Australian National Cats Inc (ANCATS) Constitution
PART 1
1. PRELIMINARY INTERPRETATION
1.1. In these rules, except in so far as the context or subject matter otherwise indicates or requires - “ordinary members” means a member of the committee who is not an office-bearer of the association, as referred to in Rule 14 including Rule 14.3.
1.2. “secretary” means - the person holding office under these rules as secretary of the association; or
1.2.1. where there is no such person holds that office - the public officer of the association;
1.3. “Special general meeting” means a general meeting of the association other than annual general meetings.
1.4. “the Act” means the Associations Incorporation Act, 1984.
1.5. “the Regulation” means the Associations Incorporation Regulations, 1985.
PART II
MEMBERSHIP
2. MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS
2.1. A person is qualified to be a member of the association if, but only if - the person is a person referred to in section 15(1) (a), (b) or (c) of the Act and has not ceased to be a member of the association at any time after incorporation of the association under the Act; or
2.2. the person is a natural person who –
2.2.1. has been nominated for membership of the association as provided by Rule 3; and
2.2.2. has been approved for membership of the association by the committee of the association.
3. NOMINATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
3.1. A nomination of a person for membership of the association –
3.1.1. Shall be (proposed) made by a member of the association in writing in the form set out in Appendix 1 to these rules; and
3.1.2. Shall be seconded by a member of the association in writing in the form set out in Appendix 1 to these rules; and
3.1.3. Shall be lodged with the secretary of the association.
3.2. As soon as practicable after receiving a nomination for membership, the secretary shall refer the nomination to the committee, which shall determine whether to approve or to reject the nomination.
3.3. Where the committee determines to approve a nomination for membership, the secretary shall, as soon as practicable after that determination, notify the nominee of that approval and request the nominee to pay within the period of twenty eight (28) days after receipt by the nominee of the notification the sum payable under these rules by a member as entrance fee and annual subscription (see Rule 8). The secretary shall, on payment by the nominee of the amounts referred to in clause 3.3 within the period referred to in that clause, enter the nominee’s name in the register of members and, upon the name being so entered, the nominee becomes a member of the association.
3.4. Members shall not be entitled to be nominated to stand for the Board of Management until twelve (12) calendar months have elapsed from the date their application to join ANCATS Inc was accepted by the Board of Management. Notwithstanding this clause the Board of Management may, at its sole discretion, vary this rule from time to time.
3.5. Should the Board of Management receive a controversial application for membership of the organisation they may refer such application to the next General Meeting for decision by the membership.
3.5.1. For the purposes of this clause controversial shall be defined as, either a person who has brought detriment to the cat fancy or who has worked consistently to the detriment of ANCATS, only.
4. CESSATION OF MEMBERSHIP
4.1. A person ceases to be a member of the association if the person -
4.1.1. dies
4.1.2. resigns that membership; or
4.1.3. is expelled from the association.
5. MEMBERSHIP ENTITLEMENTS NOT TRANSFERABLE
5.1. A right, privilege or obligation which a person has by reason of being a member of the association –
5.1.1. is not capable of being transferred or transmitted to another person; and
5.1.2. terminates upon cessation of the person’s membership.
6. RESIGNATION OF MEMBERSHIP
6.1. A member of the association is not entitled to resign that membership except in accordance with this rule.
6.2. A member of the association who has paid all amounts payable by the member to the association in respect of the member’s membership may resign from membership of the association by first giving notice (being not less than one (1) month or not less than such other period as the committee may determine) in writing to the secretary of the member’s intention to resign and, upon the expiration of the period of notice, the member ceases to be a member.
6.3. Where a member of the association ceases to be a member pursuant to Rule 6.2., and in every other case where a member ceases to hold membership, the secretary shall make an appropriate entry in the register of members recording the date on which the member ceased to be a member.
7. REGISTER OF MEMBERS
7.1. The public officer of the association shall establish and maintain a register of members of the association specifying the name and address of each person who is a member of the association together with the date on which the person became a member.
7.2. The register of members shall be kept at the principal place of administration of the association and shall be open for inspection, free of charge, by any member of the association at any reasonable hour.
8. FEES, SUBSCRIPTIONS ETC
8.1. A member of the association shall, upon admission to membership, pay to the association a fee of $10.00 or where some other amount is determined by the committee, of that other amount.
