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• Constitution - pdf version
  

1.               NAME

The name of the organisation shall be the “National Golden Retriever Council” and shall hereinafter be referred to as the “National Golden Retriever Council.”

2.               OBJECTS

The objects of the National Golden Retriever Council shall be:

2.1    To encourage and promote in every way the quality of breeding, care, training and exhibition of the Golden Retriever.

2.2    To educate and encourage exhibitors, breeders and judges to abide by the Standard for the Golden Retriever as approved by the Australian National Kennel Council.

2.3    To enable member clubs to take co-operative action on matters which such clubs agree are of common interest and for their mutual benefit in the promotion of the Golden Retriever.

2.4    To allocate the titles of:
“Golden Retriever National Specialty Championship Show” and
“Golden Retriever Specialty Championship Show” for use by member clubs, subject always to the approval of both the State or Territory controlling body and the Australian National Kennel Council.

2.5    To seek registration with the ANKC, and if recognised, agree to be bound by the Rules and Regulations, and directions of the Australian National Kennel Council for the time being in force.

2.6    To become associated with overseas Golden Retriever organisations and the breeding and exhibition of Golden Retrievers.

2.7    To collect, verify and publish information relating to the Golden Retriever and the breeding and exhibition of the Golden Retriever.

2.8    To encourage member clubs to hold Shows, Parades, Trials and other exhibitions as approved by and under the Rules and Regulations of their State or Territory Controlling Body and of the Australian National Kennel Council.

2.9    To legislate, to make By-Laws and do other Acts, matters and things as may be necessary or expedient to promote all or any of the objects of the National Golden Retriever Council.

3.         POWERS

3.1      The National Golden Retriever Council shall have the power to:

3.1.1   Acquire a membership fee from member clubs to carry out any or all of the objects of the National Golden Retriever Council.

3.1.2   Invest the funds of the National Golden Retriever Council not immediately required, in such manner as the delegates shall determine.

3.1.3   Hold breed Seminars, Conventions and Congresses through the sponsorship of member clubs.

3.1.4   Correspond with and become associated with overseas Golden Retriever organisations, for the purpose of the exchange of viewpoints on matters affecting the welfare of the Golden Retriever.

3.1.5   Allocate the title “Golden Retriever National Specialty Show” and “Golden Retriever Specialty Championship Show” to the various member clubs, subject always to the approval of both the State or Territory Controlling Body and the Australian National Kennel Council. See By-laws 1 and 2.

3.1.6   Purchase, hire, lease or otherwise provide and maintain all types of personal property for the carrying out of the objects of the National Golden Retriever Council.

3.2       The National Golden Retriever Council shall not hold Shows or any other type of exhibitions.  Such events shall only be conducted by the member clubs.

3.3       Nothing in this Constitution shall affect the right or authority of an individual member club to control and conduct their club business in the way usually followed by a Specialist Club.  Nor shall the National Golden Retriever Council affect in any way the normal relationship
between a member Club and their State or Territory Controlling Body.

3.4       It shall be the duty of the Secretary or in the absence of the Secretary, the President, to notify the ANKC within fourteen (14) days of any changes in Directors or Office Bearers.

3.5       It was resolved that in the event of a tied vote for the position of President or Secretary of a National Breed Council that it be resolved by lot.

4.         MEMBERSHIP

4.1       Any specialist Golden Retriever Club affiliated with a State or Territory Controlling Body, which is in turn a member of the Australian National Kennel Council, upon payment of the prescribed annual membership fee, shall be eligible for membership of the National Golden Retriever Council except in the case of re-admission which must be in compliance with Clause 12 of the Constitution.

4.2       The following specialist Golden Retriever Clubs and such other specialist Golden Retriever Clubs as may from time to time be admitted, shall be member clubs, entitled to nominate a delegate to the National Golden Retriever Council. Such member club shall identify the State or Territory it represents in its name (e.g. “of Victoria”).

            The Golden Retriever Club of Victoria Inc
The Golden Retriever Club of South Australia Inc
The Golden Retriever Club of Western Australia Inc
The Golden Retriever Club of Queensland Inc
The Golden Retriever Club of New South Wales Inc
The Tasmanian Golden Retriever Club Inc

4.3       The membership fee shall be such an amount as the National Golden Retriever Council shall from time to time determine.  See By-law 4.

5.         MEETINGS

5.1       Each of the member clubs named in Clause 4.2 shall annually appoint one delegate to the National Golden Retriever Council. Each delegate must be a financial member of his member club and the respective State or Territory Controlling Body and be a resident in the State or
Territory of the member club he/she represents. If for any reason it should become necessary, member clubs may appoint a substitute delegate who shall ipso facto be deemed to be a delegate for voting and all other purposes at a meeting of the National Golden Retriever Council.

