Code of Conduct and Rules

Code of Conduct

Welcome to Sabby Gallery! It is a requirement of entry that you read everything here before interacting, so please take the time to do so.

This Code of Conduct is open to adjustment by a quorum of members.

Preamble

This Discord is a space for discussing projects, exhibitions, and topics related to Sabby Co-op games, arts, and activism.

The Sabby’s Space / space of Sabby is defined as:

The greater building that Sabby exists in and not just our tenancy.

Community Expectations

This space is for people interested in creating, collaborating, and showing their work. It's for connecting with people to learn from, create with, and build up. A community working together for better things.

This space should be a safer place for everybody regardless of membership status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size/shape, indigence, race, age, or religion.

These expectations extend to the physical space of Sabby but are not exclusive to it. Infractions of these guidelines even outside of Sabby’s physical and digital spaces may be still treated as infractions of our community guidelines and subject to the same consequences.

Members are responsible for the behavior of non-members that they allowed into the space during non-staffed times. Infractions against non-members you have allowed or enabled will be held against yourself and them.

Staffed Hours are defined as:

The duration of public events with one or more Volunteers assigned to hosting. For example, co-working from 12pm - 7pm would be considered staffed hours.
A volunteer being present at all does not count as staffed hours. Volunteers are welcome to use the space without the assumed responsibilities of being a host beyond normal expectations of using the space.

🟢 As a member of this community, you are encouraged to:

🟡 Infractions within this category will lead to a formal warning and possibly further consequences.

🔴 Infractions within this category will lead to immediate expulsion.

Processes

If you are called out on something that was found offensive:

Failing to follow the community guidelines carries consequences.
For minor infractions, you may be temporarily suspended from Sabby’s digital and physical spaces. For repeat, serious offences, you will be expelled from the Sabby Co-op and lose membership.

Expulsion is defined as:

Permanent removal from digital and physical spaces, as well as losing membership and no longer acting as part of the Sabby cooperative.

Expulsion Protocol:

Potential expulsions will be raised during an open meeting or public discussion amongst members. If 70% of those in attendance are in agreement that there is sufficient evidence of the infraction then the offender will be expelled.
A volunteer will then reach out to the offending individual(s) and inform you of the infraction(s) committed. The expulsion will be enacted immediately and those involved will be banned from all Sabby related activities and spaces.

Once expelled, the only exception to any involvement with Sabby will be an allowance to make an appeal to the expulsion at the next open meeting after the relevant parties have been informed of the expulsion. An appeal may only be made once. After this if appeal is denied, all interactions with Sabby including open meetings are banned as defined by expulsion.

Rules

Part 1 Preliminary

1 Application of these rules

These rules are the rules of the Sabby Co-op Ltd*.*

2 Definitions

  1. In these rules:

ballot paper means a ballot paper in paper or electronic form.

basic minimum financial statements means the financial statement required of a small co-operative under the National Regulations.

board means the board of the co-operative.

CNL is a reference to the Co-operatives National Law as applying in this jurisdiction.

director means a director of the co-operative.

member means a member of the co-operative.

member director and non-member director—see section 174 of the Law and rule 37.

presentindicates presence either in person or online.

standard postal times means the times when properly addressed and prepaid letters would be delivered in the ordinary course of post.

the co-operative means Sabby Co-op Ltd.

the Law means the Co-operatives National Law as applying in this jurisdiction.

the National Regulations means the Co-operatives National Regulations as applying in this jurisdiction.

  1. Except so far as the contrary intention appears in these rules, words and expressions used in these rules have the same meanings as they have, from time to time, in the Law or relevant provisions of the Law.

3 Name of the co-operative (CNL ss220–222 & 224)

The name of the co-operative is Sabby Co-op Ltd*.*

Part 2 Membership

Division 1 Membership generally

4 Active membership provisions (CNL ss112(2), 144, 148 & 156–166)
  1. Primary activity

For the purposes of Part 2.6 of the Law, the primary activity of the co-operative is serving local Melbourne creatives and activists as a community centre, which is to be done by offering equipment and facility hire as well as operating as a space for coworking, community organizing, instructional and social events.

  1. Active membership requirements

As a non-distributing co-operative, active payment of membership fees to Sabby Co-op Ltd is enough to constitute active membership, as all payments are put towards the primary activity of operating as a community centre.

5 Qualifications for membership (CNL s112)

A person qualifies for membership of the co-operative if the person is able to use or contribute to the services of the co-operative and is not actively engaged in activities that work against the co-operative’s goals or values.