8.2. In addition to any amount payable by the member under Rule 8.1., a member of the association shall pay to the association an annual membership fee of $30.00, or, where some other amount is determined by the committee, of that other amount -
8.2.1. except as provided by Rule 8.2.2. before 1st July in each calendar year; or
8.2.2. where the member becomes a member on or after 1st July in any calendar year - upon becoming a member and before 1st July in each succeeding calendar year.
9. MEMBERSHIP LIABILITIES
9.1. The liability of a member of the association to contribute towards the payment of the debts and liabilities of the association or the cost, charges and expenses of the winding up of the association is limited to the amount, if any, unpaid by the member in respect of membership of the association as required by Rule 8.
10. RESOLUTION OF INTERNAL DISPUTES
10.1. Disputes between members (in their capacity as members) of the association, and disputes between members and the association are, if deemed appropriate, referred to the Conflict Resolution Team Leader prior to it being referred to a Community Justice Centre for mediation in accordance with the Community Justice Centers Act, 1983.
10.2 That the Conflict Resolution Team Leader, on completion of a dispute investigation make a recommendation to the management committee, who may then make a resolution under section 11 of the constitution.
11. DISCIPLINING OF MEMBERS
11.1. Where the committee is of the opinion that a member of the association -
11.1.1. has persistently refused or neglected to comply with a provision or provisions of these rules; or
11.1.2. has persistently and willfully acted in a manner prejudicial to the interests of the association,
11.2. the committee may, by resolution -
11.2.1. expel the member from the association, or
11.2.2. suspend the member from membership of the association for a specified period.
11.3. A resolution of the committee under Rule 11.1.-11.2. is of no effect unless the committee, at a meeting held not earlier than fourteen (14) days and not later than twenty eight (28) days after service on the member of a notice under Rule 11.4., confirms the resolution in accordance with this rule.
11.4. Where the committee passes a resolution under Rule 11.1.-11.2., the secretary shall, as soon as practicable, cause a notice in writing to be served on the member -
11.4.1. setting out the resolution of the committee and the grounds on which it is based;
11.4.2. stating that the member may address the committee at a meeting to be held not earlier than 14 days and not later than 28 days after service of the notice;
11.4.3. stating the date, place and time of that meeting; and
11.4.4. informing the member that the member may do either or both of the following;
11.4.4.1. attend and speak at that meeting;
11.4.4.2. submit to the committee at or prior to the date of that meeting written representations relating to the resolution.
11.5. At a meeting of the committee held as referred to in Rule 11.3. the committee shall -
11.5.1. give to the member an opportunity to make oral representations;
11.5.2. give due consideration to any written representations submitted to the committee by the member at or prior to the meeting; and
11.6. Where the committee confirms a resolution under Rule 11.4., the secretary shall, within seven (7) days after that confirmation, by notice in writing inform the member of the fact and of the member’s right of appeal under Rule 12.
11.7. A resolution confirmed by the committee under Rule 11.4. does not take effect -
11.7.1. until the expiration of the period within which the member is entitled to appeal against the resolution where the member does not exercise the right of appeal within that period; or
11.7.2. where within that period the member exercises the right of appeal, unless and until the association confirms the resolution pursuant to Rule 11.4.
12. RIGHTS OF APPEAL OF DISCIPLINED MEMBER
12.1. A member may appeal to the association in a general meeting against a resolution of the committee which is confirmed under Rule 11, within seven (7) days after notice of the resolution is served on the member by lodging with the secretary a notice to that effect.
12.2. Upon receipt of a notice from a member under Rule 12.1., the secretary shall notify the committee which shall convene a general meeting of the association to be held within twenty one (21) days after the date on which the secretary received the notice.
12.3. At a general meeting of the association convened under Rule 12.2. -
12.3.1. no business other than the question of the appeal shall be transacted;
12.3.2. the committee and the member shall be given the opportunity to state their respective cases orally or in writing, or both; and
12.3.3. the members present shall vote by secret ballot on the question of whether the resolution should be confirmed or revoked.
12.4. If at the general meeting the association passes a special resolution in favour of the confirmation of the resolution, the resolution is confirmed.