5.2       At a meeting of the National Golden Retriever Council each member club shall have one vote, subject to its delegate being in attendance at such meeting.

5.3       The quorum for meetings shall be more in number than 50% of the number of member bodies.

5.4       Member clubs may bring any business before a meeting of the National Golden Retriever Council by giving 90 days notice of its intention to the Secretary. The Secretary shall communicate its agenda for a meeting to each of the member clubs and delegates at least 60
days prior to the date of the meeting.

5.4.1    The accidental omission to give notice to a member, or if a member shall fails to receive a notice sent as aforesaid, shall not invalidate a General Meeting.

5.4.2    A notice sent by registered post or by facsimile shall be deemed to have been served on the day following that on which it is posted.

5.5       Except with the unanimous consent of all member clubs, no resolution carried at a meeting of the National Golden Retriever Council shall be valid UNLESS notice has been given in accordance with Clause 5.4.1.

5.6       Notwithstanding the provisions of Clause 5.5 the Secretary shall at the discretion of the President, or at the written request of two member clubs, submit any particular matter of urgency to the member clubs by post, telegram or letter-gram and the vote on any such matter shall be taken accordingly, at meetings of the member Clubs.  All business may be conducted by Conference telephone call, provided that a quorum takes part.

5.7       The National Golden Retriever Council shall manage its own affairs and hold meetings at such time and place as it deems fit. The Annual General Meeting shall be held in the month of October or November of each year.

5.8       The President of the National Golden Retriever Council shall be Chairman of all meetings of the National Golden Retriever Council. Should he/she not be present within 15 minutes of the time appointed for the holding of the meeting, the delegates shall elect a Chairman from among their number. The delegate appointed Chairman may record his/her own vote on any matter, but shall not have a casting vote.

5.9       Should the Secretary not be present within 15 minutes of the time appointed for the holding of the meeting, the delegates shall elect a Deputy Secretary, for that meeting, from among their number. The delegate appointed Deputy Secretary may record his/her own vote on any matter.

5.10     Every motion submitted to the Meeting shall be decided by a show of hands, provided that each member club with a delegate present shall have the right to record one vote. In the event of equality of votes on any matter the Chairman shall not have a casting vote, and the motion shall be deemed to be lost.

5.11     In all matters not covered by this Constitution, the Rules of common debate shall apply provided always that the best interest of the members be served, and members have the right to vote in favour or against any decision.

5.12     Dissension from the President’s and/or Chairman’s procedure - Ruling - Actions etc.  In the event that a dissension vote be carried by a 60% majority at any meeting of the club the Chairman shall be bound to adopt such ruling procedures - actions - as decided by said vote, and further, immediately such dissension vote be moved and seconded the Chairman shall immediately vacate the chair to enable correct and proper discussion and voting procedures to follow.  Delegates present are then entitled to elect their own choice of interim Chairman to preside during the time that this matter only is discussed and determined whereupon the Chairman shall resume the Chair.

5.13     Censure of:

1.          Presidents and/or Chairman’s, Action – Ruling - Procedure - etc.

2.          Secretary’s Action - Ruling – Procedure - etc.

3.          A General Member’s Action - Conduct, etc.

In the event that a censure motion be moved, seconded and carried by a 60% majority at any meeting of the Council the person or persons against whom the vote be taken shall be
considered censured and all relevant details shall be minute. (It must be understood that a censure motion does not automatically mean a loss of position from Council or a loss to a member of his usual and accepted rights.)

5.14     Vote of No Confidence:

1.      Against the President or Secretary

2.      Against any Council member

3.      Against the entire Council.

In the event that a vote of “No Confidence” be moved, seconded and carried by a majority of persons present in person at the meeting specially convened to discuss the motion such person
or persons against whom the motion was carried shall immediately forfeit his/her their position as an Office Bearer(s) or Council Member and any such person(s) shall not be allowed to accept nomination for the Council or Office Bearer or for any Sub-Committee for a period of twelve months from the date of such motion.  The members present upon such “vote of no
confidence” being carried are then entitled if they so desire to select a replacement or replacements for the position or positions hereby rendered vacant.

5.15       Notice of motion of “No Confidence” must be made in writing signed by the persons moving and seconding the motion and handed to the Secretary.  The Secretary shall convene a Special Meeting to be held within sixty (60) days from the date of receipt of the notice of motion, and advise all member bodies in writing within fourteen (14) days allowing member bodies at least twenty-eight (28) clear days notice of the meeting.  Proof of posting of the notice to the members last registered address with the Council shall be deemed sufficient proof of the member being notified.