6 Entry fees and regular subscriptions (CNL s124)
  1. There is no entry fee for application for membership.
  2. The regular subscription (also known as a periodic membership fee) is divided into three options:
  3. Standard subscription is $45.00 monthly.
  4. Guardian subscription is $90.00 monthly.
  5. Concession subscription is $22.50 monthly.
7 Membership applications
  1. Applications for membership must be lodged at the registered office in the application form approved by the board, and should be accompanied by payment of any applicable entry fee or subscription set under rule 6.
  2. Every application must be considered by the board unless said application constitutes a resubmission of an application refused within the last 12 months.
  3. If the board approves the application, the applicant’s name and any other information required under the Law must be entered in the register of members within 28 days of the board’s approval.
  4. The applicant must be notified in writing of the entry in the register and the applicant is then entitled to the privileges attached to membership.
  5. The board may, at its discretion, refuse an application for membership.
  6. The board need not assign reasons for the refusal. On refusal any amounts accompanying the application for membership must be refunded within 28 days without interest.
8 Cessation of membership (CNL s117)
  1. A person ceases to be a member in either of the following circumstances:
  2. if the membership ceases in any circumstances specified in section 117 of the Law;
  3. if the member no longer qualifies for membership under rule 5.
9 Expulsion of members (CNL s117)
  1. A member may be expelled from the co-operative by special resolution to the effect:
  2. that the member has seriously or repetitively failed to discharge the member’s obligations to the co-operative under these rules or a contract entered into with the co-operative under section 125 of the Law; or
  3. that the member has acted in a way that has:
  4. prevented or hindered the co-operative in carrying out and of the goals stated as the co-operative’s primary activity; or
  5. brought the co-operative into disrepute; or
  6. been contrary to one or more of the co-operative principles as described in section 10 of the Law and has caused the co-operative harm.
  7. Written notice of the proposed special resolution must be given to the member at least 28 days before the date of the meeting at which the special resolution is to be moved, and the member must be given a reasonable opportunity of being heard at the meeting.
  8. At the general meeting when the special resolution for expulsion is proposed the following procedures apply:
  9. at the meeting, the member must be afforded a full opportunity to be heard and is entitled to call witnesses and cross-examine witnesses called against the member;
  10. if the member fails to attend at the time and place mentioned, without reasonable excuse, the member’s alleged conduct must be considered and the co-operative may decide on the evidence before it, despite the absence of the member;
  11. once the alleged conduct is considered, the co-operative may decide to expel the member concerned;
  12. the co-operative must not make a decision on the alleged conduct or on expulsion, except by vote by secret ballot of the members present, in person or represented by proxy or by attorney, and entitled to vote;
  13. a motion for the decision is not taken to be passed unless two-thirds of the members present, in person or represented by proxy or by attorney, vote in favour of the motion.
  14. An expelled member must not be re-admitted as a member unless the re-admission is approved by special resolution.
10 Resignation of members (CNL s117)

A member may resign from a co-operative by giving thirty (30) days notice in writing in the form approved by the board.

11 Monetary consequences of expulsion or resignation (CNL s128)
  1. If a member is expelled or resigns from the co-operative, all amounts owing by the former member to the co-operative become immediately payable in full.
  2. Subject to section 128 of the Law, payment to the expelled or resigning member of any amount owing by the co-operative to the former member:
  3. must be made at the time decided by the board but within one year from the date of expulsion or resignation; or
  4. may be applied at the time decided by the board, but within one year from the date of expulsion or resignation, in the manner set out in section 128 of the Law, if there is agreement by the board and former member or if the board considers that repayment would adversely affect the financial position of the co-operative.
12 Suspension of members
  1. The co-operative may suspend a member for not more than one year, who does any of the following:
  2. contravenes any of these rules;
  3. fails to discharge obligations to the co-operative, whether under these rules or a contract;
  4. acts detrimentally to the interests of the co-operative.
  5. In order to suspend a member, the procedure for expulsion of a member set out in rule 9 is to be followed as if references to expulsion were references to suspension.
  6. During the period of suspension, the member:
  7. loses any rights (except the right to vote) arising as a result of membership; and
  8. is not entitled to a refund, rebate, relief or credit for membership fees paid, or payable, to the co-operative; and
  9. remains liable for any fine that may be imposed.

Division 2 Dispute resolution

13 Disputes and mediation (CNL s129)
  1. The grievance procedure set out in this rule applies to disputes under these rules between:
  2. a member and another member; or
  3. a member (including a former member) and the co-operative.
  4. If a dispute arises, a party cannot commence any court or arbitration proceedings relating to the dispute unless it has complied with the provisions of this rule, except where a person seeks urgent interlocutory relief.
  5. The parties to the dispute must meet and discuss the matter in dispute, and, if possible, resolve the dispute within 14 days of:
  6. the dispute coming to the attention of each party; or
  7. a party giving notice, to each of the other parties involved, of the dispute or grievance.
  8. If the parties are unable to resolve the dispute at the meeting, or if a party fails to attend that meeting, the parties must, as soon as is practicable, hold a meeting in the presence of a mediator.
  9. The mediator is, where possible, to be a person chosen by agreement between the parties, but in the absence of agreement between the parties:
  10. for a dispute between a member and another member, a person appointed by the board; or
  11. for a dispute between a member (including a former member) and the co-operative, a person appointed by a mediation service accredited by the Australian Mediation Association.
  12. The mediator may (but need not) be a member of the co-operative, unless the member is a party to the dispute.
  13. The parties to the dispute must, in good faith, attempt to settle the dispute by mediation.
  14. The mediator, in conducting the mediation, must:
  15. give the parties to the mediation process every opportunity to be heard; and
  16. allow due consideration by all parties of any written statement submitted by any party; and
  17. ensure that natural justice is accorded to the parties to the dispute throughout the mediation process.
  18. The mediator cannot determine the dispute.
  19. The mediation must be confidential and without prejudice.
  20. The costs of the mediation are to be shared equally between the parties unless otherwise agreed.
  21. Nothing in this rule applies to any dispute as to the construction or effect of any mortgage or contract contained in any document other than these rules.
  22. Nothing in this rule applies to any dispute involving the expulsion or suspension of a member or the imposition of a fine.
  23. If the mediation process does not result in the dispute being resolved, each party may seek to resolve the dispute in accordance with the Law or otherwise at law.

