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Rivers Volunteer Bushfire Brigade

Constitution

December 2014

Rivers Volunteer Bushfire Brigade - Constitution

Document control

Approval

Role Name Date

Prepared by: Captain Matt Dutkiewicz

Reviewed by: Deputy Captain Tony Hill

Reviewed by: Secretary Mark Sturdy

Approved by: President Simon Katz

Change record

Date Version Change reference

23 August 2003 1

05 September 2005 2

01 September 2006 3

14 August 2013 4

December 2014 5 Rewrite and adopt ACTRFS generic format

Address

903 Cotter RoadWESTON CREEK ACT 2611

PO Box 7217DUFFY ACT 2611

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Table of contents

Document control 2Approval 2Change record 2Address 2

Table of contents 31. Name 52. Mission 53. Objectives 54. Brigade area and location 55. Membership 66. Fees 87. Finance 98. Financial year 119. Audit 1110. Annual General Meeting 1111. Special General Meetings 1212. Committee Meetings 1213. Quorum 1314. Management and leadership 1315. Executive 1416. Administrative positions 1417. Operational positions 1518. Duties of position holders 1619. Volunteer Brigades Association representative 1620. Duties of members 1621. Voting for positions 1622. Returning members 1723. Constitution amendments 1724. Brigade Policy, Standard Operating Procedures, Factsheets and Checklists 1725. Dissolution of Rivers Volunteer Bushfire Brigade 1826. Authorisation 19

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1. Name

1.1 The name of the organisation is Rivers Volunteer Bushfire Brigade (Rivers Brigade).

2. Mission

2.1 To protect the community and our environment, Rivers Brigade acts to minimise the impact of bushfires. We do this by providing the highest standards of training, community education, prevention and operational capability.

3. Objectives

3.1 The objectives of the Rivers Brigade are to:

• Protect and preserve life, property and the environment from fire in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) in accordance with the Emergencies Act 2004 (the Act) including to:

• respond to fire in rural areas• undertake community education about fire preparedness• provide input into operational planning for fire outside the city area

(in consultation with the Emergency Services Agency (ESA), ACT Fire and Rescue (ACTFR), ACT State Emergency Service (ACTSES) and ACT Ambulance Service (ACTAS))

• Support other entities in the exercise of their functions under the Act.

• Provide any other functions prescribed under the Emergencies Regulations 2004.

• Raise funds to support Rivers Brigade to fulfil its objectives.

• Represent member’s interests and provide input into administrative governance of the ESA and ACT Rural Fire Service (ACTRFS) through the Brigade Executive and Volunteer Brigades Association (VBA).

• Undertake activities that develop the capacity of members.

• Acknowledge our members’ contribution and the support of their family and friends.

4. Brigade area and location

4.1 The area for which Rivers Brigade is primarily responsible is the land within the boundaries determined and promulgated by the ESA and as prescribed in the Act.

4.2 The Rivers Brigade operates from the Brigade’s facilities located at 903 Cotter Road, Weston Creek, 2611.

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5. Membership

5.1 Membership is open to persons over the age of 16 years who fulfil the membership requirements. Applicants less than 18 years of age require parental or guardian approval for both membership and participation in operational activities. There are various types of membership, each with different eligibility and requirements.

5.2 Types of membership:

• Firefighters These members perform firefighting duties.

• Support Members that perform support activities but not firefighting, for example, a callout officer or a member of Incident Management Team (IMT).

• Honorary The Rivers Brigade Committee grants honorary membership in recognition of support received by the Rivers Brigade. Honorary members are not eligible for election to a position within the Rivers Brigade and cannot vote on Rivers Brigade matters. The Rivers Brigade Secretary will maintain a register of honorary members. Honorary members are not included in any report to the ACTRFS. If an honorary member wishes to become an unrestricted member, they must undertake the application process outlined in ACTRFS and Rivers Brigade Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Rural Members are rural leaseholders or representatives of rural leaseholders within the Rivers Brigade area of operations or adjoining NSW. The ACTRFS may allocate a slip on unit to the lease of a rural member (in the ACT) however; they are not members of the ACTRFS. If a rural member wishes to become an unrestricted member of Rivers Brigade, they must undertake the application process outlined in ACTRFS and Rivers Brigade SOPs.

