AMC Documents Update Q&A

AMC Constitution

Why does the AMC need a new Constitution?

The current AMC 2015 Constitution dates back almost 10 years and no longer complies with current law. It is cumbersome, excessive in wording, overly complicated, has many contradictions, includes items that are not constitution related, and is outdated, and hence poorly understood.

It is past its use by date & AMC needs a new Constitution to strengthen the association by simplifying its management, enabling strong governance for the next five to 10 years and beyond.

What are some of the deficiencies to be removed from the current (2015) Constitution?

There are numerous deficiencies. The proposed 2024 Constitution removes &/or clarifies:

  • Student Membership category – requires Student Members to formally advise AMC when their Celebrant application is determined by the Australian Government

  • Membership financial year – reaffirms the Membership year as 1 July to June 30 (same as Australian Government’s celebrant registration year and celebrant insurance policies)

  • Non-Members – clarifies when an unfinancial member becomes a non-member being 31 July

  • Clarifies financial matters – such as bank signatories and authorise funds etc

  • Membership Form & Terms and Conditions – removed from Constitution attachment to policies and procedures for easy updating

  • Voluntary Association – clarifies that the AMC Committee is voluntary

  • Adopts a Conflict of Interests Register as designed & recommended by NSW Fair Trading

  • Changes to the Public Officer role – must be a NSW Celebrant Member, but not an AMC Executive
    member – this eases the Executive functions, adds transparency and consistency

  • Clauses required for good governance – the proposed constitution is based on NSW Fair Trading 2024 Model Constitution and modified for AMC good operating practices

  • Dispute Resolution and Community Justices clause for mediation is updated to comply with NSW Community Justices Act changes effective 1 July 2025

Other benefits of the proposed constitution?

  • It is written in plain English. By simplifying and updating the Constitution, it will be better
    understood and more easily followed, especially with removal of conflicting clauses

  • Terminology is updated to comply with current guidelines and requirements

  • It covers legal requirements under NSW Incorporated Associations Act & Regulations

  • It has an index for ease of use

  • Is 11 pages, including the index, compared to 31 pages in the 2015 Constitution

  • Links to AMC Policies & Procedures, the Act, Regulations & Constitution, for good governance

  • Eliminates Life Members & offers a new awards scheme to be introduced, celebrated & marketed by all Members

  • Strengthens AMC by simplifying and clarifying good governance as well s looking to the future.

AMC Objects

“Objects” are a legal requirement of not-for-profit incorporated associations. They are lodged with NSW Fair Trading BEFORE an association is allowed to incorporate

Why does AMC need new Objects?

The proposed Objects are written for 2025 and beyond. It:

  • is simplified – less words, more meaning!

  • doesn’t overlap Authorised Celebrant responsibilities by the Australian Government

  • clearly states we are a not-for-profit organisation –useful to apply for grants & sponsorships!

  • highlights Celebrants as part of Australia’s small business community – think support small businesses marketing!

  • we will promote our members’ marriage celebrancy services within Australia, and the world. Australia is a destination wedding venue for couples – (think the reverse of Bali weddings!)

AMC Code of Conduct

Why do we need a new Code of Conduct?

The current code is outdated and wordy.

We want a revitalised code to carry us into the next decade.

With 80% less words we think it has more meaning.

Can include on AMC Membership Certificates for display & marketing to prospective clients

Want to know more?

Go to NSW Fair Trading Incorporated Association’s information sheets.

Phone AMC Constitution Sub-Committee member Lou Szymkow on 0457 001 922

What’s next for the AMC?

Once we agree the new Constitution, Objects and Code of Conduct & they are accepted by NSW Fair Trading, we can run our 2024 AGM and Elections for 2024-5 under these new rules. As you can see, we have been very busy preparing these operating documents for a sustainable AMC in 2025 and beyond.

Enjoy the festive season!

But first, we want to enjoy the festive season! Then join our Special General Meeting in January 2025, and proposed AGM late February, subject to NSW Fair Trading approval.

How can you help?

Get involved! AMC wants to run its AGM under the proposed new Constitution, which is more
professional, current and simplistic.

We are looking for people to nominate for the 2025-6 AMC Committee, or to offer to assist with sub-committees like an AMC Conference, financial management and marketing.

Many hands make light work.

Read about Committee roles in the proposed Constitution. We hope to further streamline our operations, continue our successful Regional Meetings and launch new awards for our Celebrant Members.

But we need active volunteers to assist to make AMC bigger and better!

Consider how you can be involved and be proactive in the AMC Celebrant Community.