PART III
THE COMMITTEE
13. POWERS, ETC OF COMMITTEE
13.1. The committee shall be called the committee of management of the association and, subject to the Act, the Regulation and these rules and to any resolution passed by the association in general meeting –
13.1.1. shall control and manage the affairs of the association;
13.1.2. may exercise all such functions as may be exercised by the association other than those functions that are required by these rules to be exercised by a general meeting of members of the association; and
13.1.3. has power to perform all such acts and do all such things as appear to the committee to be necessary or desirable for the proper management of the affairs of the association.
14. CONSTITUTION AND MEMBERSHIP
14.1. Subject in the case of the first members of the committee to section 21 of the Act, the committee shall consist of –
14.1.1. The office-bearers of the association; and
14.1.2. Ordinary members (6),
14.2. Each of whom shall be elected at the annual general meeting of the association pursuant to Rule 14.
14.3. The office-bearers of the association shall be
14.3.1. the president;
14.3.2. the vice-president
14.3.3. junior vice-president
14.3.4. the treasurer; and
14.3.5. the secretary.
14.4. The President and Treasurer are elected for a two year term and the Vice Presidents and Secretary are elected for a one year term at the 2013 election. The Vice President and Secretary are then elected for the normal two year term in 2014.
14.5. In the event of a casual vacancy occurring in the membership of the committee, the committee may appoint a member of the association to fill the vacancy and the member so appointed shall hold office, subject to these rules, until the conclusion of the annual general meeting next following the date of the appointment.
15. ELECTION OF MEMBERS
15.1. Nominations of candidates for election as office-bearers of the association or as ordinary members of the committee –
15.1.1. shall be made in writing, signed by two (2) members of the association and accompanied by the written consent of the candidate (which may be endorsed on the form and nomination); and
15.1.2. shall be delivered to the secretary of the association not less than seven (7) days before the date fixed for the holding of the annual general meeting at which the election is to take place.
15.2. If insufficient nominations are received to fill all vacancies on the committee, the candidates nominated shall be deemed to be elected and further nominations shall be received at the annual general meeting.
15.3. If insufficient further nominations are received, any vacant positions remaining on the committee shall be deemed to be casual vacancies.
15.4. If the number of nominations received is equal to the number of vacancies to be filled, the persons nominated shall be deemed to be elected.
15.5. If the number of nominations received exceeds the number of vacancies to be filled, a ballot shall be held.
15.6. The ballot for the election of office-bearers and ordinary members of the committee shall be conducted at the annual general meeting in such usual and proper manner as the committee may direct.
15.7. A nomination of a candidate for election under this clause is not valid if that candidate has been nominated for election to another office at the same election.
16. SECRETARY
16.1. The secretary of the association shall, as soon as practicable after being appointed as secretary, lodge notice with the association of his or her address.
16.2. It is the duty of the secretary to keep minutes of –
16.2.1. all appointments of office-bearers and members of the committee;
16.2.2. the names of members of the committee present at a committee meeting or a general meeting; and
16.2.3. all proceedings at committee meetings and general meetings.
16.3. Minutes of proceedings at a meeting shall be signed by the chairperson of the meeting or by the chairperson of the next succeeding meeting.
17. TREASURER
17.1. It is the duty of the treasurer of the association to ensure that –
17.1.1. all money due to the association is collected and received and that all payments authorized by the association are made; and
17.1.2. correct books and accounts are kept showing the financial affairs of the association including full details of all receipts and expenditure connected with the activities of the association.
18. CASUAL VACANCIES
18.1. For the purpose of these rules, a casual vacancy in the office of a member of the committee occurs if the member -
18.1.1. dies;
18.1.2. ceases to be a member of the association;
18.1.3. Becomes an insolvent under administration within the meaning of Corporations Law.
18.1.4. Resigns office by notice in writing given to the secretary.
18.1.5. Is removed from office under Rule 19.
18.1.6. becomes of unsound mind or a person whose person or estate is liable to be dealt with in any way under the law relating to mental health; or
18.1.7. is absent without the consent of the committee from all meetings of the committee held during a period of 6 months.
19. REMOVAL OF MEMBER
19.1. The association in a general meeting may by resolution remove any member of the committee from the office of member before the expiration of the member’s term of office and may by resolution appoint another person to hold office until the expiration of the term of office of the member so removed.
19.2. Where a member of the committee to whom a proposed resolution referred to in Rule 19.1. related makes representations in writing to the secretary or president (not exceeding a reasonable length) and requests that the representations be notified to the members of the association, the secretary or the president may send a copy of the representations to each member of the association or, if the representations are not so sent, the member is entitled to require that the representations be read out at the meeting at which the resolution is considered.