• Life member The Rivers Brigade Committee grants life membership in recognition of service to Rivers Brigade or the ACTRFS. Generally, grant of life membership is for members that have performed outstanding, continuous and diligent service with Rivers Brigade over a long period. Any current financial member may submit nominations for life membership to the Rivers Brigade Committee. A successful nominee receives life membership at the Rivers Brigade Annual General Meeting. Life members are exempt from paying membership fees. Life members may remain operational if they meet the requirements of the ACTRFS.

5.3 Applicants join by completing a Rivers Brigade application form. Following consideration, by Rivers Brigade, the President and Captain may approve the application in accordance with the applicable ACTRFS and Rivers Brigade SOPs. Non-approval means that the applicant cannot become a member of Rivers Brigade.

5.4 Firefighters and support members of Rivers Brigade are members of the ACTRFS. Membership of the ACTRFS is subject to the approval of the Chief Officer of the ACTRFS. Members must complete an ACTRFS membership application form, in accordance with the applicable ACTRFS SOPs upon joining Rivers Brigade.

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5.5 Members may be a member of more than one ACTRFS Brigade. Dual membership is subject to the approval of the Captain of each Brigade where the Member intends to join.

5.6 New members are subject to a probationary period of six (6) months from the date of approval of their application. During the probation period, the Rivers Brigade Committee may terminate the membership. If the Rivers Brigade Committee is considering the termination of the membership, where possible and if appropriate, a Rivers Brigade representative should first contact the member to discuss the matter. In some cases where Rivers Brigade loses contact with a new member for whatever reason, the Rivers Brigade Committee may make a decision to terminate the membership independent of the member and is not required to consult the member. The Rivers Brigade Committee must notify the Chief Officer of the ACTRFS in writing of such a decision within seven days of the decision.

5.7 Rivers Brigade keeps a register of its members. The register includes (but is not limited to):

• the name of each member

• the contact details of each member, including address, phone number and email address

• details of any physical or other medical limitation that might affect the members ability to undertake duties with Rivers Brigade or the ACTRFS

• next of kin details for each member, including a contact phone number

• training and qualifications of each member

• deployment experience.

5.8 Members must inform Rivers Brigade of changes to any of their details kept on the register.

5.9 Members of Rivers Brigade must maintain the competency and other standards prescribed in ACTRFS and Rivers Brigade SOP’s for their membership type.

5.10 Rivers Brigade may change the membership type of a member if the member fails to meet a required competency or standard.

5.11 To recognise work/life/volunteer balance of members, Rivers Brigade has three status types for its membership.

• Active A member in the active status regularly attends Rivers Brigade activities. They have completed the relevant training requirements, assessed as competent for their membership type including current fitness level, and are a financial member.

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• Non-Active A member in the non-active status may not regularly attend Rivers Brigade activities or hold a required skill or competency or may not be a financial member. This status exists for members that have not paid their annual membership fee, may be on leave from brigade activities (for example - maternity leave, an overseas posting, have an injury or their current circumstances do not allow for regular attendance at Rivers Brigade). Non-active status members are not eligible to attend Rivers Brigade activities, except Rivers Brigade meetings, until they meet the relevant requirements for an active member status. Members should not remain non-active status for more than two consecutive fire seasons unless authorised by the Captain or Rivers Brigade Committee.

• Recruit A member in the recruit status has successfully joined the ACTRFS and Rivers Brigade including completing an induction session and fitness test but has not yet completed the minimum training qualifications to be an active or non-active status member. Recruit status members may participate in all Rivers Brigade activities except activities that involve live fire (either training or operations). Recruit status members should complete the relevant training and progress to the active or non-active membership status within 12 months of joining Rivers Brigade unless otherwise authorised by the Captain or Rivers Brigade Committee. Recruit status members may wear a signifier on their PPE to indicate their status.

5.12 Members may change their status from active to non-active at any time, in consultation with the Captain, or Rivers Brigade Committee.

