I don't think I'm breaching any protocol by reposting this here. I must say
I commend the 2 organisations on the transparency with which they've pursued
this proposal...
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Dear ,
Update from the Presidents of Bird Observation & Conservation Australia and
Birds Australia
As you know a Joint Working Group from BOCA and Birds Australia has been
canvassing opinions from members on whether the two organisations should
join forces.
When we last wrote to you in April, we had received significant feedback
from members of both organisations, of whom over 80 percent were in support
of the amalgamation, while less than 6 percent stated an opposition. This
initial signal of support for the proposal to unite has encouraged the Joint
Working Group to take forward some of the steps necessary to progress a
potential amalgamation.
Based on your responses and further discussions, the Working Group has
recommended to the BOCA Board and BA Council that the necessary steps for
amalgamation should proceed recognising the benefits that formal
amalgamation would bring both to the organisations and to our members. BA
Council and BOCA Board support the proposal to amalgamate and accepted the
recommendation noting however that the final decision rests with the
members. You will have the opportunity to vote on this proposal at the AGMs
in May 2011. In advance of this you will be provided with all of the
information you need to make an informed decision. We are writing to you now
to provide the answers to the overriding questions which have been raised in
your feedback and to update progress by the Working group to date.
A new organisation - what would it do?
The new organisation would bring together the best of both organisations. We
would still offer recreational activities for members encouraging
appreciation of Australian birds, advocate for bird conservation, take on
and oversee conservation projects, maintain our research portfolio, and run
education and awareness-raising activities; all under the one banner of the
new organisation.
The value of the new organisation would be to combine these activities to be
more representative and inclusive and be a much stronger voice for bird
conservation. The organisation would be national in scope, but retain a
strong local feel through extensive membership and activities regionally and
locally across all states.
What would the new organisation be called?
As outlined in our previous letter, the united organisation would, for
operational and symbolic reasons, require a new name. A new name simplifies
the transition arrangements and allows the new organisation to establish an
identity which recognises, but is different from, both current
organisations.
The Joint Working Group has recommended that the new organisation would be
called 'BirdLife Australia'. This reflects our vision that the new
organisation would be of international standing by invoking participation in
the global body BirdLife International. As a partner in BirdLife
International we will have the best of both worlds. We will be able to
retain our autonomy and rights to self-determination as a national
organisation, while at the same time BirdLife International acts on behalf
of the partnership in global fora, and in the development of policies and
programs we will be able to adopt and engage in. We hope a similar
philosophy might apply in the new BirdLife Australia. The members' magazine
of the new organisation would also carry the name BirdLife Australia to help
with establishing an identifiable and consistent brand.
Both organisations' Boards have agreed with the suggested new name and
instructed the Joint Working Group to take any steps that are required to
ensure that the name is legally available, should the members' vote in May
decide that the amalgamation will go ahead.
What would happen to BOCA and BA branches and groups?
We would expect and hope that BOCA and BA local and regional structures
would continue and ultimately flourish within the new organisation. The
local presence and geographical representation of the new organisation would
be central to its success. We understand the importance of continuing to
allow branches and regional groups to have a considerable say in their
current and future activities. While the exact structure and operation of
the branches and groups has not yet been discussed, the Boards agree that
the new organisation would wish to retain the value and contribution of the
regional groups and branches, and any structural changes would be discussed
through consultation with the wider group network. We are pleased to note
that discussions have already begun between BOCA and BA at the local level.
One intention within the new organisation would be to focus more resources
on supporting the group network. This would probably be a dedicated staff
role within the organisation which would provide advice, support and liaison
on group activities and operations.
What would the membership fee be?
The fee paid by members would essentially be unchanged for those who are a
member of one of the current organisations. For those who are members of
both organisations, a single membership fee would be charged providing them
with an immediate benefit upon amalgamation.
What would be the transition arrangements?
To ensure the necessary governance of the new organisation during the
transition period, an interim Board of Directors would be established after
the May 2011 vote. The interim Board would be appointed by, and have equal
representation from, the existing boards of the organisations. A Chair who
is independent of the two current Boards would be appointed to guide the
transition in a demonstrably impartial way. The interim Board would operate
for two years until the transition was complete and the new organisation was
operating effectively at which time voting for Directors by Members would
resume.
The Boards have agreed to appoint Birds Australia CEO Dr Graeme Hamilton as
CEO of the new organisation to provide continuity through the planning and
transitional phases.
What happens next?
We know that we have not yet answered all of the questions asked in your
responses to our earlier letters. We hope you will understand that there is
much to be done and we will continue to inform you as the Working Group
addresses the issues and recommends a way forward. We would welcome your
comments at any time.
In the next few months we will be working through a number of legal,
constitutional and financial issues to ensure that a smooth transition to
the new organisation can be achieved if the members wish the amalgamation to
go ahead. Considerable planning is needed at this stage to show what we
expect the new organisation will achieve so that you can judge for
yourselves whether to support the proposal or not.
We strongly encourage you to take part in the vote - this is your chance to
have your say and make a difference to the future of your birding
organisation. Whether you welcome the amalgamation of BOCA and BA or oppose
it, this is your chance to make sure that your opinion counts.
There is still time to feed into the process even prior to taking your vote
in May. Your comments should be either mailed or emailed to either Chief
Executive Officer:
Graeme Hamilton: Birds Australia, Suite 2-05, 60 Leicester St Carlton Vic
3053
Email:
Richard Hunter: Bird Observation & Conservation Australia, PO Box 185,
Nunawading Vic 3131
Email:
We thank you for your interest and for your support for our organisations,
allowing us to continue to work on your behalf for our Australian birds.
Alison Russell-French John
Barkla
President Birds Australia
President BOCA
...........................................................................................................................................................
Birds Australia
Suite 2-05, 60 Leicester Street
Carlton VIC 3053
Australia
Ph 1300 730 075
www.birdsaustralia.com.au
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