Draft for review
Group rules
These are the working rules of Networking Gold Coast. They are a first draft, intended to guide how we run and to serve as our rules should the group formalise as an unincorporated association with its own ABN. Feedback from members is welcome.
1. Name
The group is called Networking Gold Coast (the group).
2. Purpose
The group exists to help its members grow their businesses by building genuine relationships and passing qualified business referrals to one another. It is a not-for-profit group run for the mutual benefit of its members.
3. Membership
Membership is open to business owners and representatives who are accepted by the group. Applications are made through the website and approved by the committee. Only one member represents each industry category at a time, unless the current seat-holder agrees to share their category. Members are expected to attend regularly, participate in good faith, and act with honesty and professionalism.
4. Membership fees
Members pay a fee of $30 per month, or $330 per year, as set by the group and reviewed from time to time. Fees cover the running costs of the group and its website, and may contribute to social functions. Membership runs on a rolling basis from each member's join date. A member whose fees are unpaid may have their public listing suspended until payment is brought up to date.
5. Meetings
The group meets every Wednesday at 7:30am at Base Broadbeach, other than during scheduled breaks published on the website. Members are expected to attend, to send an apology when they cannot, and to arrange a substitute where appropriate.
6. Referrals and conduct
Members should actively look for referrals for one another and only pass referrals they genuinely believe in. Business gained through the group is recorded so the group can measure the value it creates. Members must deal fairly with each other and with referred contacts, keep confidences, and not bring the group into disrepute.
7. Committee
The group is led by a committee of at least one member (administrators) responsible for admitting members, collecting fees, maintaining the website and records, and the day-to-day running of the group. Additional administrators may be appointed by the existing committee.
8. Decisions
Decisions about the group are made by the committee in consultation with members. Significant decisions, such as changing the fee or these rules, are put to members at a meeting and decided by a majority of members present.
9. Funds
The group's funds are held in a dedicated account and used only for the group's purposes, including running costs, the website, and social functions. The committee keeps a simple, transparent record of income and spending that members can review on request.
10. Leaving and removal
A member may leave at any time by notifying the committee. Fees already paid are not refunded. A member may be removed for non-payment of fees, or for conduct that harms the group or its members, by decision of the committee after giving the member a chance to respond.
11. Ending the group
If the group is wound up, any funds remaining after debts are paid will be donated to a local Gold Coast charity or community organisation chosen by the members. No funds are distributed to individual members.
Draft only. Not legal advice. Before registering an ABN or adopting these rules formally, have them reviewed by the group and, where needed, a professional adviser.