5.13 The Rivers Brigade Executive may change the status of a member at any time, in consultation (where possible) with the member.

5.14 Members may resign their membership from Rivers Brigade at any time in writing (by post or by email). Resigning members must return any equipment, including personal protective equipment, training materials, keys and identification card to Rivers Brigade as soon as possible. Rivers Brigade may request the resigning member to complete an exit survey and check list.

5.15 The Rivers Brigade Executive in consultation with the member (where possible) may remove a member from the Rivers Brigade register at any time. If the removal of a member from the Rivers Brigade register is as a result of a member not meeting a mandatory requirement (for example, not paying fees, or unapproved absence of more than two consecutive fire seasons), the member may be contacted to show cause as to why they should not be removed. If the removal of a member from the Rivers Brigade register is a disciplinary matter, the policy for disciplining members applies.

5.16 The Secretary shall advise the Chief Officer, ACTRFS in writing (by post or email) of any members removed from the Rivers Brigade register within seven days of the removal of the member.

5.17 Members removed from the Rivers Brigade register must return any equipment issued to them by Rivers Brigade or the ACTRFS, including personal protective equipment, training materials, keys and identification card to Rivers Brigade within seven days of the removal of the member.

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6. Fees

6.1 The members at the AGM will determine membership fees (individual members, family membership, concession and rural membership) for the next twelve (12) months. The fees are payable within two months of the meeting. The Rivers Brigade Committee in extraordinary circumstances may extend this time limit.

6.2 Rivers Brigade may set the fee at $0.

6.3 After two months from the date of the Rivers Brigade Annual General Meeting, the status of non-financial members is set to non-active. Members will receive a reminder of their obligation to pay first.

6.4 Members are financial for the purposes of voting at Rivers Brigade meetings if they pay their outstanding membership fees prior to the start of that meeting.

7. Finance

7.1 The Rivers Brigade Committee use Brigade funds as appropriate to achieve the objectives of Rivers Brigade. They monitor the financial position of Rivers Brigade and determine the level of additional funds required by the Brigade, and request members to raise funds.

7.2 Rivers Brigade will elect a Treasurer who will be responsible for the keeping and proper management of River’s finances, including ensuring that an appropriately qualified and approved person audits those records annually.

7.3 Rivers Brigade may elect an Assistant to the Treasurer who will assist the Treasurer in the collection and receipt of membership fees and other such duties as determined by the Treasurer.

7.4 The President, Treasurer, Secretary and Captain of Rivers Brigade will be signatories to any account or fund maintained by Rivers Brigade, with any two to sign. An Assistant to the Treasurer or Deputy Captain may get signatory status for special purposes by resolution and recording in the minutes of an Executive meeting.

7.5 The Treasurer will maintain bank account(s) in the full name of Rivers Brigade at an appropriate banking institution. Rivers Brigade will maintain the minimum number of accounts for simple and transparent accounting and management of funds.

7.6 The Treasurer will maintain a separate bank account as a ‘gift fund’ for managing all tax deductable donations and approved expenditure. The object of this fund will be to receive gifts from the public solely for supporting the volunteer-based fire and emergency services activities of Rivers Brigade. The Treasurer will handle all donations made to Rivers Brigade in accordance with the ACT ESA Commissioner’s Guidelines on Donations policy.

7.7 The Treasurer is to ensure banking of all monies raised by Rivers Brigade as soon as possible.

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7.8 Only authorised members may expend funds. The expenditure of

• any amount over $200 must have the approval of the Rivers Brigade Committee

• monies between $30 and $200 requires prior approval of one of the bank account signatories

• less than $30 may be made by an office holder of Rivers Brigade or any other person authorised by a member of the Rivers Brigade Executive.

7.9 For expenditure over $200 the approval requirements are:

• the Rivers Brigade Committee is aware of the expenditure request

• at least two members of the Rivers Brigade Committee have given written approval

• the majority (greater than 50%) of the Rivers Brigade Committee agree to the expenditure.

7.10 For expenditure between $30 and $200, verbal approval requires a minimum of two Rivers Brigade signatories and written approval by one or more signatories. Any verbal approval must receive written confirmation as soon as reasonably practicable following the approval.

