make a copy of, or take an extract from, the register under section 54(2) of the Act; or

(b) a member makes a written request under section 56(1) of the Act to be provided with a copy of the register of members,

the committee may require the member to provide a statutory declaration setting out the purpose for which the copy or extract is required and declaring that the purpose is connected with the affairs of the Association.

PART 4 — DISCIPLINARY ACTION, DISPUTES AND MEDIATION

Division 1 — Term Used

14. Term Used: member

 In this Part — 

member, in relation to a member who is expelled from the Association, includes former member.

Division 2 — Disciplinary Action

15. Suspension or Expulsion

(1) The committee may decide to suspend a member’s membership or to expel a member from the Association if —

(a) the member contravenes any of these rules; or

(b) the member acts detrimentally to the interests of the Association.

(2) The secretary must give the member written notice of the proposed suspension or expulsion at least 28 days before the committee meeting at which the proposal is to be considered by the committee.

(3) The notice given to the member must state —

(a) when and where the committee meeting is to be held; and

(b) the grounds on which the proposed suspension or expulsion is based; and

(c) that the member, or the member’s representative, may attend the meeting and will be given a reasonable opportunity to make written or oral (or both written and oral) submissions to the committee about the proposed suspension or expulsion;

(4) At the committee meeting, the committee must —

(a) give the member, or the member’s representative, a reasonable opportunity to make written or oral (or both written and oral) submissions to the committee about the proposed suspension or expulsion; and

(b) give due consideration to any submissions so made; and

(c) decide —

(i) whether or not to suspend the member’s membership and, if the decision is to suspend the membership, the period of suspension; or

(ii) whether or not to expel the member from the Association.

(5) A decision of the committee to suspend the member’s membership or to expel the member from the Association takes immediate effect.

(6) The committee must give the member written notice of the committee’s decision, and the reasons for the decision, within 7 days after the committee meeting at which the decision is made.

(7) A member whose membership is suspended or who is expelled from the Association may, within 14 days after receiving notice of the Committee’s decision under subrule (6), give written notice to the secretary requesting the appointment of a mediator under rule 23.

(8) If notice is given under subrule (7), the member who gives the notice and the committee are the parties to the mediation.

Guidance Note – Suspension or expulsion of a Member - Once the committee has decided to suspend or expel a member under rule 15(5) the member is immediately suspended or expelled

16. Consequences of Suspension

(1) During the period a member’s membership is suspended, the member —

(a) loses any rights (including voting rights) arising as a result of membership; and

(b) is not entitled to a refund, rebate, relief or credit for membership fees paid, or payable, to the Association.

(2) When a member’s membership is suspended, the secretary must record in the register of members —

(a) that the member’s membership is suspended; and

(b) the date on which the suspension takes effect; and

(c) the period of the suspension.

(3) When the period of the suspension ends, the secretary must record in the register of members that the member’s membership is no longer suspended.

Division 3 — Resolving Disputes

17. Terms Used

 In this Division —  

grievance procedure means the procedures set out in this Division;  

party to a dispute includes a person – 

(a) who is a party to the dispute; and

(b) who ceases to be a member within 6 months before the dispute has come to the attention of each party to the dispute.

Guidance Note  - Resolving disputes 

  • For the purposes of rules 17 and 18, the term this Division relates to rules 19 – 21.

18. Application of Division

 The procedure set out in this Division (the grievance procedure) applies to disputes — 

(a) between members; or

(b) between one or more members and the Association.

19. Parties To Attempt To Resolve Dispute

The parties to a dispute must attempt to resolve the dispute between themselves within 14 days after the dispute has come to the attention of each party.

20. How Grievance Procedure Is Started

(1) If the parties to a dispute are unable to resolve the dispute between themselves within the time required by rule 19, any party to the dispute may start the grievance procedure by giving written notice to the secretary of —

 (a) the parties to the dispute; and

(b) the matters that are the subject of the dispute.

(2) Within 28 days after the secretary is given the notice, a committee meeting must be convened to consider and determine the dispute.

(3) The secretary must give each party to the dispute written notice of the committee meeting at which the dispute is to be considered and determined at least 7 days before the meeting is held.

(4) The notice given to each party to the dispute must state —

(a) when and where the committee meeting is to be held; and

(b) that the party, or the party’s representative, may attend the meeting and will be given a reasonable opportunity to make written or oral (or both written and oral) submissions to the committee about the dispute.

(5) If —

(a) the dispute is between one or more members and the Association; and

(b) any party to the dispute gives written notice to the secretary stating that the party —

(i) does not agree to the dispute being determined by the committee; and

(ii) requests the appointment of a mediator under rule 23,

the committee must not determine the dispute.

21. Determination Of Dispute By Committee

(1) At the committee meeting at which a dispute is to be considered and determined, the committee must —

(a) give each party to the dispute, or the party’s representative, a reasonable opportunity to make written or oral (or both written and oral) submissions to the committee about the dispute; and

(b) give due consideration to any submissions so made; and

(c) determine the dispute.

(2) The committee must give each party to the dispute written notice of the committee’s determination, and the reasons for the determination, within 7 days after the committee meeting at which the determination is made.

(3) A party to the dispute may, within 14 days after receiving notice of the committee’s determination under subrule (1)(c), give written notice to the secretary requesting the appointment of a mediator under rule 23.

(4) If notice is given under subrule (3), each party to the dispute is a party to the mediation.

Guidance Note  - Mediation 

  • For the purposes of rule 22, the term this Division relates to rules 22-25.

22. Application Of Division

(1) This Division applies if written notice has been given to the secretary requesting the appointment of a mediator —

(a) by a member under rule 15(7); or

(b) by a party to a dispute under rule 20(5)(b)(ii) or 21(3).

(2) If this Division applies, a mediator must be chosen or appointed under rule 23.

23. Appointment Of Mediator

(1) The mediator must be a person chosen —

(a) if the appointment of a mediator was requested by a member under rule 15(7) — by agreement between the Member and the committee; or

(b) if the appointment of a mediator was requested by a party to a dispute under rule 20(5)(b)(ii) or 21(3) — by agreement between the parties to the dispute.

(2) If there is no agreement for the purposes of subrule (1)(a) or (b), then, subject to subrules (3) and (4), the committee must appoint the mediator.

