After finding out that any lease for the garden would need to either be in an individuals name or an incorporated body, we revisited the idea of incorporating, recognizing that if we seek to form under an existing body, that body may not be prepared to take on the responsibility of the lease. In addition it was also discussed that it may make it easier to apply for funding if we were incorporated and that it would be worthwhile contacting the Manjimup Historical Society as another possible partner.

Following this meeting Simon Dooley did some research into what would be required, see below:
(Thanks Simon)

Registering “The Manjimup Community Garden Inc.” as an Incorporated Association in Western Australia

6 or more people can join together and agree to be members of “The Manjimup Community Garden Inc.”

The Manjimup Community Garden Inc. would then be an actual organisation in it’s own right that can engage in activities with who ever it likes. Eg Leasing land from Manjimup Shire Council, obtaining insurance coverage, setting up an account with a Credit Union/Bank or other financial institution, receiving sponsorship/sponsoring local groups etc…

Steps

1.     At least 6 of us agree to put our names down as members of “The Manjimup Community Garden Inc.” and to pay the membership fee. The membership fee can be any amount that we decide it to be

2.     We complete 3 forms and submit them to the Department of Commerce regarding our application to register “The Manjimup Community Garden Inc.” as an incorporated Association

3.     We Adopt the “Model Rules”/Constitution, with whatever variations we choose: See “Model Rules” checklist and draft

  

4.     We pay the Registration Fee of $132.00 to the Department of Commerce

5.     We appoint a Committee, that includes our “Office Bearers” Eg Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer etc

6.     We arrange for our financial records to be properly maintained

7.     We determine the date for our first Annual General Meeting which has to take place within 18 months

8.     We purchase a stamp that contains our common seal containing the words “The Manjimup Community Garden Inc.”

LINKS TO MORE INFORMATION

General Advice on Incorporating an Association

  

Dept of Commerce Forms and Publications for Associations