7.11 Monies raised by Rivers Brigade may be used for the following purposes:

• updating of existing equipment and gear

• purchase of new equipment and gear

• improvements to Rivers Brigade facilities

• workplace health and safety matters

• repairs to Rivers Brigade owned equipment and gear

• administration of Rivers Brigade

• maintaining the teamwork, capability and environment of Rivers Brigade

• meeting financial obligations of the ACT Volunteer Brigades Association (however described)

• the welfare of sick or injured members and their families

• the welfare of families of deceased members

• other purposes specifically agreed to be the ACT ESA Commissioner, the ACTRFS Chief Officer or ACTSES Chief Officer.

7.12 Expenditure of funds raised by Rivers Brigade through tax deductable donations may only be for assisting to meet the Brigade’s objectives as set out in section 3 of this Constitution.

7.13 There shall be no distribution directly or indirectly of any portion of Rivers Brigade funds, asset or income to Rivers Brigade members except as bona fide compensation for services or expenses authorised by Rivers Brigade.

7.14 Email is acceptable for the purpose of notification and written approval.

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7.15 The use of ACTRFS and ACT SES resources for fundraising activities require the prior agreement of the ACTRFS and ACTSES management.

7.16 The Treasurer or assistant will issue receipts on request for any donations over $2.00 or more, provided the people making the payment or donation identify themselves.

7.17 Any request for reimbursement from Rivers Brigade funds will be accompanied by a reimbursement claim form and supporting documentation.

8. Financial year

8.1 The financial year for Rivers Brigade shall commence on 1st July and end on 30th June the following year.

9. Audit

9.1 The membership appoints an auditor by motion and show of hands at every Annual General Meeting. The auditor should be a competent person(s) who is not a member of the Rivers Brigade Committee. They will serve as Rivers Brigade Auditor(s) until the next AGM.

9.2 The Auditor shall audit the accounts of Rivers Brigade not less than seven (7) days before the Annual General Meeting, shall certify to their correctness or otherwise, and present a report to the Annual General Meeting.

10. Annual General Meeting

10.1 Rivers Brigade holds its Annual General Meeting at a time determined by the Rivers Brigade Committee but before 30 July each year.

10.2 The Annual General Meeting will be held at the Rivers Brigade Shed or a location determined by the Rivers Brigade Committee. The Annual General Meeting shall include (but is not limited to):

• a review of the activities of Rivers Brigade for the previous year

• elections for positions provided in this Constitution.

10.3 The Secretary shall give members and the Chief Officer of the ACTRFS at least thirty-day’s written (by post or email) notice of the Annual General Meeting. The notice is to include (but is not limited to):

• details about the time and place for the Annual General Meeting

• a call for nominations for the positions provided in this Constitution stating that nominations are to be in writing to the Secretary not less than seven days prior to the meeting

• any proposed changes to this Constitution

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10.4 Only financial members of Rivers Brigade may vote on motions at Annual General Meetings. Voting on motions is by a show of hands unless a member(s) requests a count. The chair will determine if a count is appropriate and nominate tellers.

10.5 If an election is necessary to fill a position provided for in this Constitution, then voting shall be in accordance with the provisions of Section 22 Voting for positions.

10.6 Honorary members have no voting rights for any resolution at an AGM.

11. Special General Meetings

11.1 The Rivers Brigade Executive may call a Special General Meeting at any time. The Secretary shall give members at least seven (7) days written (by post or email) notice of the meeting. The notice is to include the purpose of the meeting.

11.2 A financial member of Rivers Brigade may submit a written (by post or email) request to the Rivers Brigade Executive to hold a Special General Meeting. Member(s) submit requests via the Secretary and provide their reason. The Rivers Brigade Executive shall consider all requests as soon as possible but within two weeks of receipt.

11.3 A signed petition from 30 or more members is cause for the Executive to instigate a Special General Meeting within seven (7) days.

11.4 There will be no proxy votes at a special general meeting and only financial members present at the meeting may vote. Voting on motions is by a show of hands unless a member(s) requests a count. The chair will determine if a count is appropriate and nominate tellers.

