Southern New England Landcare (SNEL) recognises the important history and contribution of the many Landcare groups that have supported their communities over the years.
A recent review identified several groups that have been inactive for more than three years.
Some no longer have members able to act as group representatives, and some hold funds that have remained unused.
These circumstances can affect SNEL’s ability to meet governance requirements, maintain accurate membership records and run effective meetings.
“Our Landcare groups have a proud history, and this decision is intended to help SNEL keep its records current while respecting the contribution these groups have made,” said Emeritus Professor Nick Reid, chair of SNEL.
“We will continue working gently and constructively with groups to reconnect them with their membership and ensure that representative details are up to date,” he said.
What the Board has decided
Where a member group:
- has been inactive for more than three years; and
- SNEL has been unable, despite reasonable attempts, to identify a current group representative,
the group’s membership will be deemed to have lapsed.
Any funds held by SNEL on behalf of that group will then be transferred to SNEL’s general company funds.
This will allow the funds to be managed responsibly and applied towards SNEL’s objectives, including supporting practical Landcare and environmental work across our region.
“This change gives us a clear and consistent way to manage groups that have been inactive for an extended period,” said SNEL CEO, Karen Zirkler.
“We recognise the strong foundations created by earlier Landcare volunteers and will make every reasonable effort to contact groups before membership lapses.
“We encourage anyone connected with an inactive group to get in touch.
“A conversation may help us update representative details, reconnect members or clarify the future of any funds held on the group’s behalf,” she said.
What this means for your group
SNEL remains committed to working constructively with all groups.
Before a group’s membership lapses, staff will continue making reasonable efforts to identify a current representative.
If you are involved with an inactive group, or could act as its representative, please contact the SNEL office as soon as possible.
Updating your representative details may help your group retain its membership and voting rights.
Please also contact us if your group holds funds, equipment or records that may require review.
Get in touch
If you would like to update your group’s representative details, discuss reactivating a group or ask about funds held by SNEL, please contact the SNEL office on 02 6772 9123 or via email.
