As the oldest members of goolawah and original caretakers (2000) , Leah and I were heavily involved in developing and achieving many things to support the Co-Operative in its endeavours…. including Leah’s 6 or so years as treasurer and myself spending countless hours (largely unclaimed hours, I will add) building the roads/slashing fire trails etc that everyone uses today….. With respect to being ‘insulted’ , let’s not forget how much I had my name dragged through newsletters for years based on the bullshit lies of grubby little agenda ridden nobodies…. with no apology whatsoever from those responsible….lol… Anyone can and should question the motives of directors if they feel it necessary, after all, it is a responsibility entrusted by members and should be accepted without fear of being ostracised . Leah and I have seen years of it, believe me and made our choice accordingly. Similarly, and back to the point, as much as the above proposal causes unrest, it will bring up the ongoing gentrification of Goolawah for discussion .
……And that’s a good thing.
Since Greg Ryan, who actually lives in Bundagen, sent this proposal (including false accusations), I thought it might be interesting for members to know how we compare to levies in other Co-operatives.
In Bundagen for example members pay $27 per week, that is $1404 for a single, or $2808 for a couple per year. Children pay (reduced) weekly rates as well.
Added to this is the weekly village fee – varying in different hamlets. In the hamlet I know about this fee is $5 per person per week, so in this hamlet a copuple would pay an additional $520 village fee per year.
Visitors in Bundagen pay $30 per week.
The finance meeting on the 8 July was open to all members, and comprised of our treasurer, 5 directors and 6 members. The purpose of the meeting was to action the motion of the 6 July GM (19 for, 3 abstain, 0 against) i.e. increase the Work Levy and/or, increase the Annual Levy and/or, raise the hourly Work Levy rate.
The 8 July finance meeting minutes and other relevant documents posted on the website provide a detailed report of the cooperatives current financial position, and proposals to assist in addressing the the cooperatives current financial situation.
I’d like to thank the directors and the treasurer for performing their duty of keeping the members informed of the financial status of the cooperative.
Reducing costs should be our first step. If a director claims for administrative tasks is that remuneration? I don’t know.
We have had one off expenses as Greg mentioned, substantial budget over runs, plus I would expect a reduction in admin claims as the major projects undertaken over the last 2 years come to an end – rules, by laws, manuals procedures etc.
Replacing contractors means buying machinery again with all the associated problems. It is not something I want to revisit.
I believe we certainly have an obligation to manage our finances to ensure members on low incomes are protected.
I know not of these payments to directors ??? I can put in for work levies @ $10.00 ph but there is no cash involved and certainly not at some regular outside world pay scale..
Payments to Directors!!! WTAF!!!! That comment is insulting! I gain NO $$ from being a director, it DOES take my time though. Which is something I have very little to spare, work other family commitments, along with wanting to move out of a cold shed into something warmer.
The fact this has been proposed by someone who HAS ANOTHER HOME!!! is super insulting..
Goolawah Co-op Members 
As the oldest members of goolawah and original caretakers (2000) , Leah and I were heavily involved in developing and achieving many things to support the Co-Operative in its endeavours…. including Leah’s 6 or so years as treasurer and myself spending countless hours (largely unclaimed hours, I will add) building the roads/slashing fire trails etc that everyone uses today….. With respect to being ‘insulted’ , let’s not forget how much I had my name dragged through newsletters for years based on the bullshit lies of grubby little agenda ridden nobodies…. with no apology whatsoever from those responsible….lol… Anyone can and should question the motives of directors if they feel it necessary, after all, it is a responsibility entrusted by members and should be accepted without fear of being ostracised . Leah and I have seen years of it, believe me and made our choice accordingly. Similarly, and back to the point, as much as the above proposal causes unrest, it will bring up the ongoing gentrification of Goolawah for discussion .
……And that’s a good thing.
Since Greg Ryan, who actually lives in Bundagen, sent this proposal (including false accusations), I thought it might be interesting for members to know how we compare to levies in other Co-operatives.
In Bundagen for example members pay $27 per week, that is $1404 for a single, or $2808 for a couple per year. Children pay (reduced) weekly rates as well.
Added to this is the weekly village fee – varying in different hamlets. In the hamlet I know about this fee is $5 per person per week, so in this hamlet a copuple would pay an additional $520 village fee per year.
Visitors in Bundagen pay $30 per week.
The finance meeting on the 8 July was open to all members, and comprised of our treasurer, 5 directors and 6 members. The purpose of the meeting was to action the motion of the 6 July GM (19 for, 3 abstain, 0 against) i.e. increase the Work Levy and/or, increase the Annual Levy and/or, raise the hourly Work Levy rate.
The 8 July finance meeting minutes and other relevant documents posted on the website provide a detailed report of the cooperatives current financial position, and proposals to assist in addressing the the cooperatives current financial situation.
I’d like to thank the directors and the treasurer for performing their duty of keeping the members informed of the financial status of the cooperative.
Reducing costs should be our first step. If a director claims for administrative tasks is that remuneration? I don’t know.
We have had one off expenses as Greg mentioned, substantial budget over runs, plus I would expect a reduction in admin claims as the major projects undertaken over the last 2 years come to an end – rules, by laws, manuals procedures etc.
Replacing contractors means buying machinery again with all the associated problems. It is not something I want to revisit.
I believe we certainly have an obligation to manage our finances to ensure members on low incomes are protected.
Sue L
I know not of these payments to directors ??? I can put in for work levies @ $10.00 ph but there is no cash involved and certainly not at some regular outside world pay scale..
Kev.
Payments to Directors!!! WTAF!!!! That comment is insulting! I gain NO $$ from being a director, it DOES take my time though. Which is something I have very little to spare, work other family commitments, along with wanting to move out of a cold shed into something warmer.
The fact this has been proposed by someone who HAS ANOTHER HOME!!! is super insulting..