11.5 Honorary members have no voting rights for any resolution at a Special General Meeting.

12. Committee Meetings

12.1 There shall be a Rivers Brigade Committee comprising of the:

• administrative positions

• operational positions

• additional general committee members as elected by the Brigade

• one Rivers Brigade Volunteer Brigades Association representative.

12.2 A meeting of the Rivers Brigade Committee shall occur at least once every three (3) months or at any time that the Rivers Brigade Committee determines. The Secretary shall give members at least seven (7) days written (by post or email) notice of the meeting. The notice is to include the purpose of the meeting.

12.3 The purpose of the Rivers Brigade Committee meeting is to:

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• ratify any decisions made by the Executive between Rivers Brigade Committee meetings

• monitor the financial position of Rivers Brigade and any financial transactions made since the last Rivers Brigade Committee meeting

• endorse Rivers Brigade guidance material including (but not limited to): SOPs, checklists and fact sheets

12.4 Any Rivers Brigade member is welcome to attend the Rivers Brigade Committee meeting. Only Rivers Brigade Committee members can vote at Rivers Brigade Committee meetings. Other members attending the meeting do not vote or count towards a quorum. There will be no proxy voting allowed at a Rivers Brigade Committee Meeting.

12.5 The Secretary shall keep a record of Rivers Brigade Committee meetings. Minutes of Rivers Brigade Committee Meetings will be on display at the Rivers Brigade shed and on the Rivers Brigade website for the information of members, and accessible to the Chief Officer, ACTRFS.

12.6 Positions on the Rivers Brigade Committee shall be open to members, who have greater than six (6) months membership within the Rivers Brigade prior to the Annual General Meeting. A member who accepts a position on the Rivers Brigade Committee is required to be a financial member for the duration of their term.

12.7 A Rivers Brigade Committee member who is absent without leave or apology from three (3) consecutive Rivers Brigade Committee meetings may forfeit their position, if so determined by the Rivers Brigade Committee.

12.8 The Rivers Brigade Committee may nominate, and must ratify, a member to fill a vacancy created by these rules, except for Executive positions. Any member so appointed shall retire at the next Annual General Meeting, but shall be eligible for re-election.

13. Quorum

13.1 A quorum for meetings in Rivers Brigade shall be:

• at least 50 per cent (50%) of financial members present at any Annual General Meeting

• at least 50 per cent (50%) of financial members present at any Special General Meeting

• five (5) members including one (1) member of the Executive at any Rivers Brigade Committee Meeting.

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14. Management and leadership

14.1 Position holders provide strategic, co-ordinated, professional leadership and safe management of Rivers Brigade. They promote and deliver respect, democracy, accountability, and transparency and should be efficient and effective in their work for Rivers Brigade.

14.2 Rivers Brigade position holders contribute additional time and expertise than that of regular members.

14.3 Operational officers are responsible for the day-to-day operational management of Rivers Brigade. They report their activities and decisions to the Rivers Brigade Committee at the next Rivers Brigade Committee meeting, wherever practicable.

14.4 Rivers Brigade Executive members are responsible for the day-to-day administrative management of Rivers Brigade. They report their activities and decisions to the Rivers Brigade Committee at the next Rivers Brigade Committee meeting, wherever practicable.

14.5 The Rivers Brigade Committee shall make themselves available for communication, consultation and suggestions for new ideas and the advancement of the Brigade.

15. Executive

15.1 Executive positions in Rivers Brigade are:

• President

• Secretary

• Treasurer

• Captain

• Senior Deputy Captain.

16. Administrative positions

16.1 Administrative positions in Rivers Brigade are:

• President

• Secretary

• Treasurer

• Assistant Treasurer

• Membership coordinator

• Recruitment coordinator

• Equity and Diversity coordinator

• Equipment coordinator

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• Remote Area Fire Fighting team (RAFT) Equipment coordinator

• First Aid coordinator

• Facilities coordinator

• Community Engagement officer

• RAFT co-ordinator

• Training coordinator

• Workplace Health and Safety coordinator

• Other positions as required from time to time.