(3) The person appointed as mediator by the committee must be a person who acts as a mediator for another not-for-profit body, such as a community legal centre, if the appointment of a mediator was requested by —

(a) a member under rule 15(7); or

(b) a party to a dispute under rule 20(5)(b)(ii); or

(c) a party to a dispute under rule 21(3) and the dispute is between one or more members and the Association.

(4) The person appointed as mediator by the committee may be a member or former member of the Association but must not —

(a) have a personal interest in the matter that is the subject of the mediation; or

(b) be biased in favour of or against any party to the mediation.

24. Mediation Process

(1) The parties to the mediation must attempt in good faith to settle the matter that is the subject of the mediation.

(2) Each party to the mediation must give the mediator a written statement of the issues that need to be considered at the mediation at least 5 days before the mediation takes place.

(3) In conducting the mediation, the mediator must —

(a) give each party to the mediation every opportunity to be heard; and

(b) allow each party to the mediation to give due consideration to any written statement given by another party; and

(c) ensure that natural justice is given to the parties to the mediation throughout the mediation process.

(4) The mediator cannot determine the matter that is the subject of the mediation.

(5) The mediation must be confidential, and any information given at the mediation cannot be used in any other proceedings that take place in relation to the matter that is the subject of the mediation.

(6) The costs of the mediation are to be paid by the party or parties to the mediation that requested the appointment of the mediator.

 Note for this rule: 

Section 182(1) of the Act provides that an application may be made to the State Administrative Tribunal to have a dispute determined if the dispute has not been resolved under the procedure provided for in the incorporated association’s rules.

25. If Mediation Results In Decision To Suspend Or Expel Being Revoked

 If — 

(a) mediation takes place because a member whose membership is suspended or who is expelled from the Association gives notice under rule 15(7); and

(b) as the result of the mediation, the decision to suspend the member’s membership or expel the member is revoked,

that revocation does not affect the validity of any decision made at a committee meeting or general meeting during the period of suspension or expulsion.

PART 5 — COMMITTEE

Division 1 — Powers of Committee

26. Committee

(1) The committee members are the persons who, as the management committee of the Association, have the power to manage the affairs of the Association.

(2) Subject to the Act, these rules, the by-laws (if any) and any resolution passed at a general meeting, the committee has power to do all things necessary or convenient to be done for the proper management of the affairs of the Association.

(3) The committee must take all reasonable steps to ensure that the Association complies with the Act, these rules and the by-laws (if any).

Division 2 — Composition Of Committee and Duties Of Members

27. Committee Members

(1) The committee members consist of —

(a) the office holders of the Association; and

(b) at least one ordinary committee member.

(2) The committee must determine the maximum number of members who may be ordinary committee members.

(3) The following are the office holders of the Association —

(a) the Chairperson;

(b) the Vice Chairperson;

(c) the Secretary;

(d) the Treasurer;

(e) the Tenement Manager;

(4) A person may be a committee member if the person is —

(a) an individual who has reached 18 years of age; and

(b) an ordinary member, a Life Member or an Honorary Member.

(5) A person must not hold 2 or more of the offices mentioned in subrule (3) at the same time.

Act Requirements – Persons Who Are Not To Be Members Of Committee 

  • Under section 39 of the Act the following persons must not, without leave of the Commissioner, accept an appointment or act as a member of a management committee of an association:
  • a person who is, according to the Interpretation Act 1984 section 13D, a bankrupt or person whose affairs are under insolvency laws;
  • a person who has been convicted, within or outside the State, of -
  • an indictable offence in relation to the promotion, formation or management of a body corporate; or
  • an offence involving fraud or dishonesty punishable by imprisonment for a period of not less than three months; or
  • an offence under Part 4 Division 3 of section 127 of the Act

Section 39 only applies to a person who has been convicted of the above offences only for a period of 5 years from the time of the person’s conviction, or if the conviction results in a term of imprisonment, from the time of the person’s release from custody. 

Act Requirements - Duties of Committee Members and Officers  

Section 3 of the Act provides a definition of “officer”. The duties provisions will apply to committee members and to those persons who have the ability to influence the management committee but who do not hold a formal committee position 

  • Under section 44 of the Act an officer of an association must exercise his or her powers and discharge his or her duties with a degree of care and diligence that a reasonable person would exercise if that person- 

(a) were an officer of the association in the association’s circumstances; and 

(b) occupied the office held by, and had the same responsibilities within the association as, the officer. 

  • Under section 45 of the Act an officer of an association must exercise his or her powers and discharge his or her duties-  

(a) in good faith in the best interests of the Association; and  

(b) for a proper purpose.  

  • Under section 46 an officer of an association must not improperly use his or her position to-

(a) gain an advantage for the officer or another person; or Under section 46 an officer of an association must not improperly use his or her position to-

(b) cause detriment to the Association. 

  • Under section 47 a person who obtains information because the person is, or has been, an officer of an association must not improperly use the information to- 

(a) gain an advantage for the person or another person; or 

(b) cause detriment to the Association.

28. Chairperson

(1) It is the duty of the chairperson to consult with the secretary regarding the business to be conducted at each committee meeting and general meeting.

(2) The chairperson has the powers and duties relating to convening and presiding at committee meetings and presiding at general meetings provided for in these rules.

29. Vice Chairperson

(1) it is the duty of the vice chairperson to fill in for the chairperson if they are unable to attend to their duties;

(2) the vice chairperson shall assume the roles and responsibilities of the chairperson, only in their absense.

30. Secretary

   The Secretary has the following duties — 

(a) dealing with the Association’s correspondence;

(b) consulting with the chairperson regarding the business to be conducted at each committee meeting and general meeting;

(c) preparing the notices required for meetings and for the business to be conducted at meetings;

(d) unless another member is authorised by the committee to do so, maintaining on behalf of the Association the register of members, and recording in the register any changes in the membership, as required under section 53(1) of the Act;

(e) maintaining on behalf of the Association an up-to-date copy of these rules, as required under section 35(1) of the Act;

(f) unless another member is authorised by the committee to do so, maintaining on behalf of the Association a record of committee members and other persons authorised to act on behalf of the Association, as required under section 58(2) of the Act;

(g) ensuring the safe custody of the books of the Association, other than the financial records, financial statements and financial reports, as applicable to the Association;

(h) maintaining full and accurate minutes of committee meetings and general meetings;

(i) carrying out any other duty given to the secretary under these rules or by the committee.