6.        PRESIDENT

            The President must be and must remain during their term of office a financial club member of one of the member clubs and a member of the State or Territory Controlling Body in which they reside, but shall not be a club delegate.   He/she shall be formally appointed for a term of two years, by the National Golden Retriever Council delegates at an Annual General Meeting from the nominations received in accordance with By-law No 3 The President shall hold office until the day following that of the Annual General Meeting at the end of the term. The President shall not be entitled to vote at any meeting of the National Golden Retriever Council.  (SGM-28 May 2009)

7.         SECRETARY

7.1       The Secretary must be and must remain during their term of office a financial club member of one of the member clubs and a member of the State or Territory Controlling Body in which they reside, but shall not be a club delegate.   He/she shall be formally appointed for a term of two years, by the National Golden Retriever Council delegates at an Annual General Meeting from the nominations received in accordance with B-Law 3. (SGM-28 May 2009)

            The nominations shall be in the hands of the Secretary at least 90 days before the said meeting and all member clubs shall be advised of the nominations 60 days before the meeting.  The Secretary shall hold office until the day following that of the Annual General Meeting at
the end of the term.  The Secretary shall not be entitled to vote at any meeting of the National Golden Retriever Council.

7.2       Duties of the Secretary:
The Secretary shall act under the direction of the National Golden Retriever Council.  He/she shall attend all meetings of the National Golden Retriever Council and any other meeting where his/her presence may be required, to keep proper minutes of such meetings. Generally to perform all such duties as are usually performed by any such officer in a like position.  The Secretary shall be responsible for all monies received on behalf of the National Golden Retriever Council and shall pay all such sums into the bank account of the National Golden Retriever Council within 14 days of receipt. It shall be a further duty of the Secretary to keep proper books of account of the National Golden Retriever Council.

7.3       If there be not a nomination for the office of President or Secretary or if a member nominated for such office declares at the Annual General Meeting verbally or in writing that he is unwilling to stand for that office, the members may propose and second orally at the Annual
General Meeting sufficient members to fill such office.

            A casual vacancy occurring caused by the death or resignation of a member or by a member ceasing for any reason to be a member, may be filled by the delegates at the next meeting and the member so appointed shall hold office until his appointment is confirmed by the members at the next General Meeting or the vacancy is otherwise filled by the members at a General Meeting.

8.         HEADQUARTERS

            The Headquarters of the National Golden Retriever Council shall be the residential address of the Secretary where the books, records and property of the National Golden Retriever Council shall be kept.

9.         FINANCE

9.1       A bank account in the name of the “National Golden Retriever Council” shall be opened with a recognised Australian Bank and kept in the name of the National Golden Retriever Council.

9.2       All monies payable on behalf of the National Golden Retriever Council shall be paid by cheque drawn upon the bank account of the National Golden Retriever Council. All cheques shall be signed by the Secretary and countersigned by the President or a delegate appointed for that
purpose.

9.3       The financial year of the National Golden Retriever Club shall be from 1 October to 3O September in each year.

9.4       At the Annual General Meeting in each year the National Golden Retriever Council shall appoint an auditor, with accountancy experience. Such auditor shall hold office until the first meeting in the following year, but shall be eligible for re-appointment. 9.5 An audited statement of receipts and expenditure and balance sheet shall be forwarded to each member club by 15 October in each year.

10.       BY LAWS

Subject always to the Constitution, delegates at a meeting by a resolution passed by a majority of not less than 60% of delegates present and voting on this resolution, may make By-laws by variation,
deletion or addition as they may think fit, in respect of:

10.1     The granting of the title “Golden Retriever National Specialty Championship Show” and “Golden Retriever Specialty Championship Show.”

10.2     The appointment of the President.

10.3     The appointment of the Secretary.

10.4     Membership fees.

10.5     Any matter the delegates consider necessary to carry out the objects of the National Golden Retriever Council.

11.       ALTERATION TO CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

            This Constitution and the By-laws of the National Golden Retriever Council shall not be altered, waived or amended, except at a meeting of the delegates at which at least 90 days notice has been given to the Secretary of such amendment and the Secretary has given 60 days notice to all member clubs.
The amendment must be agreed to by a majority of not less than 60% of the delegates present and voting on this resolution.

12.       RESIGNATION

            Any member club may at any time resign its membership by giving notice to the Secretary. Such resignation shall not free the club from liability to pay any subscription which is due and unpaid on the date of resignation.  Should any member club that has resigned seek re-admission as a member of the National Golden Retriever Council such re-admission is to be voted on at a meeting of the National Golden Retriever Council called in compliance with Clause 5.4 of the Constitution. A majority of not less than 75% of the delegates present and voting in person will be required to re-admit a member club.

