Noosa Business Group Incorporated [henceforth referred to as NBGI]
To be read in conjunction with the Noosa Business Group Constitution, By-Laws and Noosa Business Group Website Terms and Conditions.
Members of the NBGI are governed by the constitution and the By-Laws of its incorporated association.
- Noosa Business Group Constitution
- Noosa Business Group Bylaws [appendix 1]
- Acceptance of Terms and Conditions
- Purpose – NBGI aims to promote members’ business through members networking and giving referrals. A more detailed purpose is outlined in the By-Laws
- Non-Political – NBGI is non-political and therefore the promotion and/or lobbying of political parties, ideas or proposals during NBGI functions or by contacting other members directly, is not allowed. Refer to clause 16, below regarding use of the Register of Members.
- Discrimination – NBGI does not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.
- Respect: Members must display a respectful and supportive attitude towards other members and guests at all times.
- Rules of membership: General Membership Rules are outlined the NBGI By-Laws. Failure to comply with the By-Laws or any of NBGI’s terms and conditions will be considered misconduct and may result in the termination of membership by the management committee.
- Satisfactory attendance: Attendance is crucial to the success of NBGI. Membership is granted on the condition that meetings will be attended weekly by either the member or a chosen representative. If a member or representative is unable to attend a meeting, notice of the absence must be provided to the management committee at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.
- Membership fees: Fees are based on an annual charge, invoiced and paid quarterly. Fees are encompassing of membership, weekly meeting costs, social functions, website participation and administration costs. In accordance with the constitution, members whose fees are in arrears for two (2) months or longer, may have their membership terminated by the management committee.
- Misconduct: The management committee may impose at their discretion, any reasonable penalty or requirement upon a member who commits an act or omission deemed to be misconduct by the management committee. Penalties or requirements may include but are not limited to, a written apology, suspension or termination of membership.
- Admission and Rejection of Members: The management committee will consider applications and provide notice of their decision to each applicant in accordance with the constitution.
- Termination of Membership: A person may resign their membership by providing the management committee with written notice. A person’s membership may be terminated by the management committee for any reason listed in 9 (3) of the constitution or for failure to comply with the By-Laws or any NBGI terms and conditions, including those relating to websites and social media. As noted in the NBGI By-Laws individual membership may also be terminated by a majority vote of members present at any weekly meeting. In accordance with the constitution, prior to any involuntary termination of membership, the management committee will give the member a full and fair opportunity to show why the membership should not be terminated.
- Appeals: In accordance with the constitution, a person may appeal the decision of the committee or members to terminate or reject their membership by giving written notice to the committee, within one (1) month of receiving notice of the termination decision.
- Refund Policy: When membership is suspended or terminated, either voluntarily or involuntarily, no membership fees will be refunded.
- Leaves of Absence: Leaves of Absence will be considered upon application to the management committee and decided on a case by case basis. Generally, no absence longer than a three (3) month period in any 12 month period will be granted.
- Dispute resolution – If a dispute arises within NBGI, a party to the dispute must give to the other party notice specifying the dispute and requiring its resolution under this clause (Notice of Dispute). The parties must confer to try and resolve the dispute within seven (7) days of the notice. If the dispute is not resolved within seven (7) days, the parties must approach the management committee for internal arbitration. In a case where internal arbitration is not successful then the matter will be submitted to mediation with a neutral, third-party mediator, at the expense of the individual parties. NBGI will not be liable for any arbitration, mediation or dispute resolution costs.
- Insurance: NBGI is an incorporated association with no assets and does not hold any public liability insurance. It is a requirement of membership that all NBGI members hold current and valid public liability and professional indemnity insurance.
- Register of members: A register of members is available for inspection by any member upon request. The register of members is to be used for referral purposes and must not be used for soliciting (via e-mail, direct mail or other means) other members without their prior approval
- Social media: Members must comply with the NBGI Social Media Policy [appendix 2]
- Intellectual property: Members must not use the intellectual property of NBGI (such as logos, trademarks, names, slogans, copyrighted materials, etc.) to manufacture, distribute, sell, market, or promote any product or service, or otherwise use the intellectual property without: (a) being encouraged or instructed to do so in a particular manner by the management committee; or (b) obtaining the prior written consent of the management committee.
- Brand: Members must not use the intellectual property of NBGI in such a way, or otherwise act or conduct business in any manner, which may bring the NBGI brand into disrepute.
- Privacy: NBGI will collect, hold and use personal information about members to conduct necessary administration and promote the group. Members may, during the the application process or at any later date, elect to withhold rights for their image or information to be used for promotion in the future.
- Responsibility & risk: Members choose to attend meetings, conduct business and give and receive referrals at their own risk. NBGI will not accept liability for any unfavourable outcomes that occur as a result of any business conducted. NBGI does not guarantee that members or their business will receive any benefit, through referrals or otherwise.
- Limitations on liability: Each member agrees not to take any legal action against NBGI, for any reason. To the extent permitted by law, NBGI excludes any liability, including liability for negligence and breach of contract or warranty, for any loss, whatsoever or howsoever caused, including indirect or consequential damages arising from or in relation to membership, attendance and participation or otherwise.
- Revisions: These terms and conditions may be amended at any time by the management committee without notice.