Guidance note – Record of Office Holdersdetailed information about what must be included in the record of office holders is included under rule 68.

31. Treasurer

   The treasurer has the following duties — 

(a) ensuring that any amounts payable to the Association are collected and issuing receipts for those amounts in the Association’s name;

(b) ensuring that any amounts paid to the Association are credited to the appropriate account of the Association, as directed by the  committee;

(c) ensuring that any payments to be made by the Association that have been authorised by the committee or at a general meeting are made on time;

(d) ensuring that the Association complies with the relevant requirements of Part 5 of the Act;

(e) ensuring the safe custody of the Association’s financial records, financial statements and financial reports, as applicable to the Association;

(f) if the Association is a tier 1 association, coordinating the preparation of the Association’s financial statements before their submission to         the Association’s annual general meeting;

(g) if the Association is a tier 2 association or tier 3 association, coordinating the preparation of the Association’s financial report before its            submission to the Association’s annual general meeting;

(h) providing any assistance required by an auditor or reviewer conducting an audit or review of the Association’s financial statements or                financial report under Part 5 Division 5 of the Act;

(i) carrying out any other duty given to the treasurer under these rules or by the committee

32. Tenement Manager

The tenement manager has the following duties - 

         (a) has the ability to understand and use Tengraph and GeoView;

         (b) has basic knowledge of appropriate compliance standards with statutory requirements relating to mineral tenement                     matters within Western Australia.

         (c) maintain a register current leases and collate information from expenditure forms to determine the viability of current                     leases, on an ongoing basis;

         (d) identify leases for LRG. This includes, but not limited to,  vacant crown land and mining tenements being offered for sale;

         (e) assist in the identification and management of land access, safety, environmental, cultural heritage and native title                          matters that may be applicable to LRG's leases;

         (f) organise for new leases to be pegged and lodge the associated paperwork applicable to pegging of leases;

         (g) preparation and completion of various correspondence, submissions and reports to various government authorities (including but not limited to the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS)) regarding LRG's leases;

         (h) provide updates to LRG's monthly committee meetings.         

Division 3 — Election Of Committee Members and Tenure Of Office

33. How Members Become Committee Members

 A member becomes a committee member if the member — 

(a) is elected to the committee at a general meeting; or

(b) is appointed to the committee by the committee to fill a casual vacancy under rule 38.

34. Nomination of Committee Members

(1) At least 42 days before an annual general meeting, the secretary must send written notice to all the members —

(a) calling for nominations for election to the committee; and

(b) stating the date by which nominations must be received by the secretary to comply with subrule (2).

(2) A member who wishes to be considered for election to the committee at the annual general meeting must nominate for election by sending                written notice of the nomination to the secretary at least 28 days before the annual general meeting.

(3) The written notice must include a statement by another member in support of the nomination.

(4) A member may nominate for one specified position of office holder of the Association or to be an ordinary committee member.

(5) A member whose nomination does not comply with this rule is not eligible for election to the committee unless the member is nominated under rule 35(2) or 36(2)(b).

35. Election Of Office Holders

(1) At the annual general meeting, a separate election must be held for each position of office holder of the Association.

(2) If there is no nomination for a position, the chairperson of the meeting may call for nominations from the ordinary members at the meeting.

(3) If only one member has nominated for a position, the chairperson of the meeting must declare the Member elected to the position.

(4) If more than one member has nominated for a position, the ordinary members at the meeting must vote in accordance with procedures that have been determined by the committee to decide who is to be elected to the position.

(5) Each ordinary member present at the meeting may vote for one member who has nominated for the position.

(6) A member who has nominated for the position may vote for himself or herself.

(7) On the member’s election, the new chairperson of the Association may take over as the chairperson of the meeting.

36. Election Of Ordinary Committee Members

(1) The number of ordinary committee members shall be four (4) but this number can be increased at the discretion of the                     Chairperson.

(2) If the number of members nominating for the position of ordinary committee member is not greater than the number to be elected, the chairperson of the meeting —

(a) must declare each of those members to be elected to the position; and

(b) may call for further nominations from the ordinary members at the meeting to fill any positions remaining unfilled after the elections under paragraph (a).

(3) If —

(a) the number of members nominating for the position of ordinary committee member is greater than the number to be elected; or

(b) the number of members nominating under subrule (2)(b) is greater than the number of positions remaining unfilled,

      the ordinary members at the meeting must vote in accordance with procedures that have been determined by the committee to decide the                 members who are to be elected to the position of ordinary committee member. 

(4) A member who has nominated for the position of ordinary committee member may vote in accordance with that nomination.

37. Term Of Office

(1) The term of office of a committee member begins when the member —

(a) is elected at an annual general meeting or under subrule 36(3)(b); or

(b) is appointed to fill a casual vacancy under rule 40.

(2) Subject to rule 39, a committee member holds office until the positions on the committee are declared vacant at the next annual general                     meeting.

(3) A committee member may be re-elected.

Guidance Note – Committee Members Upon Incorporation - The committee members appointed on incorporation of the association will hold office until the conclusion of the first annual general meeting of the association and will be eligible for re-election.

38. Resignation and Removal From Office

(1) A committee member may resign from the committee by written notice given to the secretary or, if the resigning member is the secretary, given       to the chairperson.

(2) The resignation takes effect —

(a) when the notice is received by the secretary or chairperson; or

(b) if a later time is stated in the notice, at the later time.

(3) At a general meeting, the Association may by resolution —

(a) remove a committee member from office; and

(b) elect a member who is eligible under rule 27(4) to fill the vacant position.

(4) A committee member who is the subject of a proposed resolution under subrule (3)(a) may make written representations (of a reasonable                length) to the secretary or chairperson and may ask that the representations be provided to the members.

(5) The secretary or chairperson may give a copy of the representations to each member or, if they are not so given, the committee member may           require them to be read out at the general meeting at which the resolution is to be considered.

39. When Membership Of Committee Ceases

 A person ceases to be a committee member if the person — 

(a) dies or otherwise ceases to be a member; or

(b) resigns from the committee or is removed from office under rule 38; or

(c) becomes ineligible to accept an appointment or act as a committee member under section 39 of the Act;

(d) becomes permanently unable to act as a committee member because of a mental or physical disability; or

(e) fails to attend 3 consecutive Committee meetings, of which the person has been given notice, without having notified the Committee that       the person will be unable to attend.