Division 3 Members’ liability

14 Fines payable by members (CNL ss56 & 126)
  1. The board may impose on a member a maximum fine of $500 for a contravention of these rules.
  2. A fine must not be imposed on a member under subrule (1) unless:
  3. written notice of intention to impose the fine and the reason for it has been given to the member; and
  4. the member has been given a reasonable opportunity to appear before the board in person (with or without witnesses), or to send to the board a written statement, to show cause why the fine should not be imposed.

(3) Fines are considered additional to any damages that must be repaid separately to fines imposed for contravention of these rules.

15 Liability of members to co-operatives (CNL ss117(2) & 121)
  1. A member is liable to the co-operative for the amount, if any, unpaid by the member in respect of entry fees and regular subscriptions, together with any charges, payable by the member to the co-operative under these rules.

Division 4 Member cancellations

16 Forfeiture and cancellations—inactive members (CNL ss156–163)
  1. The board must declare the membership of a member cancelled if:
  2. the whereabouts of the member are not presently known to the co-operative and have not been known to the co-operative for a continuous period of at least three (3) years; or
  3. the member is not presently active and has not been active within the meaning of rule 4 in the past three (3) years.

Division 5 Deceased or incapacitated members

17 Value of interest of deceased member (CNL ss102–105)

The value of the interest of a deceased member is the amount that would have been payable to the member if the member had resigned and includes any prepayments of regular subscriptions or other fees less any amounts owing to the co-operative by the member.

18 Rights and liabilities of members under bankruptcy or mental incapacity
  1. If a person’s membership ceases because of bankruptcy, the value of the person’s membership interest calculated in accordance with rule 17 may be transferred to the Official Trustee in Bankruptcy.
  2. A person appointed under a law of a State or Territory to administer the estate of a member who, through mental or physical infirmity, is incapable of managing their affairs, may be registered as the holder of the member’s interest in the co-operative and the rights and liabilities of membership vest in that person during the period of the appointment.
  3. Upon application by a person appointed to manage the affairs of a member referred to in subrule (2), the board may decide to suspend some or all active membership obligations if there are grounds to believe that the member’s physical or mental infirmity is temporary.

Division 6 Transfer of securities other than shares

19 Transfer and transmission of debentures
  1. On the written request of the transferor (the giver) of a debenture, the co-operative must enter in the appropriate register the name of the transferee (the receiver) in the same way and on the same conditions as if the application for entry were made by the transferee.
  2. If the co-operative refuses to register a transfer of debentures, it must, within 28 days after the date on which the transfer was lodged with it, send to the transferee notice of the refusal.
  3. An instrument of transfer of a debenture must be executed by or on behalf of the transferor and the transferee. The transferor is taken to remain the holder of the debenture until the debenture in the name of the transferee is entered in the register of debentures.
  4. The board may decline to recognise an instrument of debenture and may decline to register a debenture unless:
  5. a fee of $100 (or a lesser amount decided by the board) is paid to the co-operative for the transfer of registration; and
  6. the instrument of transfer is accompanied by the relevant debenture(s) and any other evidence the board reasonably requires (in particular, evidence showing the right of the transferor to make the transfer); and
  7. any government stamp duty payable is paid.
  8. Debentures must be transferred in the following form or in a form approved by the board:

I, A.B. (the transferor) of _________________________________ in the State/Territory of

___________________________ in consideration of the sum of $ _______ paid

to me by C.D (the transferee), of ______________________________ in the State of

___________________________ transfer to the transferee the debenture(s)

numbered ___________________________ to be held by the transferee, the transferee’s executors, administrators and assigns, subject to any conditions on which I hold the debenture(s) and any other conditions being terms of the transfer of the debenture(s).

And I, the transferee, agree to take the debenture(s) subject to the conditions mentioned.

Dated this ___________________________ day of _______________ 20 _______

Signed by _____________________ transferor. In the presence of ________________witness.

Signed by _____________________ transferor. In the presence of ________________witness.

20 Issue of CCUs (CNL ss345–354)
  1. The board may confer an interest in the capital of the co-operative by issuing CCUs in accordance with the Law.
  2. Each holder of CCUs is entitled to one vote only at a meeting of the holders of CCUs.
  3. The rights of the holders of CCUs may be varied only in the way and to the extent provided by their terms of issue and only with the consent of at least 75% of those holders of CCUs who, being entitled to do so, cast a formal vote to accept the variation at a meeting.
  4. The holder of a CCU has, in the person’s capacity as a holder of a CCU, none of the rights or entitlements of a member of the co-operative.
  5. The holder of a CCU is entitled to receive notice of all relevant meetings of the co-operative and all other documents in the same manner as the holder of a debenture of the co-operative.
21 Transfer and transmission of CCUs
  1. Subject to subrule (2), the transfer and transmission of a CCU is to follow the same process as for a debenture under rule 19.
  2. If the terms of issue of a CCU differ from rule 19 in respect of the manner of transfer or transmission, the terms of its issue prevail.

