Stronger Together: Why Incorporation Matters for Geurie
As an incorporated association, residents of the Geurie Village and those in the Geurie District (ie postcode 2818) have created a powerful, independent voice for our community.
What does this change?
Think of incorporation as giving our village its own "legal personality." This allows the Association to:
Secure Funding: Apply directly for grants to fund local projects that benefit the Geurie Village & District.
Bequests: Receive gifts via someone’s Will, if they wish to bequeath or gift monies or an asset for the benefit of the Geurie Village & District.
Sign Agreements: The Association will legally enter into contracts, such as licence agreements, lease agreements, receive funding, register a deductible gift recipient status, seek endorsement with the ACNC
Protect Members: It provides a formal structure that manages liability through public liability insurance, terms of membership - which ensures the group can operate professionally.
Streamline communication with Council
Incorporation streamlines how the two Geurie representatives talk to the Villages Committee of Dubbo Regional Council. As a formal entity, the Association acts as a direct bridge to the DRC Villages Committee, ensuring Geurie’s priorities - from infrastructure to local events - are heard clearly by Council representatives.
Madeleine and Claire (as the current DRC Village Committee representatives) will benefit from The Association conducting surveys - to ensure the representation to the Committee broadly represents the Geurie Village and District.
Survey results will be published quarterly after each Villages Committee.
The action log will be updated as regularly as possible.
The Geurie Action Log will be place ‘Geurie community needs’ into one central location:
Has DRC received the enquiry / request - is it actually in the DRC CRM system?
If it is in the DRC CRM system, is it being actively assessed? (and if not, what is the timeframe for assessment)
Following any assessment process by DRC, what is the decision - will it happen, or not? (if yes, when, and if no, why?)
Is it funded?
When are the works scheduled to be completed?
Once completed, placing the item on the DRC COMPLETED list.
Who can join?
Membership is open to anyone living within the 2818 postcode. Whether you are in the heart of the village or in the broader district, this is your platform to progress local projects and protect the future of Geurie.
Notice is hereby given of the inaugural meeting of the Geurie Village & District Association to formally resolve to incorporate the association under the Associations Incorporation Act 2009 (NSW).
Date: Sunday 17 May 2026
Time: 4-5pm
Location: Geurie Bowling Club, 64 - 72 Jennings St, Geurie NSW 2818
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Meeting Agenda:
A. Attendance and Apologies.
B. Background on the benefits of incorporation (limited liability, legal entity status).
C. Discussion about the proposed Objects + review of the proposed Constitution.
D. Voting on the Special Resolutions.
E. Election of the Management Committee (President, Treasurer, Secretary, Public Officer and at least two ordinary committee members).
F. Discussion (amendment if needed) and voting on proposed special resolutions (noted below):
Proposed Special Resolutions:
1. Resolution to Incorporate: That the Association, currently known as the Geurie Village & District Association, applies for incorporation under the Associations Incorporation Act 2009.
2. Adoption of Constitution: That the Association adopts the draft Constitution as its governing document.
3. Appointment of Public Officer: To appoint a Public Officer for the purposes of the application for incorporation.
4. Objects of the Association: That the objects and purpose of the Association be:
PROPOSED OBJECTS:
1. Advocacy and Representation
To act as the primary representative body for the Geurie Village & District in dealings with Federal authorities, State authorities and Dubbo Regional Council, ensuring the adequate provision of services, infrastructure, and amenities to Geurie Village & District.
2. Transparency and Governance
To promote transparency, accountability, and the efficient delivery of projects and services by the Dubbo Regional Council and other relevant authorities in the broad and timely benefit of the Geurie Village & District.
3. The Public Register
To maintain a structured framework and public register to identify, document, and monitor the status of Geurie Village & District infrastructure requirements, maintenance tasks, and service obligations.
4. Public Forum and Information
To provide a non-political, transparent forum for residents in the Geurie Village & District to discuss issues, voice concerns, and share information relevant to the Geurie Village & District.
5. Preserve Local Character & Community Spirit
To foster community spirit, cooperation, and social well-being while protecting the unique rural character, heritage, and natural environment of the Geurie Village & District for current and future generations.
6. First Nations Engagement
To acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land and actively seek the participation and perspectives of local First Nations people in the Association’s advocacy and community projects.
7. Independence and Neutrality
To operate as a voluntary, non-partisan, and non-sectarian organization, ensuring the Association’s actions remain focused solely on the interests of the Geurie Village & District.
Definitions which relate to the Proposed Objects:
Geurie Village & District means: the geographical area encompassing approximately 190 square kilometres, defined by the boundaries of the 2818 postcode as determined by Australia Post as amended from time to time.
ABS Census data (2021 Census) identifies the "Postal Area 2818" as being approximately 190.4 square kilometres
When forming a new organization like the Geurie Village & District Association, most community groups in New South Wales choose to adopt the Model Constitution provided by NSW Fair Trading.
Why Use the Model Constitution?
Legal Compliance: It is pre-drafted to meet all the requirements of the Associations Incorporation Act 2009.
Simplicity: Adopting a model constitution makes it simpler for management and amendment throughout the life of the Association.
Standardized Governance: It provides a clear, legally tested framework for managing committee elections, membership applications, and general meetings—all of which are items on the upcoming 17 May 2026 meeting.
Customizing for Geurie
While the Model Constitution covers the "rules" of how the association runs, the Proposed Objects are what define why the association exists.
For the Geurie Village & District Association, the Model Constitution will be supplemented by the specific goals for Geurie, including:
Advocacy: Representing the 2818 postcode to the Dubbo Regional Council.
The Public Register: Maintaining the "Action Log" for capital works and council infrastructure.
Transparency: Ensuring the efficient delivery of services for the broad benefit of the village.
Next Steps at the Meeting
At the Geurie Community Gathering, the group will formally discuss the "Objects to be included in the constitution". By adopting the Fair Trading Model Constitution as the foundation and inserting these tailored Objects, the Association ensures it has a professional, robust legal structure from day one.
Note: A full copy of the NSW Fair Trading Model Constitution will be available for review at the Geurie Bowling Club during the meeting, but here is the link to the constitution if you would like to have a read: https://www.nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/incorporated-associations/incorporated-associations-forms-and-fees/model-constitution-for-incorporated-associations