20. MEETINGS AND QUORUM
20.1. The committee shall meet at least three (3) times in each period of twelve (12) months at such place; or by such means including electronic communication, and at such time as the committee may determine.
20.2. (Old to delete: The committee shall meet at least three (3) times in each period of twelve (12) months at such place and time as the committee may determine.)
20.3. Additional meetings of the committee may be convened by the president or by any member of the committee.
20.4. Oral or written notice of a meeting of the committee shall be given by the secretary to each member of the committee at least forty eight (48) hours (or such other period as may be unanimously agreed upon by the members of the committee) before the time appointed for the holding of the meeting.
20.5. Notice of a meeting given under Rule 20.3. shall specify the general nature of the business to be transacted at the meeting and no business other than that business shall be transacted at the meeting, except business which the committee members present at the meeting unanimously agree to treat as urgent business.
20.6. Any three (3) members of the committee constitute a quorum for the transaction of the business of a meeting of the committee.
20.7. No business shall be transacted by the committee unless a quorum is present and if within half an hour of the time appointed for the meeting a quorum is not present the meeting stands adjourned to the same place and at the same hour of the same day in the following week.
20.8. If at the adjourned meeting a quorum is not present within half an hour of the time appointed for the meeting, the meeting shall be dissolved.
20.9. At a meeting of the committee -
The president or, in the president’s absence, the vice-president, shall preside; or preside.
21. DELEGATION BY COMMITTEE TO SUB-COMMITTEE
21.1. The committee may, by instrument in writing, delegate to one or more sub-committees (consisting of such member or members of the association as the committee thinks fit) the exercise of such of the functions of the committee as are specified in the instrument, other than -
21.1.1. this power of delegations; and
21.1.2. a function which is duly imposed on the committee by the Act or by any other law.
21.2. A function the exercise of which has been delegated to a sub-committee under this rule may, while the delegation remains un-revoked, be exercised from time to time by the sub-committee in accordance with the terms of the delegation.
21.3. A delegation under this section may be made subject to such conditions or limitations as to the exercise of any function the subject thereof, or as to time or circumstances, as may be specified in the instrument of delegation.
21.4. Notwithstanding any delegation under this rule, the committee may continue to exercise any function delegated.
21.5. Any act or thing done or suffered by a sub-committee acting in the exercise of a delegation under this rule has the same force and effect as it would have if it had been done or suffered by the committee.
21.6. The committee may, by instrument in writing, revoke wholly or in part any delegation under this rule.
21.7. A sub-committee may meet and adjourn as it thinks proper.
22. VOTING AND DECISIONS
22.1. Questions arising at a meeting of the committee or of any sub-committee appointed by the committee shall be determined by a majority of the voles of members of the committee or sub-committee present at the meeting.
22.2. Each member present at a meeting of the committee or of any sub-committee appointed by the committee (including the person presiding at the meeting) is entitled to one vote but, in the advent of an equality of votes on any question, the person presiding may exercise a second or casting vote.
22.3. Subject to Rule 20.5., the committee may act notwithstanding any vacancy on the committee.
22.4. Any act or thing done or suffered, or purporting to have been done or suffered, by the committee or by a sub-committee appointed by the committee, is valid and effectual notwithstanding any defect that may afterwards be discovered in the appointment or qualification of any member of the committee or sub-committee.
PART IV
GENERAL MEETINGS
23. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS-HOLDING OF
23.1. With the exception of the first annual general meeting of the association, the association shall, at least once in each calendar year and within the period of six (6) months after the expiration of each financial year of the association, convene an annual general meeting of its members.
23.2. The association shall hold its first annual general meeting -
23.2.1. within the period of 18 months after its incorporation under the Act; and
23.2.2. within the period of six (6) months after the expiration of the first financial year of the association.
23.3. Rule 23.1. and 23.2. have effect subject to any extension or permission granted by the Commission under section 26(3) of the Act.
24. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS-CALLING OF AND BUSINESS AT
24.1. The annual general meeting of the association shall, subject to the Act and to Rule 22, be convened on such date and at such place and time as the committee thinks fit.