Part 3 General meetings, resolutions and voting

22 Annual general meeting (CNL s252)

An annual general meeting must be held each year, at a place and on a date and a time decided by the board, within 5 months after the close of the financial year of the co-operative or within the further time allowed by the Registrar.

23 Members’ power to requisition a general meeting (CNL s257)

  1. The board may, whenever it considers appropriate, call a special general meeting of the co-operative.
  2. The board must call a general meeting of the co-operative on the requisition in writing by members who together are able to cast at least 20% of the total number of votes able to be cast at a meeting of the co-operative.
  3. The provisions of section 257 of the Law apply to a meeting requisitioned by members.

24 Notice of general meetings (CNL ss239, 254 & 611)

  1. At least 14 days’ notice of a general meeting (not including the day on which the notice is served or taken to be served, but including the day for which notice is given) must be given.
  2. Notice must be given to each member of the co-operative and any other persons who are, under these rules or the Law, entitled to receive notices from the co-operative.
  3. The notice must state the place, day and hour of the meeting and include ordinary business as specified in rule 25 and, for special business, the general nature of any special business.
  4. The notice must also include any business members have notified their intention to move at the meeting under subrule (6) (but only if the members’ notification has been made under these rules and within time).
  5. The notice must be served in the manner provided in the Law or rule 54.
  6. Members who together are able to cast at least 20%of the total number of votes that are able to be cast at a meeting of the co-operative and who have a resolution to submit to a general meeting must give written notice of it to the co-operative at least 45 days before the day of the meeting.

25 Business of general meetings

  1. The ordinary business of the annual general meeting of a large co-operative must be:
  2. to confirm minutes of the last preceding general meeting (whether annual or special); and
  3. to receive from the board, auditors or officers of the co-operative:
  4. the financial reports of the co-operative for the financial year;
  5. a report on the state of affairs of the co-operative.
  6. The ordinary business of the annual general meeting of a small co-operative must be:
  7. to confirm minutes of the last preceding general meeting (whether annual or special); and
  8. to receive from the board, auditors or officers of the co-operative:
  9. the basic minimum financial statements for the co-operative for the financial year;
  10. a report on the state of affairs of the co-operative;
  11. a directors’ solvency resolution as to whether or not, in their opinion, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the co-operative will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable.
  12. The annual general meeting may also transact special business of which notice has been given to members under these rules.
  13. All business of a general meeting, other than business of the annual general meeting that is ordinary business, is special business.

26 Quorum at general meetings

  1. An item of business cannot be transacted at a general meeting unless a quorum of members is present when the meeting is considering the item.
  2. Unless these rules state otherwise, 20% of members present, each being entitled to exercise a vote, constitute a quorum.
  3. If a quorum is not present within half an hour after the appointed time for a meeting, the meeting, if called on the requisition of members, must be dissolved. In any other case it must be adjourned to the same day, time and place in the next week.
  4. If a quorum is not present within half an hour after the time appointed for an adjourned meeting, the members present constitute a quorum.

27 Chairperson at general meetings

  1. The chairperson, if any, of the board may preside as chairperson at every general meeting of the co-operative.
  2. If there is no chairperson, or if at a meeting the chairperson is either not present within 15 minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting or is unwilling to act as chairperson, the members present must choose someone from their number to be chairperson (until the chairperson attends and is willing to act).
  3. The chairperson may, with the consent of a meeting at which a quorum is present (and must if directed by the meeting) adjourn the meeting from time to time and from place to place. However, the only business that can be transacted at an adjourned meeting is the business left unfinished at the meeting from which the adjournment took place. When a meeting is adjourned for 14 days or more, notice of the adjourned meeting must be given just as for the original meeting. Apart from this it is not necessary to give notice of an adjournment or the business to be transacted at an adjourned meeting.

28 Attendance and voting at general meetings (CNL ss228 & 256)

  1. The right to vote is attached to membership.
  2. A resolution, other than a special resolution, must be decided by simple majority.
  3. Subject to subrules (7) and (8), a question for decision at any general meeting must be decided on a show of hands of members present at the meeting.
  4. A poll may be demanded on any question for decision.
  5. If before a vote is taken or before or immediately after the declaration of the result on a show of hands:
  6. the chairperson directs that the question is to be determined by a poll; or
  7. at least 5 members present or represented by proxy demand a poll;
  8. The question for decision must be determined by a poll.
  9. The poll must be taken when and in the manner that the chairperson directs.
  10. A poll on the election of a chairperson or on the question of adjournment must be taken immediately and without debate.
  11. Once the votes on a show of hands or on a poll have been counted then, subject to subrule (8), a declaration by the chairperson that a resolution has been carried (unanimously or by a particular majority) or lost is evidence of that fact.
  12. The result of the vote must be entered in the minute book.

29 Voting on a show of hands (CNL ss234 & 256)

  1. On a show of hands at a general meeting, each member:
  2. present; or
  3. represented by a non-member acting under a power of attorney; or
  4. represented by a non-member appointed under the provisions of the Law; or
  5. represented by a proxy (but only if proxies are allowed under these rules);

may exercise only one vote.

30 Voting on a poll

  1. On a poll called at a general meeting, each member:
  2. present; or
  3. represented by a person acting under a power of attorney; or
  4. represented by a person appointed under the provisions of the Law; or
  5. represented by a proxy (but only if proxies are allowed under these rules);

has one vote.