16.2 Rivers Brigade Administrative positions are responsible for the administrative management of Rivers Brigade in accordance with the duties and responsibilities set down for the relevant position descriptions and/or as determined by the President and outlined in the Rivers Brigade SOPs.

16.3 Rivers Brigade Administrative positions shall be open to members of Rivers Brigade. The Executive may remove a person from an administrative position.

16.4 In the event an Administrative position becomes vacant before that position’s term has expired, the Rivers Brigade Committee may call for nominations from the Rivers Brigade and make an appointment by resolution at a Rivers Brigade Committee meeting.

16.5 A member may hold a maximum of two (2) administrative positions or one (1) additional operational position within the Brigade but shall have only one (1) vote at any Rivers Brigade meeting.

17. Operational positions

17.1 Rivers Brigade Operational positions shall comprise of:

• Captain

• Senior Deputy Captain (if elected)

• Deputy Captains (number as determined operationally necessary at the Annual General Meeting by the elected Captain).

17.2 Rivers Brigade operational positions are responsible for the operational management of Rivers Brigade in accordance with the duties and responsibilities set down for the relevant position and/or as determined by the Captain and outlined in the Rivers Brigade rules or operational plan.

17.3 Rivers Brigade Operational positions shall be open to Rivers Brigade active members in the year prior to the Annual General Meeting who meet the requirements specified by ACTRFS. A member who accepts a Rivers Brigade Operational position is required to be a financial member (or life member exempt from paying membership fees) for the duration of their term.

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17.4 The positions of Captain, Senior Deputy Captain (if elected) and Deputy Captains are subject to ratification by the Chief Officer of the ACTRFS prior to holding office.

17.5 A majority vote at a quorate Special General Meeting may remove a member who holds an operational position.

17.6 In the event a Rivers Brigade Operational position becomes vacant before that position’s term expires, a vote at a Special General Meeting shall fill the vacancy. The Executive may delay filling the position until the next Annual General Meeting. If an appointment occurs at a Special General Meeting, the appointment is subject to ratification by the Chief Officer of the ACTRFS.

17.7 If the Rivers Brigade Operational position vacancy falls within three months of the Annual General Meeting, the Rivers Brigade Executive Committee may resolve to defer the vacancy until the Annual General Meeting.

17.8 A member may hold a maximum of one (1) operational position and one (1) administrative position but shall have only one (1) vote at any Rivers Brigade meeting.

17.9 To allow for succession planning and the stability for the operations of Rivers Brigade, from the 2015 Rivers Brigade Annual General Meeting onwards, the terms for operational positions will be two (2) years. There will be alternate voting for the Captain and half of the Deputy positions in one year and the balance of the Deputy Captain positions in the next. A register of these arrangements will be kept by the Secretary.

18. Duties of position holders

18.1 Position holders are to undertake their duties and exercise their powers and functions in accordance with the Emergencies Act 2004, ACTRFS standard operating procedures, this Constitution, Rivers Brigade Position Descriptions and Rivers Brigade SOPs, fact sheets and checklists.

19. Volunteer Brigades Association representative

19.1 The members at the AGM shall elect Volunteer Brigade Association Representatives for a minimum of one (1) year term. They shall hold office until the next Annual General Meeting, where they shall be eligible for re-election.

19.2 The number of representatives elected will be subject to advice from the VBA.

20. Duties of members

20.1 Any individual who becomes a member of Rivers Brigade does so in the knowledge that he/she will abide by Rivers Brigade Constitution, standard operating procedures, fact sheets and checklists; the ACTRFS Code of Conduct; the Volunteer Charter; and the Commissioner’s Guideline relating to Appointment

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and Probation Arrangements for Volunteers Members of the ACT Emergency Services Agency.

20.2 Volunteers in the ACTRFS and Rivers Brigade are required to accept responsibility for personal protective equipment issued to them, their fitness level, training and reasonable attendance at Rivers Brigade training, community events and working bees. Members shall obey any lawful and/or reasonable direction given by Rivers Brigade or any ACTRFS position holders and crew leaders.