24.2. In addition to any other business which may be transacted at an annual general meeting, the business of an annual general meeting shall be -
24.2.1. to confirm the minutes of the last preceding annual general meeting and of any special general meeting held since that meeting;
24.2.2. to receive from the committee reports upon the activities of the association during the last preceding financial year;
24.2.3. to elect office-bearers of the association and ordinary members of the committee; and
24.2.4. to receive and consider the statement which is required to be submitted to members pursuant to section 26(6) of the Act.
v24.3. An annual general meeting shall be specified as such in the notice convening it.
25. SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS - CALLING OF
25.1. The committee may, whenever it thinks fit, convene a special general meeting of the association.
25.2. The committee shall, on requisition in writing of not less than 5% of the total number of members, convene a special general meeting of the association.
25.3. A requisition of members for a special general meeting -
25.3.1. shall state the purpose or purposes of the meeting;
25.3.2. shall be signed by the members making the requisition;
25.3.3. shall be lodged with the secretary; and
25.3.4. may consist of several documents in a similar form, each signed by one or more of the members making the requisition.
25.4. If the committee fails to convene a special meeting to be held within one (1) month after the date on which a requisition of members for the meeting is lodged with the secretary, any one or more of the members who made the requisition may convene a special general meeting to be held not later than three (3) months after that date.
25.5. A special general meeting convened by a member or members as referred to in Rule 25.4., shall be convened as nearly as is practicable in the same manner as general meetings are convened by the committee and any member who thereby incurs expenses is entitled to be reimbursed by the association for any expense incurred.
26. NOTICE.
26.1. Except where the nature of the business proposed to be dealt with at a general meeting requires a special resolution of the association, the secretary shall, at least fourteen (14) days before the date fixed for the holding of the general meeting, cause to be sent by pre-paid post to each member at the member’s address appearing in the register of members, a notice specifying the place, date and time of the meeting and the nature of the business proposed to be transacted at the meeting.
26.2. Where the nature of the business proposed to be dealt with at a general meeting requires a special resolution of the association, the secretary shall, at least twenty one (21) days before the date fixed for the holding of the general meeting, cause notice to be sent to each member in the manner provided in Rule 26.1 specifying, in addition to the matter required under Rule 26.1., the intention to propose the resolution as a special resolution.
26.3. No business other than that specified in the notice convening a general meeting shall be transacted at the meeting except, in the case of an annual general meeting, business which may be transacted pursuant to Rule 24.2.
26.4. A member desiring to bring any business before a general meeting may give notice in writing of that business to the secretary, who shall include that business in the next notice calling a general meeting given after receipt of the notice from the member.
27. PROCEDURE
27.1. No item of business shall be transacted at a general meeting unless a quorum of members entitled under these rules to vote is present during the time the meeting is considering that item.
27.2. Five (5) members present in person (being members entitled under these rules to vote at a general meeting) constitute a quorum for the transaction of the business of a general meeting.
27.3. If within half an hour after the appointed time for the commencement of a general meeting a quorum is not present, the meeting if convened upon the requisition of members shall be dissolved and in any other case shall stand adjourned to the same day in the following week at the time and (unless another place is specified at the time of the adjournment by the person presiding at the meeting or communicate by written notice to members given before the day to which the meeting is adjourned) at the same place.
27.4. If at he adjourned meeting a quorum is not present within half an hour after the time appointed for the commencement of the meeting, the members present (being not less than 3) shall constitute a quorum.
28. PRESIDING MEMBER
28.1. The president or, in the president’ absence the vice-president, shall preside as chairperson at each general meeting of the association.
28.2. If the president and the vice-president are absent from a general meeting or unwilling to act, the members present shall elect one of their number to preside as chairperson at the meeting.
29. ADJOURNMENT
29.1. The chairperson of a general meeting at which a quorum is present may, with the consent of the majority of members present at the meeting, adjourn the meeting from time to time and place to place
but no business shall be transacted at an adjourned meeting other than the business left unfinished at the meeting at which the adjournment took place.
29.2. Where a general meeting is adjourned for fourteen (14) days or more, the secretary shall give written or oral notice of the adjourned meeting to each member of the association stating the place, date and time of the meeting and the nature of the business to be transacted at the meeting.
29.3. Except as provided in Rule 29.1. and Rule 29.2., notice of an adjournment of a general meeting or of the business to be transacted at an adjourned meeting is not required to be given.
