Connecting Country AGM: Growing our Future Together

Posted on 1 November, 2024 by Lori

After 16 years of influencing positive environmental change on 500+ properties in the region, it’s time to look forward and help shape the future of Connecting Country!

We want to hear from you – our members, supporters and the wider community – about what is important to you in supporting local biodiversity and connection with nature.

Following brief AGM formalities, we will delve into an informative and interactive plenary discussion with a diverse panel:

Brendan Sydes – ACF Biodiversity Policy Advisor and Connecting Country President.

Ian Higgins – local ecologist and founding member of Friends of Campbells Creek.

Ann-Marie Monda – landowner (with Carla Meurs) from Wooroomook property in Sutton Grange integrating environmental improvements within agricultural farmland.

Chaired by Sharon Fraser from the Castlemaine Institute, the panel will discuss the current state of the environment and why conservation is so important – from the grassroots level upwards – now more than ever.

You will be invited to contribute your ideas and help shape the future direction of Connecting Country, its advocacy and support for grassroots conservation in our region. We will celebrate some of the local achievements to date and consider future opportunities for continuing positive environmental change, under changing financial, environmental and climate conditions.

Please join us for this special event on Saturday 23rd November 2024:

Campbell’s Creek Community Centre
60 Elizabeth St, Campbells Creek VIC 345 VIC 3450

1:15pm – lunch and sharing of ideas

2-2:20 pm – AGM formalities including a summary of 2023-24 achievements, review of the years financials, and election of office bearers

2:20-4pm – plenary session, discussion and workshop

For catering and logistical purposes, please register your attendance – click here

AGM formalities

View Connecting Country’s 2023-24 Annual report – click here

View Connecting Country’s Financial audit 2023-24 – click here

Connecting Country constitution

Consumer Affairs made changes to the model rules for Constitutions and recommended organisations review their own constitutions in light of these changes.

As such, Connecting Country’s Constitution has been updated in alignment with the model rules including:

Updated language to support the flexible use of technology (Rule 9, 35 and 62).

New processes for disciplinary appeals where members have been suspended or expelled by a disciplinary subcommittee (Rule 23).

Changes to grievance procedures regarding mediation (Rule 27 and 28).

Stronger disclosure requirements for a conflict of interest (Rule 65).

See attached (with track changes) draft for review/endorsement.

These changes are required to be voted on and adopted by the organisations membership at the AGM as a special resolution. To view a DRAFT updated Connecting Country Constitution (with track changes) – click here

Nominate for the Committee of Management

Want to be more involved with Connecting Country? Why not consider becoming a committee member. We are actively looking for new committee members to broaden the skills of our Committee. The positions require 2 hours per month to attend committee meeting plus small amounts of reading or work time as required to keep the organisation rolling. If this sounds like you, please complete a nomination form or contact our office to discuss via info@connectingcountry.org.au.