Introduction

Often people want to form a group to pursue a common goal, such as assisting people who are experiencing hardship or foster social connection and shared interests, such as forming a local netball club. Community organisations are important, and most people will either be part of a community organisation or will have to deal with one.

It is important to understand both the basic operation and structure of community organisations, and the key legal requirements for running them.

This chapter does not contain comprehensive information about every form of community organisation. Nor does it set out the law as it relates to these organisations in detail. It contains an overview of the most common legal structures available to community organisations (and their advantages and disadvantages) and information about other general legal considerations to bear in mind when running a community organisation. 

The content of this chapter is directed only to not-for-profit community organisations and the focus is on community organisations based in Victoria (including those that operate nationally).

For more information on issues raised in this chapter, see the free resources on Justice Connect Not-for-profit Law’s website (www.nfplaw.org.au). Justice Connect is a community legal centre that has a specialist service, Not-for-profit Law, that helps not-for-profit community groups. Not-for-profit Law disclaimer: www.nfplaw.org.au/disclaimer.

Introduction

Chapter: 6.6: Community organisations

Contributor: Justice Connect’s Not-for-profit Law Service

Current as of: 1 September 2024

Law Handbook Page: 548

Next Section: Key legislation