
NOTICE OF A SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING OF MEMBERS
To be held at 10:30 am on Monday, 9 September 2019 in the Mitchell Theatre, Level 1 at the School.
There are two important matters requiring the consideration of members:
- Changes to the By-laws relating primarily to the election of office bearers; and
- Addressing our School’s future accommodation needs
Background papers concerning both items are being circulated to all members and will be published on the members’ website.
The first item concerns the By-laws, the document that prescribes how the organisation is to function. The changes proposed relate to correcting inconsistencies with the Act of Incorporation, changes to the numbering sequence, providing for the President to be elected by the Directors rather than the wider membership, extending the maximum time for which a Director can hold the office of President and clarifying some minor inconsistencies. Explanations to each proposed change are contained in the schedule available to members. The recommendation is:
“In accordance with the Act of Incorporation 1886, section 9, members approve the changes to the By-laws contained in the published schedule dated 5 August 2019.”
The second item is focussed on ensuring the future financial strength of the School. A presentation of the range of factors taken into account will be given at the meeting. The Board draws your attention to the contents of the President’s communique accompanying this notice. The recommendation before the meeting is:
“That this meeting is of the opinion that it is desirable to exercise the power of sale conferred upon the Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts by Section 5 of the Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts Incorporation Act of 1886, in relation to the property being Lot 1 in Deposited Plan 535299 upon which is erected the premises known as 280-282 Pitt Street, Sydney and authority is hereby given to the Board to act in and about such sale pursuant to the said Section and pursuant to all other powers it enabling at or for such price and upon such terms as the Board deems appropriate but subject always to confirmation at a further meeting of members as provided by Section 5 of the said Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts Incorporation Act of 1886.”
This notice is given in accordance with the provisions of Section 11 of the Act of Incorporation. Under By-law 24.1 at least fifteen qualified members must be present to vote on the matter. No other business will be conducted. If further information is required please contact the undersigned.
Brian Johnston
Secretary