31 Determining the outcome where equality of votes (s228)

  1. This rule applies where the votes in favour and against a resolution are equal.
  2. If the chairperson of the meeting is a member of the co-operative, he or she may exercise a second or casting vote.
  3. If the chairperson is not a member of the co-operative or decides not to exercise a second or casting vote, the outcome of an equality of votes is taken to have been decided in the negative.

32 Proxy votes (s229)

If the co-operative wishes to permit proxy voting, the following rule is suitable:

  1. Voting may be by proxy at a general meeting.
  2. The instrument appointing a proxy must be in writing signed by the appointer or the appointer’s attorney properly authorised in writing.
  3. An instrument appointing a proxy may direct the way the proxy is to vote in relation to a particular resolution and, if an instrument of proxy directs, the proxy is not entitled to vote on the resolution other than as directed in the instrument.
  4. A person may not be appointed as a proxy by more than one member.
  5. An instrument appointing a proxy may be in the following form, or another form the board approves:

__________________________________ (name of co-operative)

I/We ___________________________ (name) of ___________________________ (address)

being a member(s) of the co-operative appoint ___________________________ (name) of ___________________________ (address)

as my/our proxy or, in that person’s absence, the chairperson of the meeting or a person nominated by the chairperson as my/our proxy, to vote for me/us and on my/our behalf at the annual general/special general meeting of the co-operative, to be held on the _______________________ day of _________________________ 20 _____ and at any adjournment of the meeting.

Signed this __________________________ day of __________________________ 20_____

  1. An instrument appointing a proxy is not valid until the instrument, and the power of attorney or other authority (if any) under which the instrument is signed or a notarially certified copy of the power or authority, are deposited, at least 48 hours before the time for holding the meeting or adjourned meeting at which the person named in the instrument proposes to vote, at the registered office of the co-operative or at another place specified for the purpose in the notice calling the meeting.
  2. A vote given in accordance with an instrument of proxy or a power of attorney is valid despite the previous death or unsoundness of mind of the principal, the revocation of the instrument (or of the authority under which the instrument was executed) or the power, if no intimation in writing of the death, unsoundness of mind or revocation has been received by the co-operative at the registered office before the start of the meeting or adjourned meeting at which the instrument is used or the power is exercised.

33 Postal ballots (other than special postal ballots) (CNL ss247 & 250)

  1. A postal ballot must be held in respect of a special resolution where members who together are able to cast at least 20% of the total number of votes able to be cast at a meeting of the co-operative may requisition the board to conduct the special resolution by postal ballot.
  2. If a postal ballot is requisitioned by members under subrule (1), the requisition should specify whether the postal ballot is to be a secret ballot.
  3. A postal ballot requisitioned under subrule (1) is to be conducted in accordance with the National Regulations and in the form and manner determined by the board.
  4. The board may determine in a particular case whether the special resolution by postal ballot should be a secret ballot and whether votes may be returnable by fax or other electronic means or both.
  5. If the board decides to conduct a secret postal ballot, it must ensure that the method used to conduct the ballot will ensure that votes can be counted without identifying the way each member has voted.
  6. The board is to appoint a returning officer to conduct the postal ballot. In default of such an appointment, the secretary is the returning officer.
  7. Ballot papers (in such form and with such content as the board may approve) must be sent to all voting members giving:
  8. particulars of the business in relation to which the postal ballot is being conducted; and
  9. an explanation of how to lodge a valid vote and the majority required to pass the vote; and
  10. notice of the closing date and closing time of the postal ballot; and must be sent to members so that they arrive (assuming standard postal times) at least 21 days before the closing date of the postal ballot.
  11. This rule does not apply in relation to special postal ballots.

34 Special postal ballots (CNL ss248 & 249)

  1. This rule applies where a special postal ballot is required.
  2. Ballot papers (in such form and with such content as the board may approve) must be sent to all voting members so that they arrive (assuming standard postal times) at least 28 days before the closing date of the special postal ballot.
  3. The board may determine in a particular case whether the special resolution by postal ballot should be a secret ballot and whether votes may be returnable by fax or other electronic means or both.
  4. If the board decides to conduct a secret postal ballot, it must ensure that the method used to conduct the ballot will ensure that votes can be counted without identifying the way each member has voted.

35 Special resolutions (CNL ss238–241)

  1. A special resolution is a resolution that is passed:
  2. by a two-thirds majority at a general meeting; or
  3. by a two-thirds majority in a postal ballot (other than a special postal ballot) of members; or
  4. by a three-quarters majority in a special postal ballot of members.
  5. A notice of special resolution is required to be given to members at least 21 days before the vote or ballot time (or 28 days notice in the case of a special postal ballot).
  6. The notice of special resolution must state:
  7. the intention to propose the special resolution; and
  8. the reasons for proposing the special resolution; and
  9. the effect of the special resolution being passed.

Part 4 Board of directors

36 Board (CNL s172)

  1. The business of the co-operative is to be managed by or under the direction of the board of directors, and for that purpose the board has and may exercise all the powers of the co-operative that are not required to be exercised by the co-operative in general meeting.
  2. Apart from the first directors, and prior to the first AGM, the board must have ten (10) directors, representing each of the following key areas according to member discretion:

Volunteers
Members
Co-workers (i.e. those using Sabby as a place for work)
Events
Public engagement
Organisation & Activism

37 Qualifications of directors (CNL s174)

  1. A person is not qualified to be a director of the co-operative unless the person is an individual over the age of 18 years and is either:
  2. an active member of the co-operative or a representative of a corporation that is an active member of the co-operative; or
  3. not an active member but who possesses special skills in management or other technical areas of benefit to the co-operative as specified by the board from time to time.
  4. A person qualified to be a director under subrule (1)(a) is known as a “member director”. A person qualified under subrule (1)(b) is known as a “non-member director”.
  5. The board of directors must have a majority of member directors.