30. MAKING OF DECISIONS
30.1. A question arising at general meeting of the association shall be determined on a show of hands and, unless before or on the declaration of the show of hands a poll is demanded, a declaration by the chairperson that a resolution has, on a show of hands, been carried or carried unanimously or carried by a particular majority or lost, or an entry to that effect in the minute book of the association, is evidence of the fact without proof of the number or proportion of the votes recorded in favour of or against that resolution.
30.2. At a general meeting of the association, a poll may be demanded by the chairperson or by not less than three (3) members present in person or by proxy at the meeting.
30.3. Where a poll is demanded at a general meeting, the poll shall be taken -
30.3.1. immediately in the case of a poll which relates to the election of the chairperson of the meeting or to the question of an adjournment; or
30.3.2. in any other case, in such manner and at such time before the close of the meeting as the chairperson directs, and the resolution of the poll on the matter shall be deemed to be the resolution of the meeting on that matter.
31. SPECIAL RESOLUTION
31.1. A resolution of the association is a special resolution if -
31.2. it is passed by a majority which comprises not less than three-quarters of such members of the association as, being entitled under these rules so to do, vote in person or by proxy at a general meeting of which not less than twenty one (21) days written notice specifying the intention to prose the resolution as a special resolution was given in accordance with these rules; or
31.3. where it is made to appear to the Commission that it is not possible or practicable for the resolution to be passed in the manner specified in Rule 30.3 - the resolution is passed in a manner specified by the Commission.
32. VOTING
32.1. Upon any question arising at a general meeting of the association, a member has one vote only.
32.2. All votes shall be given personally or by proxy but no member may hold more than five (5) proxies.
32.3. In the case of an equality of votes on a question at a general meting, the chairperson of the meeting is entitled to exercise a second or casting vote.
32.4. A member or proxy is not entitled to vote at any general meeting of the association unless all money due and payable by the member or proxy to the association has been paid, other than the amount of the annual subscription payable in respect of the then current year.
33. APPOINT OF PROXIES
33.1. Each member shall be entitled to appoint another member as proxy by notice given to the secretary no later than 24 hours before the time of the meeting in respect of which the proxy is appointed
33.2. The notice appointing the proxy shall be in the form set out in Appendix 2 to these rules.
PART V
PARTY MISCELLANEOUS
34. INSURANCE
34.1. The association shall effect and maintain insurance pursuant to section 44 of the Act.
34.2. In addition to the insurance required under Rule 34.1., the association may effect and maintain other insurance.
35. FUNDS-SOURCE
35.1. The funds of the association shall be derived from entrance fees and annual subscription of members, donations and, subject to any resolution passed by the association in general meeting, such other sources as the committee determines.
35.2. All money received by the association shall be deposited as soon as practicable and without deduction to the credit of the association’s bank account.
35.3. The association shall, as soon as practicable after receiving any money, issue an appropriate receipt.
36. FUNDS-MANAGEMENT
36.1. Subject to any resolution passed by the association in general meeting, the funds of the association shall be used in pursuance of the objects of the association in such manner as the committee determines.
36.2. All cheques, drafts, bills of exchange, promissory notes and other negotiable instruments shall be signed by any 2 members of the committee or employees of the association, being members or employees authorized to do so by the committee.
37. ALTERATION OF OBJECTS AND RULES
37.1. The statement of objects and these rules may be altered, rescinded or added to only by a special resolution of the association.
38. COMMON SEAL
38.1. The common seal of the association shall be kept in the custody of the public officer.
38.2. The common seal shall not be affixed to any instrument except by the authority of the committee and the affixing of the common seal shall be attested by the signatures either of 2 members of the committee or of 1 member of the committee and of the public officer or secretary.
39. CUSTODY OF BOOKS ETC
39.1. Except as otherwise provided by these rules, the public officer shall keep in his or her custody or under his or her control all records, books and other documents relating to the association.
40. INSPECTION OF BOOKS ETC
40.1. The records, books and other documents of the association shall be open to inspection, free of charge, by a member of the association of any reasonable hour.
41. SERVICE OF NOTICES
41.1. For the purpose of these rules, a notice may be served by or on behalf of the association upon any member either personally or by sending it by post to the member at the member’s address shown in the register of members.
