1. Statement of Purpose

Connecting Corridors Inc. is dedicated to creating a positive and lasting impact on both communities and the environment. As a charitable organization, we strive to foster connected, inclusive, and sustainable communities while enhancing the natural environment. Through initiatives that promote biodiversity, restore indigenous plant species, and encourage community engagement, we aim to protect local ecosystems, strengthen social bonds, and cultivate a sense of belonging for all. Our work is driven by a commitment to sustainability and the belief that thriving communities and a healthy environment go hand in hand.

• Promote Connected and Inclusive Communities:
  • Develop and maintain corridors that encourage community interaction and foster a sense of belonging.
  • Enhance physical, social, and ecological linkages to create sustainable and inclusive communities.
• Protect and Enhance the Natural Environment:
  • Promote biodiversity by reintroducing indigenous plant and tree species to areas where they are no longer found or are no longer abundant.
  • Encourage the planting of indigenous plant and tree species in private gardens to restore ecosystems impacted by human development.
• Support Local Ecosystems:
  • Implement initiatives that protect and enhance local ecosystems, ensuring long-term sustainability for future generations.
• Foster Community Engagement:
  • Encourage community participation in environmental and social initiatives to build stronger, more connected communities.

2. Objects and Aims

Connecting Corridors Inc. is committed to advancing charitable purposes by fostering a harmonious relationship between communities and the natural environment. Our mission is to protect and enhance ecosystems, promote sustainability, and create inclusive spaces that benefit both people and nature. By engaging local stakeholders and prioritizing education, we aim to build a resilient and connected future for all.

• Charitable Objectives:
  • Protect and Restore Natural Habitats:
    • Facilitate projects that conserve and rehabilitate ecosystems within corridors to support biodiversity and ecological health.
  • Foster Inclusive Community Spaces:
    • Develop infrastructure and activities that create safe, welcoming, and inclusive spaces for community interaction and connection.
  • Promote Environmental Sustainability:
    • Implement sustainable practices across all organizational activities and encourage environmental stewardship within the community.
  • Engage and Empower Local Stakeholders:
    • Actively involve residents, businesses, and government in planning and decision-making to ensure community-driven outcomes.
  • Educate and Raise Awareness:
    • Deliver campaigns, workshops, and educational programs to inform the public about the importance of connected ecosystems and vibrant public spaces.
  • Champion Long-Term Ecological Connectivity:
    • Serve as a steward of urban and rural ecological corridors, ensuring resilience and sustainability for future generations.

Part 1 – Preliminary

Terms Used

Terms used in the governance document for Connecting Corridors Inc.:

• Act: The Associations Incorporation Act 2015.
• Associate Member: A member with the rights referred to in rule 8(6).
• Association: The incorporated association to which these rules apply.
• Books: Includes the following:
  • A register.
  • Financial records, financial statements, or financial reports, however compiled, recorded, or stored.
  • A document.
  • Any other record of information.
• By-laws: By-laws made by the Association under rule 64.
• Chairperson: The Committee member holding office as the chairperson of the Association.
• Commissioner: The person for the time being designated as the Commissioner under section 153 of the Act.
• Committee: The management committee of the Association.
• Committee Meeting: A meeting of the committee.
• Committee Member: A member of the committee.
• Financial Records: Includes:
  • Invoices, receipts, orders for the payment of money, bills of exchange, cheques, promissory notes, and vouchers.
  • Documents of prime entry.
  • Working papers and other documents needed to explain:
    • The methods by which financial statements are prepared.
    • Adjustments to be made in preparing financial statements.
• Financial Report: Of a tier 2 association or a tier 3 association, has the meaning given in section 63 of the Act.
• Financial Statements: The financial statements in relation to the Association required under Part 5 Division 3 of the Act.
• Financial Year: Of the Association, has the meaning given in rule 2.
• General Meeting: A meeting of the Association that all members are entitled to receive notice of and to attend.
• Member: A person (including a body corporate) who is an ordinary member or an associate member of the Association.
• Ordinary Committee Member: A committee member who is not an office holder of the Association under rule 27(3).
• Ordinary Member: A member with the rights referred to in rule 8(5).
• Register of Members: The register of members referred to in section 53 of the Act.
• Rules: These rules of the Association, as in force for the time being.
• Secretary: The committee member holding office as the secretary of the Association.
• Special General Meeting: A general meeting of the Association other than the annual general meeting.
• Special Resolution: A resolution passed by the members at a general meeting in accordance with section 51 of the Act.
• Subcommittee: A subcommittee appointed by the committee under rule 48(1)(a).
• Tier 1 Association: An incorporated association to which section 64(1) of the Act applies.
• Tier 2 Association: An incorporated association to which section 64(2) of the Act applies.
• Tier 3 Association: An incorporated association to which section 64(3) of the Act applies.
• Treasurer: The committee member holding office as the treasurer of the Association.