13.       PROPERTY/WINDING UP

            No club or individual shall have any proprietary right or interest in any of the funds or property of the National Golden Retriever Council. Such property or funds shall be devoted to the promotion of the objects of the National Golden Retriever Council. However in the event of the winding up of the National Golden Retriever Council the property or funds shall be divided equally among the clubs which are members at the time of such winding up.

BY-LAWS

            BY-LAW 1

            National Specialty Championship Show

            The delegates at any meeting, and in accordance with Clause 3.1.5 of the Constitution, may grant the title “Golden Retriever National Specialty Championship Show” to any member club.  The granting of the use of the word “National” must be in compliance with the Rules and Regulations of the ANKC and/or the National Breed Clubs Liaison Council.  The Judge must be approved by the National Golden Retriever Council and the State or Territory Controlling Body.

BY-LAW 2

            Golden Retriever Specialty Championship Show

            The delegates at any meeting, and in accordance with Clause 3.1.5 of the Constitution, may grant the title “Golden Retriever Specialty Championship Show” to any member club.  The Judge must be approved by the National Golden Retriever Council and the State or Territory Controlling Body.

BY-LAW 3

The President

(a)             The President shall be appointed in accordance with Clause 5 of the Constitution and shall hold office for one term of two years, but shall be eligible for another term at a later date, or in compliance with By-Law No 3

(b)            The position of President shall rotate among the member clubs. Each member club, in turn, may nominate one of its members as President of the National Golden Retriever Council.  Upon the appointment of the initial President, the delegates present at that meeting shall determine the sequence in which member clubs may nominate a President in subsequent years.

(c)             The President’s term of office may be extended or the sequence of nominations altered if agreed in compliance with Clause 5.6 of the Constitution by not less than 60% of member clubs.

BY-LAW 4

Membership

The membership fee shall be $100 per annum with a $100 joining fee. Fees shall be due and payable by 1 October in each year.

BY LAW 5
Representation at ANKC/NBC Conferences

That the National Golden Retriever Council be represented at ANKC National Breed Council Conferences by the National President, or if unable to attend, the National Secretary, and the National Golden Retriever Club delegate for the state in which the conference is being held.

BY LAW 6

Voting

Failure to respond within a specified time on issues put to NGRC member clubs is deemed a “yes” vote. (28 Nov 2001)

BY LAW 7

Travel Expenses

That where attendance at the ANKC/NBC Conference requires interstate travel, that the reasonable travelling expenses of the Breed Council’s representative (ie the President or the Secretary) be met.   Accommodation and other out of pocket expenses are not to be included. (28 Nov 2001)

BY LAW 8
Travel Levy

That a sum of $50.00 per year be paid by each state club.  This sum to go towards the travelling expenses of the Breed Council’s representative (ie the President or the Secretary) to attend the ANKC/NBC’s Conference should interstate travel be necessary. (28 Nov 2001)

BY LAW 9

Reciprocal Membership Rights

Any person, upon being admitted as a member of a Golden Retriever Breed Club affiliated with the National Golden Retriever Council shall be exempt from any qualifying or waiting periods that may apply for such programs as a puppy referral scheme, stud dog advertising, etc provided that:

(a)             The member(s) resides in the state or territory of the Club for which they are seeking exemption;

(b)            The member(s) has held a continuous membership of the previous Club, which is affiliated with the National Golden Retriever Council and has resided in the state or territory of the previous club for a period equal or greater than that prescribed by the present club;

(c)             There is no break of membership by the member(s) between the previous Club and the acceptance as a member of the present club;  ie there must be a period during the qualifying or waiting period whereby the member did not hold a current membership of an affiliated club prior to joining the present club;  when seeking exemptions as outlined in this by-law, documentation supporting the period of past membership is to be submitted in writing, supplied by the Secretary of the previous Club to the Secretary of the present Club confirming period of membership of the previous Club.  (26 Nov 2003)

BY LAW 10

Timing of National Breed Shows

The conducting of a National Breed Show be restricted to being held once every three calendar years. (25 Nov 2004)

BY LAW 11

Timing of National Breed Shows

Any State Golden Retriever Club hosting a National must replace an existing show and it must not be held within two (2) weeks either side of any other State Breed specialty show.  (24 Nov 2005 – Rescinded 27 Feb 2007)

That the Golden Retriever Breed Council adopts the ANKC’s ruling that it is only necessary for there to be five (5) clear days between dates for a National Breed Show and a State Breed Championship Show.  (27 Feb 2007)