21. Voting for positions

21.1 If there are more nominees than positions then a vote will occur. Voting will be by secret ballot with one vote per financial member. The Secretary will accept proxy voting before the start of the Annual General Meeting. Proxy votes must be in writing in a sealed envelope, or in an email sent to the Brigade Secretary. Members submitting a proxy vote must be financial at that Annual General Meeting.

21.2 Honorary members have no voting rights in any ballot or for any resolution at Rivers Brigade meetings.

21.3 The Rivers Brigade Committee will nominate a returning officer and assistant as required.

21.4 All elections are on a majority vote basis. In the event of a tie for a position or the final position where the vote is for more than one position, there will be a recount. If the vote is still a tie then there will be another vote by all eligible members within the following two weeks.

21.5 Rivers Brigade can determine the length of the term of elected positions. However, no member can hold the same position for more than two consecutive years, unless that member is re-elected through the voting process at the relevant AGM.

22. Returning members

22.1 When a member has been out of contact with Rivers Brigade for more than twenty-four (24) months (without approval from the Captain or Rivers Brigade Committee), they must reapply as for a new member.

22.2 When a returning member successfully completes the relevant Rivers Brigade and ACTRFS application process, Rivers Brigade retains the right to confirm Brigade membership only if the member meets the requirements outlined in the Rivers Brigade Constitution and agrees to abide by the Constitution, ACTRFS and Rivers Brigade policies, SOPs, factsheets and checklists including the ACTRFS Code of Conduct.

22.3 Returning members are required to complete the probationary membership period. Returning members may nominate to a position within Rivers Brigade while completing the probation period.

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23. Constitution amendments and interpretation

23.1 The members of Rivers Brigade may add to, repeal, or amend any section of this Constitution by resolution at a Rivers Brigade Annual or Special General Meeting called for the purpose. Passing of such a resolution requires:

• a majority of at least two thirds (66%) of the members voting

• the ACTRFS Chief Officer’s endorsement of any proposed changes.

23.2 In the event that Rivers Brigade cannot resolve a dispute relating to the interpretation of this Constitution, the President is to refer the dispute to the ACTRFS Chief Officer for resolution.

24. Brigade Policy, Standard Operating Procedures, Factsheets and Checklists

24.1 Rivers Brigade may make the following instruments to assist the good management of the Rivers Brigade's operational and administrative functions:

• Rivers Brigade Policy documents

• Rivers Brigade standard operating procedures (SOP’s) and checklists for specific operational or administrative requirements

• Rivers Brigade fact sheets on specific operational or administrative requirements.

24.2 Policies, SOP’s, factsheets and checklists require the Rivers Brigade Committee endorsement and Captain’s approval before issue.

24.3 Rivers Brigade SOPs, checklists and factsheets shall be consistent with:

• this Constitution

• the ACTRFS Code of Conduct

• the Commissioner’s (ACT Emergency Services Agency) Guidelines

• the Volunteer Charter

• the ACT RFS SOPs and Chief Officer's Guidelines.

24.4 Rivers Brigade’s Policy, SOPs, checklists and factsheets do not form part of this Constitution.

25. Dissolution of Rivers Volunteer Bushfire Brigade

25.1 In the event that dissolution of Rivers Brigade occurs or its deductable gift status revoked (whichever occurs first), any surplus of the following assets shall be transferred to another organisation to which income tax deductable gifts can be made:

• gifts of money or property for the principal purpose of the organisation

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• contributions made in relation to an eligible fundraising event held for the principal purpose of the organisation

• money received by the organisation because of such gifts and donations.

25.2 The Treasurer shall transfer any remaining assets of Rivers Brigade following the process above to any other organisation eligible for income tax deductible gifts or any other ACTRFS brigade or SES unit with similar purposes.

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26. Authorisation

26.1 The members of the Rivers Volunteer Bushfire Brigade accepted this constitution by resolution.

President Captain

Name: Name:

Signature: Signature:

Date: Date:

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Documents

Name€¦ · Web viewLife members are exempt from paying membership fees. ... community events and working bees. ... Voting will be by secret ballot with one vote per financial