38 Chief executive officer (CNL ss172 & 178)

  1. The board may, if it considers appropriate, appoint a person to be responsible for the day to day management of the co-operative. The person may be a director or the secretary or a member of the co-operative or some other person.
  2. The appointed person is the chief executive officer of the co-operative, and may be called the chief executive officer or (if a director of the board) the managing director.
  3. The conditions and the period of appointment including termination must be decided by the board.
  4. The chief executive officer is not entitled to be present or to vote at a meeting of directors on a motion concerning the conditions of his or her own appointment, conditions of service or termination of service.
  5. The chief executive officer cannot be required to be an active member of the co-operative.
  6. In the event of any conflict between the terms of the appointment of a person as the chief executive officer and that person’s obligations or privileges under the Law, the terms of the Law prevail over the terms of appointment.

39 First directors and election of directors (CNL ss173 & 179)

  1. The first directors are elected by poll at the formation meeting of the co-operative (except as provided by section 173(2)(b) of the Law).
  2. The term of office of the first directors is to be not more than 3 years ending on the day of the third annual general meeting after the formation meeting.
  3. The term of office of directors elected thereafter, is to commence from the annual general meeting at which they are elected and ends on the day of the third annual general meeting thereafter.
  4. The members of the board are to be elected in the manner specified in this rule.
  5. At an annual general meeting at which a director retires, the vacated office may be filled in the following manner:
  6. At least 6 weeks before an annual general meeting, the board must:
  7. notify all members of the number of directors retiring at the annual general meeting; and
  8. advise the members of:
  9. their eligibility to nominate as a director; and
  10. the duties and responsibilities of a director; and
  11. the anticipated remuneration (if any); and
  12. the nomination and election procedures.
  13. A notice must also be displayed at the place of business of the co-operative inviting nominations of nominees to serve as directors.
  14. A nomination must:
  15. be signed by 2 or more members; and
  16. provide details of the qualifications and experience of the person nominated; and
  17. be accompanied by a notice in writing signed by the nominee consenting to their nomination.
  18. The nomination and the notice of consent must be lodged with the secretary of the co-operative at least 30 days before the annual general meeting.
  19. The secretary, or an officer nominated by the board, must give details of each person who has been nominated to members with the notice of the annual general meeting. Details to be provided to members must include:
  20. the nominee’s name; and
  21. the nominee’s qualifications and experience; and
  22. the nominee’s length of any previous service as a director of the co-operative or with any other co-operative.
  23. If the number of nominees equals the number of vacancies, the nominees must be declared elected at the annual general meeting.
  24. If there are insufficient nominees to fill all vacancies, the nominees to be declared elected at the annual general meeting and nominations for people to fill the remaining vacancies are to be called from the floor and a ballot held if required.
  25. If the number of nominees exceeds the number of vacancies, the election of directors must be conducted at the meeting by ballot as follows:
  26. A returning officer is elected at the meeting. The directors, the secretary and anyone who has an interest in the election are not eligible to be the returning officer.
  27. All nominees are to be listed on the ballot form in alphabetical order.
  28. The returning officer is responsible for determining the validity of and counting of the votes.
  29. If there is an equality of votes, the outcome must be determined by lot.
  30. The returning officer is to declare the election results.
  31. If any vacancies remain at the end of the meeting, the vacancies are to be casual vacancies and must be filled in accordance with rule 42.

40 Removal from office of director (CNL s180)

The co-operative may by resolution under section 180 of the Law, with special notice as required by that section, remove a director before the end of the director’s period of office, and may by a simple majority appoint another person in place of the removed director. The person appointed must retire when the removed director would otherwise have retired.

41 Vacation of office of director (CNL s179)

In addition to the circumstances set out in the Law, a director vacates office if the director dies.

42 Casual vacancies and alternate directors (CNL ss173 & 177)

  1. The board may appoint a qualified person to fill a casual vacancy in the office of director until the next annual general meeting.
  2. The board may appoint a person to act as a director (an alternate director) in the place of an absent director.
  3. A person is not qualified to be appointed as an alternate director for:
  4. a member director—unless the person is qualified for appointment as a member director; or
  5. a non-member director—unless the person is qualified for appointment as a non-member director.
  6. An alternate director holds office until the next annual general meeting or until the next general meeting held to elect directors to fill any vacancies (whichever is earlier).
  7. An alternate director for a director (the principal director) vacates office:
  8. in similar circumstances or cases to those in which the principal director would vacate office (and for that purpose the provisions of these rules and Division 1 of Part 3.1 of the Law accordingly apply in relation to the alternate director); or
  9. if the alternate director is removed from office by the board as alternate director for failure, without its leave, to attend a meeting of the board at which the principal director is absent (and for that purpose the provisions of section 179(2)(b) of the Law do not apply in relation to the alternate director).

