Terms and Conditions
MEMBERSHIP POLICY
1. Objective
1.1 The Committee for the Hunter encourages broad participation and engagement from organisations and individuals across the region. This is reflected in the Committee’s mission and tiered membership model, including the opportunity for not-for-profit organisations to be sponsored by Patron and Gold members.
2. Membership tiers
2.1 The following tiers of membership are available: • Foundation Patron: $50,000 + GST • Gold: $15,000 + GST • Silver: $5,000 + GST • Bronze: $1,000 + GST
2.2 Contra-membership arrangements that provide strategic benefits to the Committee can also be approved by exception and on a case-by-case by the Board, based on the Chair’s recommendation.
3. Membership application and approval process
3.1 Organisations and individuals will apply for membership with the Committee for the Hunter by completing the Membership Application Form.
3.2 All applications for membership will be approved by the Board (or their representative(s)) based on the Chair’s recommendation(s).
3.3 Applications for membership on a contra basis will be accepted in some instances. These applications will follow the process outlined in 3.1 and 3.2. The level of membership will be determined, in part, by considering the value of in-kind services to be provided.
3.4 The Committee encourages involvement from not-for-profit, community and charity organisations through a sponsorship arrangement with existing Patron and Gold members. Within their membership, Patron Members can sponsor membership for two not-for-profit, community or charity organisations: one at the Silver level and one at the Bronze level. Gold members can sponsor one organisation at Bronze level.
3.5 If Patron and Gold members wish to sponsor additional not-for-profit, community or charity organisations, the fee for membership will align with the nominated level and apply for each additional organisation sponsored.
3.6 A Sponsored Organisations Register for not-for-profit, community and charity organisations with an interest in membership will be available through the website. Patron and Gold members will be notified periodically of opportunities to sponsor an organisation that is on the Sponsored Organisation Register.
4. Membership payment and term
4.1 Membership is for a minimum of one year.
4.2 Membership fees are payable upon invoice by the Committee, and due on an anniversary basis thereafter.
5. Membership exclusions
5.1 The Committee for the Hunter’s mission states that it is non-partisan. As such, elected government representatives are excluded from eligibility for election to the Board. Acknowledging their role as key stakeholders, the Committee will engage with elected officials through a range of forums.
5.2 The Committee’s approach to membership is to minimise exposure to risks that will impact adversely on its role to advocate for the Hunter region, as well as its long-term financial health. Within this context, the Committee will not accept members where there is a likelihood of unethical activity, significant and lasting reputational damage, or negative material long-term financial impacts.
6. Other
5.1 This policy should be read in conjunction with the Committee for the Hunter’s constitution.
APPROVED BY: Interim Board DATE: 30 September 2019
UPDATE:
Gold membership changed from $30,000 +GST to $15,000 +GST following Board approval on 31 August 2020.
Inserted 2.2 referring to the ability for the Board to approve contra-membership arrangements with Board approval on 14 December 2020.