41.2. Where a document is sent to a person by properly addressing, prepaying and posting to the person a letter containing the document, the document shall unless the contrary is proved, be deemed for the purposes of these rules to have been served on the person at the time at which the letter would have been delivered in the ordinary course of post.
PART VI
BY-LAWS (Rules & Regulations)
42. Name of Association
42.1. The association will be known as Australian National Cats (ANCATS) Inc.
43. Mission Statement
43.1. To be totally professional organisation responsive to the needs of all cats – their owners, breeders and exhibitors.
44. Show Rules & Regulations
44.1. All members of the association are bound by the Show Rules and Regulations.
44.2. The Show Rules and Regulations can be altered, rescinded or revoked by the committee of management from time to time as they see fit.
45. Membership Categories:
45.1. (Following PART II Membership). The term “any person” is deemed for Membership Categories as being a person 18 years of age or older except for the category Junior Membership.
45.2. All member categories are to comply with the Constitution and By-Laws of ANCATS.
Any person may be admitted to membership of ANCATS as per the rules and regulations of the Constitution with full voting rights.
45.4. Dual Membership
45.4.1. Any two persons over the age of 18 years who reside together may apply in their joint names for Dual Membership of ANCATS.
45.4.2. Each person has all the rights of a Full Member.
45.5. Junior Membership
Any junior person under the age of 18 years, with parental/guardian consent may be admitted to membership of ANCATS as per the rules and regulations of the Constitution without voting rights and are not eligible to nominate for Committee of Management.
45.6. Foundation Membership
Any person who is a financial member of ANCATS prior to December 1997 shall be called a Foundation Member (see rights)
45.7. Founding Membership
45.7.1. Any person who is a Full Member, Foundation Member or Dual Member may carry the title of Founding Member.
45.7.2. This is a special membership offering those foundation members who have contributed above and beyond and are prepared to donate $500.00 in support of ANCATS will be offered this title as and when the committee sees fit.
45.7.3. Founding Membership carries no other rights than those of a full member which may be varied from time to time at the direction of the Committee of Management.
45.8. Honorary Membership
45.8.1. Any person nominated by the Committee of Management or by a majority of members at an Annual General Member, may be elected to the position as Honorary member.
45.8.2. An Honorary member has all rights and privileges of ANCATS with the exception of voting rights and nominations to committees, except in an Honorary capacity.
45.9. Probation Membership
45.9.1. As per 3. 2 of the Constitution, at the Committee of Management’s discretion it may admit the applicant as a Probationary Member with the applicants consent.
45.9.2. Acceptance of Probationary Membership by the applicant, when offered, entitles the applicant to all membership privileges with the exception of voting rights and accepting nominations for the Committee of Management for a period of twelve months from the date of acceptance.
45.9.3. Probationary membership will be reviewed by the Committee of Management at that time at which the committee shall determine whether to approve or reject the nomination as a Full Member.
45.10. Service Non-Member
45.10.1. Any person, who holds a registered prefix and registers that prefix with ANCATS, and has paid all relevant service non-member fees and charges, may have access to ANCATS database to register their cats/kittens and access other ANCATS services as the Committee of Management may determine, but have no special privileges that a full member enjoys as part of full membership.
45.10.2. A Service Non-Member has no voting rights and cannot except a position on any committee.
45.11. Life Membership
45.11.1. Life membership can be conferred upon any Full Member of ANCATS.
45.11.2. A Life Member shall enjoy all the privileges of membership, but shall not be liable to pay an admission fee or annual subscription Rule 8.
45.11.3. Nomination for Life Members will only be considered as in Rule 24.2., at an annual general meeting
45.11.4. Any five (5) full members or the Committee of Management may nominate a person for Life Membership by completing the Life Membership Nomination Form.
45.11.5. Life Membership should be carried by a 75% majority.
45.12. Patron
45.12.1. The Committee of Management may at its discretion appoint a maximum of two (2) patrons.
45.12.2. Recommendations will be received by the committee for the recommendation of a patron.
45.12.3. A patron is a recognized citizen or corporation who will support and enhance ANCATS and its mission statement.
46. Affiliate Membership
46.1. An affiliate is a group of members who decide to establish an incorporated cat club and affiliate such club to ANCATS.