43 Remuneration of directors (CNL s203)

Directors’ remuneration must comply with the provisions of the Law. As of formation of the co-op, directors are not remunerated, subject to special resolution by membership base.

44 Proceedings of the board (CNL ss175 & 176)

  1. Meetings of the board (including meetings conducted outside board meetings pursuant to section 176 of the Law) are to be held as often as may be necessary for properly conducting the business of the co-operative and must be held at least every 3 months.
  2. A meeting may be held with one or more of the directors participating by using a form of communication that allows reasonably contemporaneous and continuous communication between the directors taking part in the meeting.
  3. Questions arising at a meeting must be decided by a majority of votes.
  4. If votes are equal, the chairperson, if a member director, has a second or casting vote.
  5. Other than in special circumstances decided by the chairperson, at least 48 hours notice must be given to the directors of all meetings of the board, without which the meeting cannot be held.

45 Quorum for board meetings (CNL s175)

  1. The quorum for a meeting of the board is 50% of the number of directors (or if that percentage of the number of directors is not a whole number, the whole number next higher than one half).
  2. For a quorum, the number of member directors must outnumber the non-member directors by at least one.

46 Chairperson of board

  1. The chairperson of the board is to be elected by the board.
  2. If no chairperson is elected or the chairperson is not present within 15 minutes after the time fixed for holding the meeting or is unwilling to act as chairperson of the meeting, the directors present may choose one of their number to be chairperson of the meeting until the chairperson attends and is willing to act as chairperson.
  3. The chairperson may be removed, and a new chairperson elected, by:
  4. ordinary resolution of the board, unless paragraph (b) applies; or
  5. ordinary resolution at a general meeting, if these rules provide that the chairperson is elected at a general meeting of the co-operative.

47 Delegation and board committees (CNL s178)

  1. The board may by resolution delegate to:
  2. a director; or
  3. a committee of 2 or more directors; or
  4. a committee of members of the co-operative; or
  5. a committee of members of the co-operative and other persons if members form the majority of persons on the committee; or
  6. a committee of directors and other persons;
  7. the exercise of the board’s powers (other than this power of delegation) specified in the resolution. The co-operative or the board may by resolution revoke all or part of the delegation.
  8. A power delegated under this rule may, while the delegation remains unrevoked, be exercised from time to time in accordance with the delegation.
  9. A delegation under this rule may be given on conditions limiting the exercise of the power delegated, or time or circumstances.
  10. Despite any delegation under this rule, the board may continue to exercise the power delegated.
  11. If a power is exercised by a director (alone or with another director) and the exercise of the power is evidenced in writing, signed by the director in the name of the board or in his or her own name on behalf of the board, the power is taken to have been exercised by the board. This is so whether or not a resolution delegating the exercise of the power to the director was in force when the power was exercised, and whether or not any conditions mentioned in subrule (3) were observed by the director exercising the powers.
  12. A committee may elect a chairperson of their meetings. If no chairperson is elected, or, if at a meeting the chairperson is not present within 15 minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting, the members present may choose one of their number to be chairperson of the meeting.
  13. A committee may meet and adjourn as it thinks appropriate. Questions arising at a meeting must be decided by a majority of votes of the members present and voting and if the votes are equal, the chairperson has a second or casting vote.

48 Other committees

  1. The board may by resolution appoint committees of members or other persons or both, to act in an advisory role to the board and to committees of directors.
  2. Rule 47 (6) and (7) apply to committees appointed under this rule, with the changes approved by the board.
  3. The quorum for a meeting of the committee is half the number of committee members (or, if half is not a whole number, the whole number next higher than one half).

49 Minutes

  1. The board must keep minutes of meetings and, in particular, of:
  2. all appointments of officers and employees made by the directors; and
  3. the names of the directors present at each meeting of the board and of a committee of the board; and
  4. all resolutions and proceedings at all meetings of the co-operative and of directors and of committees of directors.
  5. Minutes must be entered in the appropriate records within 28 days of the meeting to which they relate was held.
  6. The minutes are to be signed within a reasonable time after the meeting to which they relate by either the chairperson of that meeting or the chairperson of the next meeting.

Part 5 Rules

50 Amendments and copies of rules (CNL ss57 & 60–63)

  1. Any amendment of the rules must be approved by special resolution. However, if model rules are adopted in the manner specified under section 65(a) of the Law, any amendments to the model rules as notified by the Registrar are included in the co-operative’s rules without the need for a special resolution.
  2. A proposal to amend the rules of the co-operative must be made in a form approved by the board which clearly shows the existing rule or rules concerned and any proposed amendment to the rules.
  3. A member is entitled to a copy of the rules upon request.

Part 6 Administrative matters

51 Seal (CNL ss49 & 223)

  1. This rule applies if the co-operative chooses to authenticate a document under the common seal of the co-operative.
  2. The co-operative’s name and registration number must appear on its common seal and any official seal. The common seal must be kept at the registered office in the custody that the board directs.
  3. The co-operative may have one or more official seals for use outside the State or Territory in place of its common seal. Each of the additional seals must be a facsimile of the common seal with the addition on its face of the name of the place where it is to be used.
  4. The seal of the co-operative must not be affixed to an instrument other than under a resolution of the board. Two directors, or one director and the secretary, must be present and must sign all instruments sealed while they are present.