Note for this rule: 

Section 41 of the Act imposes requirements, arising when a person ceases to be a member of the management committee of an incorporated association, that relate to returning documents and records.

Act Requirements – Handing Over Documents and Records – where a person ceases to be a member of the association’s committee section 41 of the Act requires that person to, as soon as practicable after their membership ceases, deliver to a member of the committee all of the relevant documents and records they hold pertaining to the management of the association’s affairs.

40. Filling Casual Vacancies

(1) The committee may appoint a member who is eligible under rule 27(4) to fill a position on the committee that —

(a) has become vacant under rule 39; or

(b) was not filled by election at the most recent annual general meeting or under rule 36(3)(b).

(2) If the position of secretary becomes vacant, the committee must appoint a member who is eligible under rule 27(4) to fill the position within 14        days after the vacancy arises.

(3) Subject to the requirement for a quorum under rule 47, the committee may continue to act despite any vacancy in its membership.

(4) If there are fewer committee members than required for a quorum under rule 47, the committee may act only for the purpose of —

(a) appointing committee members under this rule; or

(b) convening a general meeting.

41. Validity Of Acts

 The acts of a committee or subcommittee, or of a committee member or member of a subcommittee, are valid despite any defect that may afterwards be discovered in the election, appointment or qualification of a committee member or member of a subcommittee.

42. Payments To Committee Members

(1) In this rule —

committee member includes a member of a subcommittee;

committee meeting includes a meeting of a subcommittee.

(2) A committee member is entitled to be paid out of the funds of the Association for any out-of-pocket expenses for travel and accommodation           properly incurred —

(a) in attending a committee meeting or

(b) in attending a general meeting; or

(c) otherwise in connection with the Association’s business.

Division 4 — Committee Meetings

43. Committee Meetings

(1) The committee must meet at least 4 times in each year on the dates and at the times and places determined by the committee.

(2) The date, time and place of the first committee meeting must be determined by the committee members as soon as practicable after the annual general meeting at which the committee members are elected.

(3) Special committee meetings may be convened by the chairperson or any 2 committee members.

44. Notice Of Committee Meetings

(1) Notice of each committee meeting must be given to each committee member at least 48 hours before the time of the meeting.

(2) The notice must state the date, time and place of the meeting and must describe the general nature of the business to be conducted at the                meeting.

(3) Unless subrule (4) applies, the only business that may be conducted at the meeting is the business described in the notice.

(4) Urgent business that has not been described in the notice may be conducted at the meeting if the committee members at the meeting                        unanimously agree to treat that business as urgent.

45. Procedure and Order of Business

(1) The chairperson or, in the chairperson’s absence, the deputy-chairperson must preside as chairperson of each committee meeting.

(2) If the chairperson and deputy chairperson are absent or are unwilling to act as chairperson of a meeting, the committee members at the                     meeting must choose one of them to act as chairperson of the meeting.

(3) The procedure to be followed at a committee meeting must be determined from time to time by the committee.

(4) The order of business at a committee meeting may be determined by the committee members at the meeting.

(5) A member or other person who is not a committee member may attend a committee meeting if invited to do so by the committee.

(6) A person invited under subrule (5) to attend a committee meeting —

(a) has no right to any agenda, minutes or other document circulated at the meeting; and

(b) must not comment about any matter discussed at the meeting unless invited by the committee to do so; and

(c) cannot vote on any matter that is to be decided at the meeting.

Act Requirements - Material Personal Interests of Committee Members 

  • Under section 42 of the Act a member of the committee who has a material personal interest in a matter being considered at a committee meeting must:  
  • as soon as he or she becomes aware of that interest, disclose the nature and extent of his or her interest to the Committee; 
  • disclose the nature and extent of the interest at the next general meeting of the association   
  • Under section 42(3) of the Act this rule does not apply in respect of a material personal interest  

(a) that exists only because the member- 

  • is an employee of the incorporated association; or 
  • is a member of a class of persons for whose benefit the association is established; or 

(b) that the member has in common with all, or a substantial proportion of, the members of the Association. 

  • Under section 43 of the Act a member of the management committee who has a material personal interest in a matter being considered at a meeting of the management committee must not be present while the matter is being considered at the meeting or vote on the matter.   

Under section 42(6) of the Act the association must record every disclosure made by a committee member of a material personal interest in the minutes of the committee meeting at which the disclosure is made.

46. Use Of Technology To Be Present at Committee Meetings

(1) The presence of a committee member at a committee meeting need not be by attendance in person but may be by that committee member and each other committee member at the meeting being simultaneously in contact by telephone or other means of instantaneous communication.

(2) A member who participates in a committee meeting as allowed under subrule (1) is taken to be present at the meeting and, if the member votes at the meeting, the member is taken to have voted in person.

47. Quorum For Committee Meetings

(1) Subject to rule 40(4), no business is to be conducted at a committee meeting unless a quorum is present.

(2) If a quorum is not present within 30 minutes after the notified commencement time of a committee meeting —

(a) in the case of a special meeting — the meeting lapses; or

(b) otherwise, the meeting is adjourned to the same time, day and place in the following week.

(3) If —

(a) a quorum is not present within 30 minutes after the commencement time of a committee meeting held under subrule (2)(b); and

(b) at least 2 committee members are present at the meeting,

 those members present are taken to constitute a quorum. 

Note for this rule: 

If these model rules are adopted, the quorum for a committee meeting is as notified to the Commissioner under section 7(4)(d) or 29(5)(d) of the Act.

(4) A percentage of 50% committee members in attendance will constitute a quorum for the conduct of the business of a committee meeting.

48. Voting at Committee Meetings

(1) Each committee member present at a committee meeting has one vote on any question arising at the meeting.

(2) A motion is carried if a majority of the committee members present at the committee meeting vote in favour of the motion.

(3) If the votes are divided equally on a question, the chairperson of the meeting has a second or casting vote.

(4) A vote may take place by the committee members present indicating their agreement or disagreement or by a show of hands, unless the                     committee decides that a secret ballot is needed to determine a particular question.

(5) If a secret ballot is needed, the chairperson of the meeting must decide how the ballot is to be conducted.