2. Financial Year

The first financial year of the Association is to be the period notified to the Commissioner under section 7(4)(e) or, if relevant, section 29(5)(e) of the Act.

Each subsequent financial year of the Association is the period of 12 months commencing at the termination of the first financial year or the anniversary of that termination.

Part 3 – Members

1. Membership Categories

• Ordinary Member: Full voting rights at meetings.
• Associate Member: Participation rights without a vote. Categories may include junior, senior, or honorary members.
• Life Member: A special status conferred by resolution.

2. Membership Obligations

All members must align with the purpose of Connecting Corridors Inc. to retain membership. Failure to comply with established processes may lead to suspension or expulsion.

3. Register of Members

Connecting Corridors Inc. shall maintain an updated register of members, recording necessary details such as their voting rights, contact information, and admission/termination dates.

Division 1 – Membership

4. Eligibility for Membership

Any person who supports the objects or purposes of the Association is eligible to apply to become a member.

An individual who has not reached the age of 15 years is not eligible to apply for a class of membership that confers full voting rights.

5. Applying for Membership

A person who wants to become a member must apply in writing to the Association. The application should include a member’s nomination of the applicant for membership. The application must be signed by the applicant and the member nominating the applicant. The applicant must specify in the application the class of membership, if there is more than one, to which the application relates.

6. Dealing with Membership Applications

The committee must consider each application for membership of the Association and decide whether to accept or reject the application.

• Applications must be considered in the order in which they are received by the Association.
• The committee may delay its consideration of an application if clarification or further information is needed from the applicant.
• The committee must not accept an application unless the applicant is eligible under rule 4 and has applied under rule 5.
• The committee may reject an application even if the applicant meets the eligibility criteria.

The committee must notify the applicant of its decision as soon as practicable. If the application is rejected, the committee is not required to provide reasons for the rejection.

7. Becoming a Member

An applicant becomes a member when:

• The committee accepts the application.
• The applicant pays any membership fees payable to the Association under rule 12.

8. Classes of Membership

The Association consists of ordinary members and any associate members provided for under subrule (2). The Association may have any class of associate membership approved by resolution at a general meeting, including junior membership, senior membership, honorary membership, and life membership.

• An individual under 15 years of age is only eligible to be an associate member.
• A person can only be an ordinary member or belong to one class of associate membership.
• Ordinary members have full voting rights and any other rights conferred by these rules or approved by resolution at a general meeting.
• Associate members have the rights referred to in subrule (5) other than full voting rights.
• The number of members of any class is not limited unless otherwise approved by resolution at a general meeting.

9. When Membership Ceases

A person ceases to be a member when any of the following occurs:

• For an individual member, the individual dies.
• For a body corporate member, the body corporate is wound up.
• The person resigns from the Association under rule 10.
• The person is expelled from the Association under rule 15.
• The person ceases to be a member under rule 12(4).

The secretary must keep a record, for at least one year after a person ceases to be a member, of:

• The date on which the person ceased to be a member.
• The reason why the person ceased to be a member.

10. Resignation

A member may resign from membership of the Association by giving written notice to the secretary. The resignation takes effect:

• When the secretary receives the notice.
• If a later time is stated in the notice, at that later time.

A person who has resigned remains liable for any fees owed to the Association at the time of resignation. The owed amount may be recovered by the Association as a debt due.

11. Rights Not Transferable

The rights of a member are not transferable and end when membership ceases.