52 Inspection of records and registers (CNL ss214 & 215)

  1. Members of the co-operative have free access to the records and registers referred to in section 214 (1) of the Law and they may make a copy of any entry in the registers free of charge.
  2. Members do not have access to the minutes of board or committee meetings, but may request access to any such minutes in writing addressed to the board.

53 Safe keeping of securities

Shares, debentures, charges and any other certificates or documents or duplicates of them pertaining to securities must be safely kept by the co-operative in the way and with the provision for their security as the board directs.

54 Notices to members (CNL s611)

  1. This rule applies in addition to section 611 of the Law regarding how a notice or other document may be given to a member of the co-operative.
  2. A notice or other document required to be given to a member of the co-operative may be given by the co-operative to any member by any form of technology (for example, by fax or email), where the member has given consent and notified the co-operative of the relevant contact details.
  3. If a notice is sent by post, service is taken to be effected at the time at which the properly addressed and prepaid letter would be delivered in the ordinary course of post. In proving service by post, it is sufficient to prove that the envelope containing the notice was properly addressed and posted.
  4. A notice forwarded by some other form of technology is taken to have been served, unless the sender is notified of a malfunction in transmission, on the day of transmission if transmitted during a business day, otherwise on the next following business day.

A notice may be given by the co-operative to the person entitled to a share in consequence of the death, incapacity or bankruptcy of a member by sending it through the post in a prepaid letter addressed to that person by name. Alternatively, it can be addressed to the person by the title of representative of the deceased or incapacitated person, or trustee of the bankrupt, or by any like description, and:

  1. the address should be that supplied for the purpose by the person claiming to be entitled; or
  2. if no such address has been supplied, the notice can be given in the manner in which it could have been given if the death, incapacity or bankruptcy had not occurred.

Part 7 Accounting and financial matters

55 Financial year

The financial year of the co-operative ends on June 30th*.*

56 Accounts

  1. The board must have at least one financial institution account, electronic or otherwise, in the name of the co-operative, into which all amounts received by the co-operative must be paid as soon as possible after receipt.
  2. All cheques drawn on the accounts, and all drafts, bills of exchange, promissory notes and other negotiable instruments, of the co-operative must be signed by 2 authorised persons.
  3. The operation of any electronic accounts must be restricted so that there is a requirement for authorisation by 2 authorised persons.
  4. For the purposes of this rule, an authorised person is:
  5. a director; or
  6. a person approved by the board.

57 Appointing an auditor or reviewer for small co-operative (optional rule) (CNL s298)

  1. The co-operative must appoint an auditor / a reviewer (strike out whichever is not applicable) in respect of its financial statements.
  2. An auditor / a reviewer (strike out whichever is not applicable) appointed under this rule is to conduct an audit / review (strike out whichever is not applicable) of the co-operative’s financial statements as presented to members.
  3. The appointment of an auditor / a reviewer (strike out whichever is not applicable) under this rule is to be made at an annual general meeting.
  4. The co-operative may appoint another auditor / reviewer (strike out whichever is not applicable) at a subsequent annual general meeting if there is a vacancy in the office of the auditor / reviewer (strike out whichever is not applicable).
  5. The provisions of section 300(2) of the Law apply to an auditor / a reviewer (strike out whichever is not applicable) appointed under this rule in the same way (but with any necessary adaptations) as they apply to an auditor appointed for a large co-operative.

58 Appointing an auditor or reviewer for a small co-operative if there is a direction under the Law (CNL ss271 & 272)

  1. If a small co-operative is directed to prepare a financial report under section 271 or 272 of the Law and the direction requires that the financial report be audited or reviewed, the board must appoint an auditor or reviewer (as the case may) within one month of the direction.
  2. An auditor or reviewer appointed under this rule holds office until the financial report prepared as a result of the direction has been audited or reviewed and sent to members.

59 Disposal of surplus funds during a financial year (CNL ss19, 355 & 356)

  1. The board may retain all or part of the surplus arising in any year from the business of the co-operative, to be applied for the benefit of the co-operative.
  2. No part of the surplus may be paid or transferred directly or indirectly, by way of profit, to members of the co-operative.
  3. A part of the surplus, but not more than 33%, arising in any year from the business of the co-operative may be applied for charitable purposes.

60 Provision for loss

The board must make appropriate provision for losses in the co-operative’s accounts and when reporting to members is to indicate whether the loss is expected to continue and whether there is any real prejudice to the co-operative’s solvency.

61 Financial reports to members (CNL Part 3.3)

The co-operative must prepare financial reports and statements in accordance with the Law, the National Regulations and these rules.

Part 8 Winding up

62 Winding up (CNL Part 4.5)

  1. The winding up of the co-operative must be in accordance with Part 4.5 of the Law.
  2. If, on the winding-up or dissolution, there remains after the satisfaction of all its debts and liabilities any property, this must not be paid to or distributed among the members of the co-operative but must be given or transferred as appropriate to:
  1. If the entities specified in subrule (2) do not exist at the time of the winding up or dissolution of the co-operative, any surplus property after the satisfaction of all its debts and liabilities must be given or transferred to an institution or institutions:
  2. with objects similar to those of the co-operative; and
  3. whose constitution prohibits the distribution of its property among its members; and
  4. chosen by the members of the co-operative at or before the dissolution or, in default, by a judge of the court with jurisdiction in the matter.