49. Minutes of Committee Meetings

(1) The committee must ensure that minutes are taken and kept of each committee meeting.

(2) The minutes must record the following —

(a) the names of the committee members present at the meeting;

(b) the name of any person attending the meeting under rule 45(5);

(c) the business considered at the meeting;

(d) any motion on which a vote is taken at the meeting and the result of the vote.

(3) The minutes of a committee meeting must be entered in the Association’s minute book within 30 days after the meeting is held.

(4) The chairperson must ensure that the minutes of a committee meeting are reviewed and signed as correct by —

(a) the chairperson of the meeting; or

(b) the chairperson of the next committee meeting.

(5) When the minutes of a committee meeting have been signed as correct they are, until the contrary is proved, evidence that —

(a) the meeting to which the minutes relate was duly convened and held; and

(b) the matters recorded as having taken place at the meeting took place as recorded; and

(c) any appointment purportedly made at the meeting was validly made.

Note for this rule: 

Section 42(6) of the Act requires details relating to the disclosure of a committee member’s material personal interest in a matter being considered at a committee meeting to be recorded in the minutes of the meeting.

Division 5 — Subcommittees and Subsidiary Offices

50. Subcommittees and Subsidiary Offices

(1) To help the committee in the conduct of the Association’s business, the committee may, in writing, do either or both of the following —

(a) appoint one or more subcommittees;

(b) create one or more subsidiary offices and appoint people to those offices.

(2) A subcommittee may consist of the number of people, whether or not members, that the committee considers appropriate.

(3) A person may be appointed to a subsidiary office whether or not the person is a member.

(4) Subject to any directions given by the committee —

(a) a subcommittee may meet and conduct business as it considers appropriate; and

(b) the holder of a subsidiary office may carry out the functions given to the holder as the holder considers appropriate.

51. Delegation To Subcommittees and Holders Of Subsidiary Offices

(1) In this rule —

      non-delegable duty means a duty imposed on the committee by the Act or another written law. 

(2) The committee may, in writing, delegate to a subcommittee or the holder of a subsidiary office the exercise of any power or the performance of         any duty of the committee other than —

(a) the power to delegate; and

(b) a non-delegable duty.

(3) A power or duty, the exercise or performance of which has been delegated to a subcommittee or the holder of a subsidiary office under this rule,      may be exercised or performed by the subcommittee or holder in accordance with the terms of the delegation.

(4) The delegation may be made subject to any conditions, qualifications, limitations or exceptions that the committee specifies in the document by      which the delegation is made.

(5) The delegation does not prevent the committee from exercising or performing at any time the power or duty delegated.

(6) Any act or thing done by a subcommittee or by the holder of a subsidiary office, under the delegation has the same force and effect as if it had      been done by the committee.

(7) The committee may, in writing, amend or revoke the delegation.

PART 6 — GENERAL MEETINGS OF ASSOCIATION

52. Annual General Meeting

(1) The committee must determine the date, time and place of the annual general meeting.

(2) If it is proposed to hold the annual general meeting more than 6 months after the end of the Association’s financial year, the secretary must                apply to the Commissioner for permission under section 50(3)(b) of the Act within 4 months after the end of the financial year.

(3) The ordinary business of the annual general meeting is as follows —

(a) to confirm the minutes of the previous annual general meeting and of any special general meeting held since then if the minutes of that           meeting have not yet been confirmed;

(b) to receive and consider —

(i) the committee’s annual report on the Association’s activities during the preceding financial year; and

(ii) if the Association is a tier 1 association, the financial statements of the Association for the preceding financial year presented under      Part 5 of the Act; and

(iii) if the Association is a tier 2 association or a tier 3 association, the financial report of the Association for the preceding financial year      presented under Part 5 of the Act;

(iv) if required to be presented for consideration under Part 5 of the Act, a copy of the report of the review or auditor’s report on the                financial statements or financial report;

(c) to elect the office holders of the Association and other committee members;

(d) if applicable, to appoint or remove a reviewer or auditor of the Association in accordance with the Act;

 (e) to confirm or vary the entrance fees, subscriptions and other amounts (if any) to be paid by members.

(4) Any other business of which notice has been given in accordance with these rules may be conducted at the annual general meeting.

Note for this rule: 

Unless the Commissioner allows otherwise, under section 50(3) of the Act the annual general meeting must be held within 6 months after the end of the Association’s financial year. If it is the first annual general meeting, section 50(2) of the Act provides that it may be held at any time within 18 months after incorporation.

53. Special General Meetings

(1) The committee may convene a special general meeting.

(2) The committee must convene a special general meeting if at least 20% of the members require a special general meeting to be convened.

(3) The members requiring a special general meeting to be convened must —

(a) make the requirement by written notice given to the secretary; and

(b) state in the notice the business to be considered at the meeting; and

(c) each sign the notice.

(4) The special general meeting must be convened within 28 days after notice is given under subrule (3)(a).

(5) If the committee does not convene a special general meeting within that 28 day period, the members making the requirement (or any of them)           may convene the special general meeting.

(6) A special general meeting convened by members under subrule (5) —

(a) must be held within 3 months after the date the original requirement was made; and

(b) may only consider the business stated in the notice by which the requirement was made.

(7) The Association must reimburse any reasonable expenses incurred by the members convening a special general meeting under subrule (5).

54. Notice of General Meetings

(1) The secretary or, in the case of a special general meeting convened  under rule 53(5), the members convening the meeting, must give to each           member —

(a) at least 21 days’ notice of a general meeting if a special resolution is to be proposed at the meeting; or

(b) at least 14 days’ notice of a general meeting in any other case.

(2) The notice must —

(a) specify the date, time and place of the meeting; and

(b) indicate the general nature of each item of business to be considered at the meeting; and

(c) if the meeting is the annual general meeting, include the names of the members who have nominated for election to the committee under rule 34(2); and

(d) if a special resolution is proposed —

(i) set out the wording of the proposed resolution as required by section 51(4) of the Act; and

(ii) state that the resolution is intended to be proposed as a special resolution; and

(iii) comply with rule 53(7).

Note for this paragraph: 

Section 51(1) of the Act states that a resolution is a special resolution if it is passed — 

(a) at a general meeting of an incorporated association; and

(b) by the votes of not less than three-fourths of the members of the association who cast a vote at the meeting.

