SMSA (Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts)Previous Communiques
OUTCOMES OF THE SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING, HELD ON 9 SEPTEMBER 2019
Just a brief note to inform you of the outcomes from the meeting.
First Recommendation
This concerned the By-laws, the document that prescribes how the organisation is to function. The changes proposed related 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. The meeting was asked to accept the proposed changes in their entirety. The recommendation was not supported by a majority of those present.
Not carried
Second Recommendation
The item was focused on ensuring the School’s long term financial strength. This was particularly concerned with whether the organisation’s interests, and those of its members, was best served by continuing ownership of its current property. To develop the best course of action it was necessary to test the market value of the current building.
Carried
On behalf of my colleagues on the Board, I wish to thank all those members who attended and contributed to the outcomes. The discussion was at times robust, but consultation with members is an important part of the process. Difficult though the consultation process can be at times, it is a fundamental responsibility of the Board to look well beyond the immediate future in making decisions that ensure the long term well-being of the entire organisation.
Winsome Allen, President
11 September 2019