Membership
Are your membership details up to date? Important information is sent to members via mail - make sure you update your postal address and contact details by emailing comms@wathaurong.org.au or calling us on (03) 5277 0044.
Incorporated as Geelong and District Aboriginal Co-operative Limited in 1980, under the first specific legislation for co-operatives in Victoria, the Co-operation Act 1953; and later as Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative Limited under the Co-operatives Act 1996, now the Co-operatives National Laws Application Act 2013; membership of the organisation consists of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the Geelong and surrounding district areas.
Membership requires the completion of an application form with supporting documentation, such as a family tree and Confirmation of Aboriginality. Maintenance and qualification of membership requires active and ongoing participation in the organisation’s activities and planning processes.
For more information, visit our Morgan Street reception area to fill in a membership form or download and print the form here. The completed form should be returned to Morgan Street reception.
Membership code of conduct
A code of conduct or behaviour can be described as a set of statements that set out what we consider to be an acceptable standard of behaviour and conduct. This code explains how we expect our members to behave.
This code of conduct provides a guide and basis of expectations for our members. It encourages commitment to ethical and professional behaviour and outlines the principles on which Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative is based.
This code of conduct provides a guide and basis of expectations for our members. It encourages commitment to ethical and professional behaviour and outlines the principles on which Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative is based.
Treat each person as an individual
Show respect and courtesy to all involved
Display appropriate and responsible behaviour in all interactions
Display responsible behaviour in relation to alcohol and other drugs
Act with integrity and objectivity
Accept responsibility for your decisions and actions
Respect the rights and worth of every person, regardless of their age, race, gender, ability, cultural background, sexuality or religion
Encourage and support opportunities for people to learn appropriate behaviours and skills
Ensure your decisions and actions contribute to a safe environment
Ensure your decisions and actions contribute to a harassment-free environment
Do not tolerate abusive, bullying or threatening behaviour
Recognise that all members have the right to privacy and confidentiality
If a member acts in a way that is detrimental to a member, client, staff and/or property the Board can suspend that member immediately. They will have the right of appeal by calling a Special General Meeting.
Remember, you are not only a representative of Wathaurong but also of Aboriginal people. Behaviour, both positive and negative, casts a shadow over all of the members of Wathaurong. Think carefully about how your actions, words and behaviour will impact upon others around you.
The Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative Board may apply the following sanctions to any member found to be in breach of the Code of Conduct based on the seriousness and frequency of their behaviour:
The Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative Board may apply the following sanctions to any member found to be in breach of the Code of Conduct based on the seriousness and frequency of their behaviour:
- Caution
- Direction to leave the organisation event
- Attendance at a meeting with Directors to discuss the breach and appropriate sanction/s
- Participation in personal development
- Suspension from organisation activities
- Expulsion from the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative (according to constitution).
Any member who is alleged to have breached the code of conduct will always be given a 'right of reply'. They will also be offered the opportunity to bring a support person to any official discussions regarding the alleged breach.
In the case of a dispute with Directors an independent mediator may be retained to mediate the dispute.
The Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative will at all times ensure that any person undergoing any of the above procedures will be dealt with in a sensitive and confidential manner, irrespective of the alleged breach of the Rule or Code of Conduct.
In the case of a dispute with Directors an independent mediator may be retained to mediate the dispute.
The Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative will at all times ensure that any person undergoing any of the above procedures will be dealt with in a sensitive and confidential manner, irrespective of the alleged breach of the Rule or Code of Conduct.