Act Requirements – Notice To Be Given To Reviewer Or Auditor  – For Tier 2 and 3 associations – under section 86 of the Act a reviewer or auditor of an incorporated association is entitled to receive all notices of and other communications relating to any general meetings of the association that a member is entitled to receive.

55. Proxies

(1) Subject to subrule (2), an ordinary member may appoint an individual who is an ordinary member as his or her proxy to vote and speak on his or her behalf at a general meeting.

(2) An ordinary member may be appointed the proxy for not more than 5 other members.

(3) The appointment of a proxy must be in writing and signed by the member making the appointment.

(4) The member appointing the proxy may give specific directions as to how the proxy is to vote on his or her behalf.

(5) If no instructions are given to the proxy, the proxy may vote on behalf of the member in any matter as the proxy sees fit.

(6) If the committee has approved a form for the appointment of a proxy, the member may use that form or any other form —

(a) that clearly identifies the person appointed as the member's proxy; and

(b) that has been signed by the member.

(7) Notice of a general meeting given to an ordinary member under rule 54 must —

(a) state that the member may appoint an individual who is an ordinary member as a proxy for the meeting; and

(b) include a copy of any form that the committee has approved for the appointment of a proxy.

(8) A form appointing a proxy must be given to the secretary before the commencement of the general meeting for which the proxy is appointed.

(9) A form appointing a proxy sent by post or electronically is of no effect unless it is received by the Association not later than 24 hours before the commencement of the meeting.

56. Use Of Technology To Be Present At General Meetings

(1) The presence of a member at a general meeting need not be by attendance in person but may be by that member and each other member at the meeting being simultaneously in contact by telephone or other means of instantaneous communication.

(2) A member who participates in a general meeting as allowed under subrule (1) is taken to be present at the meeting and, if the member votes at      the meeting, the member is taken to have voted in person.

57. Presiding Member and Quorum For General Meetings

(1) The chairperson or, in the chairperson’s absence, the deputy chairperson must preside as chairperson of each general meeting.

(2) If the chairperson and deputy chairperson are absent or are unwilling to act as chairperson of a general meeting, the committee members at the meeting must choose one of them to act as chairperson of the meeting.

(3) No business is to be conducted at a general meeting unless a quorum is present.

(4) If a quorum is not present within 30 minutes after the notified commencement time of a general meeting —

(a) in the case of a special general meeting — the meeting lapses; or

(b) in the case of the annual general meeting — the meeting is adjourned to —

(i) the same time and day in the following week; and

(ii) the same place, unless the chairperson specifies another place at the time of the adjournment or written notice of another place is           given to the members before the day to which the meeting is adjourned.

(5) If —

(a) a quorum is not present within 30 minutes after the commencement time of an annual general meeting held under subrule (4)(b); and

(b) at least 2 ordinary members are present at the meeting,

     those members present are taken to constitute a quorum.

Note for this rule: 

If these model rules are adopted, the quorum for a general meeting is as notified to the Commissioner under section 7(4)(c) or 29(5)(c) of the Act.

58. Adjournment Of General Meeting

(1) The chairperson of a general meeting at which a quorum is present may, with the consent of a majority of the ordinary members present at the meeting, adjourn the meeting to another time at the same place or at another place.

(2) Without limiting subrule (1), a meeting may be adjourned —

(a) if there is insufficient time to deal with the business at hand; or

(b) to give the members more time to consider an item of business.

(3) No business may be conducted on the resumption of an adjourned meeting other than the business that remained unfinished when the meeting was adjourned.

(4) Notice of the adjournment of a meeting under this rule is not required unless the meeting is adjourned for 14 days or more, in which case notice of the meeting must be given in accordance with rule 52.

59. Voting at General Meeting

(1) On any question arising at a general meeting —

(a) subject to subrule (6), each ordinary member has one vote unless the member may also vote on behalf of a body corporate under subrule      (2); and

(b) ordinary members may vote personally or by proxy.

(2) An ordinary member that is a body corporate may, in writing, appoint an individual, whether or not the individual is a member, to vote on behalf of the body corporate on any question at a particular general meeting or at any general meeting, as specified in the document by which the  appointment is made.

(3) A copy of the document by which the appointment is made must be given to the secretary before any general meeting to which the appointment applies.

(4) The appointment has effect until —

(a) the end of any general meeting to which the appointment applies; or

(b) the appointment is revoked by the body corporate and written notice of the revocation is given to the secretary.

(5) Except in the case of a special resolution, a motion is carried if a majority of the ordinary members present at a general meeting vote in favour of the motion.

(6) If votes are divided equally on a question, the chairperson of the meeting has a second or casting vote.

(7) If the question is whether or not to confirm the minutes of a previous general meeting, only members who were present at that meeting may vote.

(8) For a person to be eligible to vote at a general meeting as an ordinary member, or on behalf of an ordinary member that is a body corporate under subrule (2), the ordinary member —

(a) must have been an ordinary member at the time notice of the meeting was given under rule 54; and

(b) must have paid any fee or other money payable to the Association by the member.

60. When Special Resolutions Are Required

(1) A special resolution is required if it is proposed at a general meeting —

(a) to affiliate the Association with another body; or

(b) to request the Commissioner to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal under section 109 of the Act for the appointment of a statutory       manager.

(2) Subrule (1) does not limit the matters in relation to which a special resolution may be proposed.

 Note for this rule: 

Under the Act, a special resolution is required if an incorporated association proposes to do any of the following— 

(a) to adopt these model rules (section 29(1));

(b) to alter its rules, including changing the name of the association (section 30(1));

(c) to decide to apply for registration or incorporation as a prescribed body corporate (section 93(1));

(d) to approve the terms of an amalgamation with one or more other incorporated associations (section 102(4);

(e) to be wound up voluntarily (section 121(2)) or by the Supreme Court (section 124(a) and Schedule 4 item 9);

(f) to cancel its incorporation (section 129).

61. Determining Whether Resolution Carried

(1) In this rule —

     poll means the process of voting in relation to a matter that is conducted in writing.

(2) Subject to subrule (4), the chairperson of a general meeting may, on the basis of general agreement or disagreement or by a show of hands, declare that a resolution has been —

(a) carried; or

(b) carried unanimously; or

(c) carried by a particular majority; or

(d) lost.

