Setting up an Association

The Department of Fair Trading provides information on how to incorporate your organisation and become an association.

Forming an association allows a small non-profit community based group an easier and relatively inexpensive means of establishing a legal entity rather than forming a company.

Incorporation creates a legal entity that is separate from the individual members. Members of unincorporated bodies face the possibility of being sued as individuals. Incorporation provides a certain amount of limited liability for members, as long as they follow accepted business and community standards. Incorporation is voluntary.

There are three steps to incorporation:

1. Pass a special resolution to apply for incorporation.
2. Reserve a name.
3. Apply for incorporation.

• What are the main benefits of incorporating as an association.
• How much does it cost.
• Who can be a public officer.
• What is the role of the public officer.
• Can a committee member hold more than one position.
• How many committee members are required.
• How does the association set its rules and what are the model rules.
• Can an association adopt its own rules.
• Is insurance compulsory.

For further information

Contact	:	Registry of Co-operatives & Associations.
Address	:	PO Box 22, 154 Russell Street Bathurst NSW 2795
Phone	:	Free:1800 502 042
Email	:	registryinquiries@fairtrading.nsw.gov.au

WWW

:

http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au