INTRODUCTION
1. The group is known as Brisbane Water Marine Watch.(BWMW),
and the motto is “Observing, Reporting, Helping”.
BWMW encompasses the water zone from Gosford in the north to Ettalong in
the south. Although BWMW is an independent body, it will operate under the
umbrella of the Marine Neighbourhood Watch.
2. This Charter document serves as the rules under which the
Brisbane Water Marine Watch operates to meet the requirements of an
Incorporated Association. The Charter can only be modified by a three quarter
majority of a Zone Members meeting. If a rule interpretation conflict arises
the “Model Rules” take priority over this charter.
MEMBERSHIP
3. Membership is open to all members of the public who are
willing to accept the charter and be fully subscribed. Normal membership will
confer an entitlement to attend Zone
meetings and functions and to vote in accordance with current
procedures. Normal membership also carries a responsibility to perform work on
behalf of the group. Honorary membership will also be conferred on advisory
personnel and other people who are useful and helpful to the group. Honorary
members do not have voting rights unless they also join the group as normal
members.
AIMS
4. The aim of the BWMW is to minimise theft and vandalism to
members’ boats through a system of observation and reporting to marine
authorities. (BWMW has NO policing
role) Supporting aims are as follows :
- to have all theft
and vandalism to boats reported to Police and BWMW.
- to foster camaraderie among
all water users both on the water & socially.
- encourage all boat
owners in the zone to be active members of the
BWMW.
- to foster safe
boating
BWMW COMMITTEES
5. The Executive Committee consists of the Zone
Commander, Deputy Zone Commander, Secretary, Treasurer, Activities Coordinator,
and Membership Coordinator. A quorum shall consist of at least four members
with at least one being the Zone or Deputy Zone Commander. Attached to the
Executive Committee will be an advisory
body consisting of representatives from the Police, NSW Maritime and the
Coastal Patrol. There may be also other members appointed to the advisory body
at the discretion of the Executive Committee. Members on the advisory body do
not have voting rights on theCommittee unless they are also members of the
executive committee.
a. Maintaining
a register of all financial members,
b. Resolution
of disciplinary matters,
c. Custody
of documents and their availability for member perusal,
d Management
and accounting of funds,
e. Procedures
for calling and running all BWMW meetings
6. The Zone Committee consists of the Executive together with all the Sector Coordinators. A
Zone Committee quorum will consist of an executive quorum and at least 51% of
the Sector Coordinators. This quorum is also a quorum for a Zone meeting.
MEETINGS
7. There will be two regular types of meetings - Zone Committee
and Zone Members. Zone Members meetings for all financial members will be held
every three months - usually on the second Wednesdays of March, June, September and
December. The June meeting is also the AGM and will require the election of a
new committee. Suitable guest speakers will be arranged for each of the Zone
Members meetings. Zone Committee meetings will normally be held on the first
Tuesday of the month preceding the Zone Members Meeting.
8. Less formal meetings or functions at Sector level - within
the umbrella of the Zone Committee, are encouraged to further the aims of BWMW.
All members should contact their local Sector Coordinators at least once per
month to remain informed of the latest Zone and Sector news.
ELECTIONS
9. All Executive Committee members will resign at the Zone
Members meeting in June. All resigning members will be eligible for immediate
re-election. Nominations must be given to the Secretary at least one week
before the June meeting.
FINANCIAL
10. The Executive Committee is empowered to spend up to an average
of $50 per month. The Zone Committee is empowered to spend up to an average of
$200 in one three month period. All expenditure is to be ratified at the next
Zone Members meeting. Four members of the executive are empowered to sign
cheques and at least two must sign for a valid payment. These are the Zone and
Deputy Zone Commanders, Secretary and Treasurer. The Treasurer will provide a
financial statement for each Zone Members meeting.
JOINING FEE,
SUBSCRIPTIONS/FEES & VOTING
11. There will be in initial joining fee of $10 per boat. There
may also be an annual subscription which will be payable annually in November
before the end of the month. Owners of leisure craft having more than one boat
are only required to pay one joining fee and one subscription. Subscriptions
for owners of more than one commercial boat will be decided by the Zone
Committee on a case by case basis. This subscription may vary and will depend on the success of other fund
raising activities, projected expenses for the following year and the wishes of
the members concerning unspent money from the previous year. Subscriptions are
primarily intended to allow the group flexibility in selection of guest
speakers and to be independent in incidental expenses. A Joining Fee and
Subscription payment (if applicable) entitles one person plus their wife /
husband / partner (a total of two persons) to attend meetings and functions and
to vote. Subscriptions are not refundable. Voting eligibility also requires the
member to sign the attendance sheet for the relevant meeting. Members’ financial liability is limited to
any unpaid amount of an annual subscription.
COMMON SEAL
12. `The common seal of BWMW Incorporated will be held in custody
by the nominated Public Officer. It is
to be affixed to documents only with the authority of the Executive Committee.
DISBANDMENT OF BWMW
13. In the event of the cessation of BWMW activities the
disposition of funds and/or assets remaining after the payment of all debts
will be decided by the incumbent Zone Committee. There will be no obligation to
return money to BWMW members.