(3) If the resolution is a special resolution, the declaration under subrule (2) must identify the resolution as a special resolution.

(4) If a poll is demanded on any question by the chairperson of the meeting or by at least 3 other ordinary members present in person or by proxy —     

          (a) the poll must be taken at the meeting in the manner determined by the chairperson;

(b) the chairperson must declare the determination of the resolution on the basis of the poll.

(5) If a poll is demanded on the election of the chairperson or on a question of an adjournment, the poll must be taken immediately.

(6) If a poll is demanded on any other question, the poll must be taken before the close of the meeting at a time determined by the chairperson.

(7) A declaration under subrule (2) or (4) must be entered in the minutes of the meeting, and the entry is, without proof of the voting in relation to           the resolution, evidence of how the resolution was determined.

62. Minutes of General Meeting

(1) The secretary, or a person authorised by the committee from time to time, must take and keep minutes of each general meeting.

(2) The minutes must record the business considered at the meeting, any resolution on which a vote is taken and the result of the vote.

(3) In addition, the minutes of each annual general meeting must record —

(a) the names of the ordinary members attending the meeting; and

(b) any proxy forms given to the chairperson of the meeting under rule 55(8); and

(c) the financial statements or financial report presented at the meeting, as referred to in rule 52(3)(b)(ii) or (iii); and

(d) any report of the review or auditor’s report on the financial statements or financial report presented at the meeting, as referred to in rule           52(3)(b)(iv).

(4) The minutes of a general meeting must be entered in the Association’s minute book within 30 days after the meeting is held.

(5) The chairperson must ensure that the minutes of a general meeting are reviewed and signed as correct by —

(a) the chairperson of the meeting; or

(b) the chairperson of the next general meeting.

(6) When the minutes of a general meeting have been signed as correct they are, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, taken to be proof that           —

(a) the meeting to which the minutes relate was duly convened and held; and

(b) the matters recorded as having taken place at the meeting took place as recorded; and

(c) any election or appointment purportedly made at the meeting was validly made.

PART 7 — FINANCIAL MATTERS

63. Source of Funds

 The funds of the Association may be derived from entrance fees, annual subscriptions, donations, fund-raising activities, grants, interest and any other sources approved by the committee.   

64. Control of Funds

(1) The Association must open an account in the name of the Association with a financial institution from which all expenditure of the Association        is made and into which all funds received by the Association are deposited.

(2) Subject to any restrictions imposed at a general meeting, the committee may approve expenditure on behalf of the Association.

(3) The committee may authorise the treasurer to expend funds on behalf of the Association up to a specified limit without requiring approval from        the committee for each item on which the funds are expended.

(4) All cheques, drafts, bills of exchange, promissory notes and other negotiable instruments of the Association must be signed by —

(a) 2 committee members; or

(b) one committee member and a person authorised by the committee.

(5) All funds of the Association must be deposited into the Association’s account within 5 working days after their receipt.

65. Financial Statements and Financial Reports

(1) For each financial year, the committee must ensure that the requirements imposed on the Association under Part 5 of the Act relating to the                financial statements or financial report of the Association are met.

(2) Without limiting subrule (1), those requirements include —

(a) if the Association is a tier 1 association, the preparation of the financial statements; and

(b) if the Association is a tier 2 association or tier 3 association, the preparation of the financial report; and

(c) if required, the review or auditing of the financial statements or financial report, as applicable; and

(d) the presentation to the annual general meeting of the financial statements or financial report, as applicable; and

(e) if required, the presentation to the annual general meeting of the copy of the report of the review or auditor’s report, as applicable, on the           financial statements or financial report.

Notes for this rule: 

(1) Under section 66 of the Act, an incorporated association must keep financial records that: -

(a) correctly record and explain its transactions and financial position and performance; and

(b) enable true and fair financial statements to be prepared in accordance with Part 5 Division 3 of the Act.

(2) Under section 67 of the Act, an incorporated association must retain its financial records for at least 7 years after the transactions covered by           the records are completed.

PART 8 — GENERAL MATTERS

66. By-laws

Guidance Note – Status of By-laws - A by-law must be consistent with the Act, the regulations and these rules.  The rules of an association bind the association and the members as an enforceable contract between them.  By-laws may not have that status. Therefore, the use of by-laws should be reserved for more procedural or administrative matters. 

(1) The Association may, by resolution at a general meeting, make, amend or revoke by-laws.

(2) By-laws may —

(a) provide for the rights and obligations that apply to any classes of associate membership approved under rule 8(2); and

(b) impose restrictions on the committee’s powers, including the power to dispose of the association’s assets; and

(c) impose requirements relating to the financial reporting and financial accountability of the association and the auditing of the association’s      accounts; and

(d) provide for any other matter the association considers necessary or convenient to be dealt with in the by-laws.

(3) A by-law is of no effect to the extent that it is inconsistent with the Act, the regulations or these rules.

(4) Without limiting subrule (3), a by-law made for the purposes of subrule (2)(c) may only impose requirements on the Association that are                     additional to, and do not restrict, a requirement imposed on the Association under Part 5 of the Act.

(5) At the request of a member, the Association must make a copy of the by-laws available for inspection by the member.

67. Executing Documents and Common Seal

(1) The Association may execute a document without using a common seal if the document is signed by —

(a) 2 committee members; or

(b) one committee member and a person authorised by the committee.

(2) If the Association has a common seal —

(a) the name of the Association must appear in legible characters on the common seal; and

(b) a document may only be sealed with the common seal by the authority of the committee and in the presence of —

(i) 2 committee members; or

(ii) one committee member and a person authorised by the committee,

           and each of them is to sign the document to attest that the document was sealed in their presence. 

(3) The secretary must make a written record of each use of the common seal.

(4) The common seal must be kept in the custody of the secretary or another committee member authorised by the committee.

68. Giving Notices To Members

(1) In this rule —

     recorded means recorded in the register of members.

(2) A notice or other document that is to be given to a member under these rules is taken not to have been given to the member unless it is in                 writing and —

(a) delivered by hand to the recorded address of the member; or

(b) sent by prepaid post to the recorded postal address of the member; or

(c) sent by facsimile or electronic transmission to an appropriate recorded number or recorded electronic address of the member.

