Preamble

The Kettering and Oyster Cove Residents Group, commonly known as KOCRES, is a loose association of residents who join together to contribute to the maintenance and development of the area as a good place for residents and visitors.

This is a non-profit organisation which exists for the benefit of the community.

In general the Group operates by monthly meetings which are usually held at the Kettering Community Hall. It has a history of operating informally, with decisions made by consensus through discussion, rather than by ballot following debate. However, more formal processes may be appropriate in some circumstances.

The principal means of operation is monthly meetings but this is supplemented by an email discussion list, occasional special meetings and sub-committees. On occasion KOCRES has called and facilitated larger, public community meetings.

Membership and attendance

Membership is open to any resident of the Kettering or Oyster Cove areas or anyone operating a business which is based in the area.

Any resident of the area is welcome to attend meetings. Non-members who attend meetings are asked to contribute $1.00 to assist with costs.

Any resident of the area may become a member by paying an annual membership fee of $12.00 and is not then required to pay at each normal meeting.

The Group’s year starts at its AGM in August and membership may be commenced at any time and paid pro rata.

In the event of a vote only people who are present and have been financial members for at least two months have voting rights. A quorum of ten is required.

The Chair and/or Secretary may invite individuals and officials from outside the area as guests to a meeting. Members who wish for a guest to attend should request the Chair or Secretary to issue the invitation.

Management

Management arrangements have varied over time but are determined at the AGM where a committee is elected. It is desirable that there is at least a Chair, Secretary, Webmaster and Treasurer. It is helpful to the organisation if a Minutes Secretary and Vice Chair are also appointed.

Agenda

The agenda for each regular meeting is distributed in advance by email. Any member may propose to the Secretary or Chair that a matter be placed on the agenda. It is helpful if members give notice of new matters so that they may be placed on the agenda for members’ attention prior to a meeting.

Generally all matters raised by members are discussed but on occasion, where a matter is complex, there is inadequate time, or it seems appropriate to have other people involved, the Chair may recommend to members that the matter be deferred to another meeting.

Membership data base and discussion system

KOCRES has been fortunate to have a well managed membership data base and email discussion system which has supplemented its basic operation.

Members of KOCRES may have their name and address added to this list which will give them access to participate in the system. Participation is not available to other people or organisations. This list forms the membership data base.

It is a convention of the organisation that correspondence distributed by the email discussion system is for the information of the intended participants and is not published for wider distribution.

News and information distribution list

In addition to the membership list KOCRES maintains a news and information email address list for the purpose of distributing minutes, agendas, notices and other information of general interest. Any person or organisation may ask to be included on this list which may be of interest to Councilors, parliamentarians, other community based organisations and residents who choose not to be members.

Members are automatically included on this list.

Money

All funds raised or acquired by the group are used to meet the costs of operation or for community benefit.

Adopted 6 August 2009.