Wombat Protection Society
of Australia Ltd

Bulletin Number 16 - February 08
 

Please note that the Annual General Meeting of the Society will be held on March 1st starting at 11.00am at the Society's registered business address at Quaama. All welcome.

It has been an interesting year for the Society , in terms of a wombat's development, it could be likened to an “at heel” Joey. This is the stage where mum is never far away but the youngster now has some responsibility in keeping its wits about it and keeping a nose/ear open for where a safe bolt hole or its mum is munching. The next year will see more independence as the wombat starts to make its own way in the world. It is to be a year of change and development for the Wombat Protection Society as well. The current Board and Public Officer will vacate their positions to ensure any members wishing to nominate for these roles can do so. The Public Trust Fund Board needs to retain the same members due to the statutory requirements of this Board. The Public Trust Fund is where donations from members of the public go and it approves or checks that any donations to the Society are used for the stated purposes of the Society.

It is the duty of Directors of the Society to ensure that once transferred, such funds are spent appropriately. According to the current constitution membership is NOT a requirement of becoming a member of the Board. The thinking behind this is that the Public Duty of the Board of Directors is to ensure that issues raised by the members and the general public concerning wombats are addressed by the actions of the Society, rather than the Board being the body that tells the membership how to operate.

We have had two members indicate their interest in standing as Directors for the coming period. If any other members want to nominate to join the board, please let the Public Officer know NOW!! Members are being asked to vote on ten propositions, which will then become part of your constitution. Remember each member has a vote so if you receive your emails or bulletins as a group, each member should be given a copy of the various propositions. Then VOTE as soon as you can.

PROPOSITION 1

That all financial members including Associate and Honorary members,of the Wombat Protection Society of Australia be entitled to vote on any proposition put to the membership and that financial members aged 18 and above accept as a full vote any appropriately completed voting form from any financial member aged less than 18 years.

Summary; This allows members under 18 to have their views counted.

PROPOSITION 2

That the definition of a financial member be someone who pays a stipulated fee when requested or who contributes “in kind” by assisting the work of the organisation.

Summary; Membership is by paying fee or doing some work for the Society.

PROPOSITION 3

That proxy voting where one or more Directors acts on behalf of one or more members across one or more propositions not be allowed. Instead only votes received and registered prior to the Annual General Meeting from each and any member deemed financial be the only count on any particular proposition.

Summary; Each member votes or doesn't as they choose but if they choose not to vote no other person can use their vote.

PROPOSITION 4

That in any series of propositions put to the membership, members can abstain or vote on any one or more proposition as they choose and that their vote will be considered valid.

Summary; Members can vote on none, one or all propositions and their vote will be counted.

PROPOSITION 5

That the Society minimise its Carbon Footprint through the use of electronic communication primarily and where this is not possible ensure that paper products used in its work do not destroy wombat habitat.

Summary; The Society's Office continues to use recycled paper where paper is required and uses electronic (email/computer files) where possible, uses recycled ink cartridges etc.; works to be a Green Office.

PROPOSITION 6

That the Society use as products for sale on its website and through any future outlet, products made and sourced in Australia both which do not harm animals to promote the wombat within Australia and to minimise carbon miles.

Summary; Self explanatory

PROPOSITION 7

That the Society remain neutral and supportive of all groups and individuals who are caring for wombats or concerned about their welfare and provide information and education freely and transparently ,encouraging openness and sharing and the opportunity for others to become educated and involved in the protection of wombats.

Summary; You as the Society welcome everyone concerned and/ or involved in caring about wombats.

PROPOSITION 8

That where matters of cruelty/ mistreatment of wombats are reported, reporters be supported and advised of existing legislated means of addressing such incidents and where that is not possible the Society make contact with those who have been reported and attempt to mediate an outcome which overcomes further incidents of cruelty.

Summary; That the Society write to or contact people reported to harm wombats to try and mediate a way where wombats are not harmed.

PROPOSITION 9

That the Society avoid accepting or supporting funding that leads to the intentional death or harm to any wombat and not support animal experimentation that harms wombats.

Summary; Self explanatory

PROPOSITION 10

That the Society sponsor the idea of National, individual, licensing of Wombat Carers, Rescuers, and those who undertake treatment/care of free living wombats and Sanctuaries allowing for experience and training to be recognised Nationally and ensuring a network of individuals able to focus on the Protection of Wombats.

Summary; Support for National/Individual licensing, training and registration.

Voting

You can email your responses or comments or mail them to us. Each proposition is either yes or no or I agree/ disagree. You can write down the numbers 1 to 10 and write next to each your response. You can vote on one or all ten propositions You can also call the Society and vote by telephone. You can send your Bulletin back with your responses written in and if you receive a family copy, please just write which of you is voting. ( remember each member in a family is able to vote). The votes will be tallied and declared at the AGM but we'd appreciate your earliest response . If you can locate your membership number please do so, otherwise just give your name and the returning officer will locate and link.

It is a requirement of the Australia Securities and Investments Commission A.S.I.C. ; that all members receive a copy of both the Agenda for the A.G.M. And the Society's Audit. Both of these follow.

Wombat Protection Society of Australia
Annual General Meeting
March 1st , 11.00am
Quaama 2008

Agenda

1. Reading of Financial Statement (Audit )2007 / Public Fund.
2. Formal Acceptance of nominations for Directors
3. General Update on position and plans for the Society
4. Tally of received votes on propositions
5. General Meeting

The announcement of this meeting appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald.

Members receiving email Bulletins will find a pdf file of the Audited Report attached, mail members receive a 4 pages to the A4 page printed copy.

Financial Report For the Year Ended 31st October 2007

JOEYS' NEWSPAGE

Here is one for the observant. Name the animals in this picture. Thanks to Bob Cleaver.

Here is one for the quick witted. Write a slogan for both the pictures. Best slogans will be published in the next edition.