69. Custody Of Books and Securities

(1) Subject to subrule (2), the books and any securities of the Association must be kept in the secretary’s custody or under the secretary’s control.

(2) The financial records and, as applicable, the financial statements or financial reports of the Association must be kept in the treasurer’s custody       or under the treasurer’s control.

(3) Subrules (1) and (2) have effect except as otherwise decided by the committee.

(4) The books of the Association must be retained for at least 7 years.

70. Record Of Office Holders

Act Requirements – Record Of Office Holders 

Under section 58 of the Act an association must maintain a record of —  

  • the names and addresses of the persons who are members of its management committee; or hold other offices of the association provided for by its rules; 
  • the name and address of any person who is authorised to use the common seal of the association (if it has a common seal); and 
  • the name and address of any person who is appointed or acts as trustee on behalf of the association.   

Under section 58 of the Act the association must, upon the request of a member of the association, make available the record for the inspection of the member. The member may make a copy of or take an extract from the record but does not have a right to remove the record for that purpose.

The record of committee members and other persons authorised to act on behalf of the Association that is required to be maintained under section 58(2) of the Act must be kept in the secretary’s custody or under the secretary’s control. 

Note for this rule Section 58 of the Act — 

(a) sets out the details of the record that an incorporated  association must maintain of the committee members and  certain others; and

(b) provides for members to inspect, make a copy of or take an extract from the record; and

(c) prohibits a person from disclosing information in the record except for authorised purposes.

71. Inspection Of Records and Documents

(1) Subrule (2) applies to a member who wants to inspect —

(a) the register of members under section 54(1) of the Act; or

(b) the record of the names and addresses of committee members, and other persons authorised to act on behalf of the Association, under           section 58(3) of the Act; or

(c) any other record or document of the association.

(2) The member must contact the secretary to make the necessary arrangements for the inspection.

(3) The inspection must be free of charge.

(4) If the member wants to inspect a document that records the minutes of a committee meeting, the right to inspect that document is subject to           any decision the committee has made about minutes of committee meetings generally, or the minutes of a specific committee meeting, being           available for inspection by members.

(5) The member may make a copy of or take an extract from a record or document referred to in subrule (1)(c) but does not have a right to remove the record or document for that purpose.

     Note for this subrule: 

     Sections 54(2) and 58(4) of the Act provide for the making of copies of, or the taking of extracts from, the register referred to in subrule (1)(a)            and the record referred to in subrule (1)(b). 

(6) The member must not use or disclose information in a record or document referred to in subrule (1)(c) except for a purpose —

(a) that is directly connected with the affairs of the Association; or

(b) that is related to complying with a requirement of the Act.

     Note for this subrule: 

     Sections 57(1) and 58(5) of the Act impose restrictions on the use or disclosure of information in the register referred to in subrule (1)(a) and the      record referred to in subrule (1)(b).

72. Publication By Committee Members Of Statements About Association Business Prohibited

 A committee member must not publish, or cause to be published, any statement about the business conducted by the Association at a general meeting or committee meeting unless — 

(a) the committee member has been authorised to do so at a committee meeting; and

(b) the authority given to the committee member has been recorded in the minutes of the committee meeting at which it was given.

73. Distribution Of Surplus Property On Cancellation Of Incorporation Or Winding Up

Act Requirements – Distribution Of Surplus Property 

Under section 24(1) of the Act surplus property can only be distributed to one or more of the following —  

  • an incorporated association;  
  • a company limited by guarantee that is registered as mentioned in the Corporations Act section 150; 
  • a company holding a licence that continues in force under the Corporations Act section 151;
  • a body corporate that at the time of the distribution is the holder of a licence under the Charitable Collections Act 1946; 
  • a body corporate that —  
  • is a member or former member of the incorporated association; and  
  • at the time of the distribution of surplus property, has rules that prevent the distribution of property to its members; 
  • a trustee for a body corporate referred to in paragraph (e); 
  • a co‑operative registered under the Co‑operatives Act 2009 that, at the time of the distribution of surplus property, is a non‑distributing co‑operative as defined in that Act.

(1) In this rule —

 surplus property, in relation to the Association, means property remaining after satisfaction of — 

(a) the debts and liabilities of the Association; and

(b) the costs, charges and expenses of winding up or cancelling the incorporation of the Association,

           but does not include books relating to the management of the Association. 

(2) On the cancellation of the incorporation or the winding up of the Association, its surplus property must be distributed as determined by special          resolution by reference to the persons mentioned in section 24(1) of the Act.

Note for this rule: 

Section 24(1) of the Act sets out a provision that is implied in these rules describing the entities to which the surplus property of an incorporated association may be distributed on the cancellation of the incorporation or the winding up of the association. Part 9 of the Act deals with the winding up of incorporated associations, and Part 10 of the Act deals with the cancellation of the incorporation of incorporated associations.

74. Alteration Of Rules

If the Association wants to alter or rescind any of these rules, or to make additional rules, the Association may do so only by special resolution and by otherwise complying with Part 3 Division 2 of the Act. 

Note for this rule: 

Section 31 of the Act requires an incorporated association to obtain the Commissioner’s approval if the alteration of its rules has effect to change the name of the association. Section 33 of the Act requires an incorporated association to obtain the Commissioner’s approval if the alteration of its rules has effect to alter the objects or purposes of the association or the manner in which surplus property of the association must be distributed or dealt with if the association is wound up or its incorporation is cancelled.

75. Referencing Little Ripper Gold Inc's. Policies and Procedures

LRG Inc has created a set of policies and procedures that relate to the day to day running of the group. These policies and procedures include: 

1. Code of Conduct 

2. Indemnity Waiver 

3. Social Media Policy  

4. Advertising Policy 

5. Mission Statement 

6. Aboriginal Heritage Protection Policy

These policies and procedures are evolving, and amendments are made by the committee to ensure that LRG Inc operates at a high level of safety, commitment and for the best outcomes for all members. 

As part of becoming a member of LRG Inc, all members acknowledge that they have read and understood these policies and procedures.  

Ongoing updates to these documents will require members to review them from time to time.

Guidance Note – Alteration of Rules. Amendments to the rules do not take effect until required documents are lodged with the Commissioner, even if the amendments do not require the approval of the Commissioner under section 31 or section 33.  The required documents must be lodged within one month after the special resolution is passed.

  • Coolgardie Western Australia, Australia