General membership rights

GP Arts aims to provide a welcoming and inclusive space where people of all abilities can come together to explore, enjoy and express themselves through art. We encourage creativity, the sharing of ideas and the discovery of new techniques and perspectives. Our group values connection, inspiration and mutual support as we learn from each other and celebrate the joy of making art. We connect with other groups and the wider community through demonstrations, social outings, studio visits and from time to time exhibitions, sharing our creative journeys and showcasing the diverse talents and stories within the group.
A member is entitled to vote if they are a paid member and their membership has not been suspended and more than 10 business days have passed since the member became a member of GP Arts Inc.
A member of GP Arts Inc. who is entitled to vote has the right to receive notice of general meetings, to submit items of business for consideration at a general meeting, to attend general meetings, to vote at a general meeting and have access to the minutes of a general meeting and other documents of GP Arts Inc.
The member is also entitled to inspect the register of members at a reasonable time and free of charge. The Committee may refuse to permit a member to inspect records of GP Arts Inc. that relate to confidential, personal, employment, commercial or legal matters or where to do so may be prejudicial to the interests of GP Arts Inc
Rights not transferable

The rights of a member are not transferable and end when membership ceases.

The rights of a member are not transferable and end when membership ceases.

A member may resign by notice in writing given to GP Arts Inc. by post, email or handing the notice to a member of the committee.

A member is taken to have resigned if, the member’s annual subscription is more than 12 months in arrears, or the Secretary has made a written request to the member to confirm membership and the member has not confirmed such after three months.

The Secretary must keep and maintain a register of members that includes – the member’s name, address, email address, date of becoming a member, if the member is an associate member, or any other information determined by the Committee.

For each former member, the name of the person and the date on which the person ceased to be a member of GP Arts Inc. will only be kept. We do not keep other records for privacy reasons.

Grounds for taking disciplinary action GP Arts Inc. may take disciplinary action against a member if it is determined that the member,
  • (a) has failed to comply with these Rules; or
  • (b) refuses to support the purposes of GP Arts Inc.; or
  • (c) has engaged in conduct prejudicial to GP Arts Inc.
Before disciplinary action is taken against a member, the Secretary must give written notice to the member: Stating that GP Arts Inc. proposes to take disciplinary action against the member stating the grounds against the member and specifying the date, place and time where the meeting will be and advising the member that they may attend the meeting or give a written statement to the subcommittee at any time before the meeting.

The member may appeal under the appeal rights as set out in the Model Rules.

The notice must be given no earlier than 28 days and no later than 14 days, before the disciplinary meeting is held.

This procedure applies to disputes under the Model Rules between a member and another member, a member and the Committee and a member and GP Arts Inc.

Parties must attempt to resolve the dispute within 14 days of the dispute coming to the attention of each party. If the members are unable to resolve the dispute then the parties must, within 10 days notify the Committee and request to have the dispute settled by mediation.

A general meeting may be held and a member/members take part in using Zoom and will be taken as to be present at the meeting and if voted, taken to have voted in person. The desktop app can be downloaded from Zoom.

On any question arising at a general meeting each member who is entitled to vote has one vote and members may vote personally or by proxy (by a written and signed note through another member).

Copies of these rules are available to members and applicants for membership, free of charge. These rules can be downloaded from Consumer Affairs Victoria.