Preamble

• The Bluegrass & Traditional Country Music Society of Australia, heretofore

referred to in this document as ‘BTCMSA’, was formed in Australia in 1975 to

bring together people with an interest in bluegrass, old-time and traditional

country music. It has run continuously since that time.

• The BTCMSA is an unincorporated, informal, not-for-profit interest group.

 

1. Purposes of the group

• To support and further the growth and preservation of bluegrass, old-time and

traditional country music in Australia.

• To function as a cooperative information-sharing network and a focal point to

support and inform the wider community about bluegrass, old-time and

traditional acoustic country music events, happenings and news.

• To create a community of people interested in, playing, learning and sharing

bluegrass, old-time and traditional acoustic country music.

• To focus on the promotion of acoustic bluegrass, old-time and traditional country

music.

• The assets and income of the organization shall be applied solely in furtherance

of its above-mentioned objects and no portion shall be distributed directly or

indirectly to the members of the organization except as bona fide compensation

for services rendered or expenses incurred on behalf of the organization.

 

2. Structure and functioning

• Activities and coordination of the BTCMSA are carried out cooperatively on a

volunteer basis by an informal BTCMSA Coordinating Group. The composition

and size of the BTCMSA Coordinating Group may vary from time to time, with

the consensus of the existing members of the BTCMSA Coordinating Group.

• Formal meetings and elections are not held.

• A subscriber member may become a member of the BTCMSA Coordinating

Group by invitation of the BTCMSA Coordinating Group.

• A subscriber member can approach the BTCMSA Coordinating Group to become

a member of the BTCMSA Coordinating Group. The decision on whether the

subscriber member is accepted as part of the BTCMSA Coordinating Group will

be made on a consensus decision of the current members of the BTCMSA

Coordinating Group.

• Any chapters, branches or affiliated groups of the BTCMSA that are formed, or

may be formed, are financially and administratively independent of the BTCMSA.

The BTCMSA is not responsible for their actions or any financial liabilities or

obligations. The chapters, branches or affiliated groups of the BTCMSA are not

responsible for the actions or financial liabilities or obligations of the BTCMSA.

• Chapters, branches and affiliated groups, including Sydney Bluegrass & Old-Time Music, shall carry out their activities in

accordance with the Articles of Association of the BTCMSA.

• Following mutual discussion between interested parties, affiliations can be

discontinued with no further obligation between either party.

• The funds of the BTCMSA are derived from membership subscriptions and

occasional limited donations that are made from time to time.

• The BTCMSA does not own any assets other than funds arising from membership

subscriptions and occasional limited donations.

• The funds are to be used in pursuance of the purpose and objectives of the

BTCMSA in such manner as the BTCMSA Coordinating Group determines.

 

3. Membership of the group

• Subscription membership is available to individuals or groups who pay the annual

fee. The annual fee shall be determined by the BTCMSA Coordinating Group.

• All members of the BTCMSA Coordinating Group shall be subscriber members of

the BTCMSA.

• Subscription membership terminates when a person has not paid their annual

subscription, at the discretion of the BTCMSA Coordinating Group.

• A subscriber member who engages in activities that could, would or do reflect

adversely on the functioning, integrity or reputation of the BTCMSA can be

removed, with approval of the BTCMSA Coordinating Group.

• From time to time, the BTCMSA Coordinating Group may nominate an individual

or organization that may be offered a Complimentary subscriber membership.

 

4. Delegation of powers amongst members

• The liability of a subscriber member of the BTCMSA to contribute towards

payment of the debts and liabilities of BTCMSA is limited to the amount of his or

her annual subscription.

• Subscriber members are not authorized to act on behalf of the BTCMSA.

• The BTCMSA and its Coordinating Committee does not engage in activities

around disputes amongst subscriber members.

 

5. Procedures for amending the BTCMSA Articles of Association

• Amendments to the BTCMSA Articles of Association may only be made by the

BTCMSA Coordinating Committee, in consultation with other subscriber

members of the BTCMSA.

 

6. Procedures for ending the group and distributing any assets

• Any decision to end the BTCMSA will be taken by the BTCMSA Coordinating

Group.

• In the event of the BTCMSA being dissolved, the amount that remains after such

dissolution and the satisfaction of all debts and liabilities shall be transferred to

another organization with similar purposes, which is not carried on for the profit

or gain of its individual members. This organization shall be selected by the

BTCMSA Coordinating Group.

• If no such suitable organization exists, any remaining funds will be distributed to

a not-for-profit charity or charities, to be chosen by the BTCMSA Coordinating

Group.

 

 

Bluegrass & Traditional Country Music Society of Australia Rules of Association

PO Box 396, Berowra Heights NSW 2082 Australia

Phone: +61 423 363 270   Email: btcmsa@gmail.com   Website: bluegrassoldtimeaustralia.asn.au

Reviewed: 27 June 2021