Meeting Etiquette

goolawahcoop Governance, Meetings

Below is a reminder of some common courtesies to be followed in our community meetings:

1. Refrain from personal abuse and insulting language, as you risk expulsion from the meeting.

2.  Stay till the end (even after your issue is dealt with) unless you have pressing engagements.

3.  Avoid second-hand heresay and phrases like ‘some people’ – talk about your experiences.

4.  Remember, it’s not parliament solving the affairs of state – it’s just us, neighbours and friends.

5.  Don’t air your frustrations and anger at a meeting, as it’s not group therapy.

6.  Be polite and civil at all times.

7.  Show your appreciation for the contributions of others.

(POH)

Draft Complaint Policy & Form – Updated

goolawahcoop Governance

During last Saturday’s special community meeting to review the draft Complaint Policy & Procedures and Complaint Form, participants discussed all content in detail (for three hours). Agreed changes are incorporated in the updated versions below:

Draft Complaint Management Policy and Procedure updated version

Complaint Form updated version

The committee coordinating this policy is planning to bring it to the Jan 20 GM for further discussion and adoption.

Fire Management – Dec 2017

goolawahcoop Fire, Flood & Land

Everybody who was in residence at the Co-op over the last two weeks would probably agree that our properties have been very fortunate to survive undamaged after the ‘Big Hill Trail’ fire, which came right up to our southern and eastern boundaries.

Some consider it a wake-up call, and so based on my own observations and conversations, I’ve prepared a suggested plan to improve our fire-readiness.

Although the south and east boundaries of the Co-op are burnt, we are still exposed to the north and between the villages, etc.  It’s important that we keep the momentum of our fire-protection efforts going whilst memories are fresh.

Directors are discussing getting some clearing done along our roads to eliminate the risk of fire jumping them, and increased fire breaks.

Members should re-read the findings of the RFS property report on the Co-op from July this year, and act now to reduce the fire risk on their lots. We all share the consequences of poor maintenance of those standards.

(POH Dec 2017)

Fire Management Report 14 Dec 2017

 

Inactive Members & Voting

goolawahcoop Governance, Meetings, Membership

As background to the agenda item for next Saturday’s Community Meeting, below are extracts from the relevant rules, which are currently not applied in our meetings:

ATTENDANCE AND VOTING AT GENERAL MEETINGS

60. (b)  A member of the co-operative is not entitled to vote at a meeting of the co-operative:    (i)  if the person is not an active member of the co-operative.

 

ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP PROVISION

14. In accordance with Part 6 of the Act:   (b)  a member shall pay by the due date all accounts for annual subscriptions, levies, fees, fines and charges provided for in these rules and the Co-op’s by- laws in order to establish active membership of the Co-operative.