46.2. An affiliate must abide by the constitution and by-laws of ANCATS at all times.
46.3. An affiliate must pay an Affiliate membership fee as outlined in ANCATS Schedule Fees.
46.4. All members of the Committee of Management of such affiliate must be financial full members of ANCATS.
46.5. The affiliate must follow all guidelines as set out by the committee upon the commencement of their organisation.
46.6. An affiliate has one vote at all meetings of ANCATS with the exception of the Annual General Meeting election of Committee of Management.
46.7. Affiliates are required to furnish ANCATS with an annual report which will include current membership list, and financial statement.
46.8. Each affiliate should produce the annual report to be tabled at ANCATS AGM.
46.9. For the purpose of these by-laws Rule 11 of the constitution – disciplining of members also applies the affiliate which is classified as one body.
46.10. Affiliate delegates must meet twice a year with the Committee of Management to discuss the particular requirements of affiliates and cat shows.
47. Commercial Affiliates
A Commercial Affiliate is any organisation who is desirous of conducting a cat show or promotional event. Subject to all the above and must provide details of experienced personnel and do not have voting rights.
48. National Delegates
48.1. A regional delegate will represent each Australian State or Territory.
48.2. All members of the association to be allocated to a region according to their address on the membership register.
48.3. Each region is to elect a delegate who is to attend National meetings to be held by the committee as it sees fit.
48.4. This delegate is to represent the members of the region to which he or she has been elected.
49. Products & Services
49.1. The Committee of management will from time to time cause to be conducted services such as:
49.1.1. Judges Courses
49.1.2. Stewards Courses
49.1.3. Cattery of Excellence Program
49.1.4. Marketing
49.1.5. Seminars
49.1.6. Veterinary Advice Panel
49.1.7. Internet Site
49.1.8. Etc,
49.2. And other product or service that is in keeping with the mission statement of ANCATS and all official publications as developed or approved by the Committee of Management in relation to the products and services will be considered to be part of these rules and regulations. Will be encompassed by these by-laws and constitution
50. Confidentiality
50.1. The committee of management has the right, whilst negotiating contracts or offers withhold names, documents, or any other relevant item pertaining to the negotiation of firm(s)/trade/sponsor(s) or other individuals or groups that are deemed “confidential” from time to time until that firm(s)/trade(s)/sponsor(s) or other individual or group has accepted or rejected the offer or negotiation.
50.2. It is deemed that confidentially when negotiations are in place with a firm(s)/trade(s)/sponsor(s) or other individual or group is essential to avoid conflict with other organizations that may prejudice or benefit directly from the negotiations of this association.
51. Veterinary Advise Panel
51.1. The Veterinary Advise Panel is an independent group of advisors, selected by the committee for their expertise in animals, preferably cats and are qualified Veterinarians.
51.2. The panel may, if they so desire, attain membership to the association, but are deemed Honorary Members of the association.
51.3. A minimum of one committee member should be, if appropriate, present at all meetings of the Veterinary Advise Panel.
51.4. All relevant information determined by the panel is deemed to be the property of the association.
52. Employees & Honorarium
52.1. Employee - The committee of management may from time to time employ staff to carry out functions as set out by the committee.
52.1.1. The employee must be paid according to the current awards as set by the job description.
52.1.2. The committee of management must define a job description for the employee and the employee must duly agree to this job description prior to the commencement of employment.
52.1.3. Occupational Health & Safety issues are to be implemented for the well-being of the employee by the association.
52.1.4. The employee can be a member of the association subject to the following:
52.1.4.1. Tasks delegated to the member as a member of the association and not as part of their role as an “employee” must be performed by that member in his/her voluntary capacity for the association and not during the hours of employment by that member unless notified by the committee of management.
52.1.4.2. No office-bearer, who is also an employee can perform tasks as held by the office-bearer in the constitution except as outlined by the committee or sub-committee as pursuant to their job description and as outlined in Rule 52.1.4.1.
52.2. Honorarium
52.2.1. An Honorarium is a nominal fee paid to a member of the association and is not classified as an employee.
52.2.2. The committee of management may from time to time grant an Honorarium fee for services rendered to the association.
53. ANCATS Affiliation
53.1. The committee of management may from time to time affiliate with world cat organizations.
53.2. The committee of management shall appoint from the committee of management delegate/s to attend any national or international meetings relevant to any affiliations. Expenses incurred by these delegates during the course of their official duties will be met by ANCATS and all receipts are to be tabled with the Treasurer within seven days of return.