7/05/2021
MDAS Members approve new constitution
A key step foward in structural reform
Members of Mallee District Aboriginal Services have approved a key step forward in the organisation’s structural reform.
A Special General Meeting of members overwhelmingly approved a new Mallee District Aboriginal Services Ltd (MDAS) Constitution, which brings new safeguards for integrity and accountability, and increases member control of the organisation.
The new Constitution was approved by 96% of votes in favor by members meeting in person and online from Mildura, Swan Hill and Kerang.
The SGM was overseen by MDAS Deputy Chairperson Janene Murray, due to the ill-health of Chairperson Damien Murray, who attended online from Kerang but was not well enough to chair the meeting.
Mr Murray said after the meeting the reforms were critically important to the future of MDAS and Mallee Mobs.
“The new Constitution changes MDAS’s big-picture business operations by implementing more safeguards on integrity and accountability,” Mr Murray said.
“It also supports our communities’ demands for greater local control of services,” he said.
Mr Murray said for staff, the changes would mean they could go about their work each day knowing that MDAS, as an organisation, was genuinely representing our local Mobs.
“For our community, they know they are accessing services that are culturally safe, and that work in a truly democratic way under best-governance practice.
“And for our partners and stakeholders, it means they can do business with MDAS with confidence.”
The board will now submit the new Constitution for signoff by the Australian Charities and Not for Profits Commission. Also, because of the Constitutional change a number of existing board members will need to decide whether they choose to remain as board members or stay as employees of MDAS. Casual board vacancies now available will be filled by expressions of interest, which close on May 26.
“Our new Constitution is a key step forward, but in terms of the day-to-day business of our work and teams, their job and focus will not change. MDAS as an organisation is still all about our clients, our teams and most importantly, our Mobs,” Mr Murray said.
“It is our community and our staff who should be thanked and congratulated for bringing about this important change, and our Board is grateful for their persistence and hard work through this difficult time.
“Although it has been a tough process, we are increasingly clear about our direction and our purpose. With strong leadership, a commitment to integrity and respect for each other, and a determination to ground everything we do in Culture, there is no limit to what we can achieve together.”
Download the new constitution here:
Pictured: MDAS Chairman Damien Murray