The 2009-2010 Committee will be elected at the Annual General Meeting on 15 October 2009. Now is the time to be thinking about putting yourself forward for nomination. Under the Constitution adopted last year, Friends of the Koala is required to have a Committee of not less than ten (the office-bearers and at least three ordinary members) and no more than thirteen members.

Being on the Committee requires a commitment of time to attend the bi- monthly meetings and to assist in actioning the business resulting from Committee decisions, but there are also advantages. 

Committee members are the group’s decision-makers. Participation really fast-tracks a member’s understanding of the breadth of activities we are involved in and the way in which the organisation functions. It can be a learning experience, especially if a person has not previously served on a committee. You work closely with fellow Committee members and, yes, there can be a sense of real achievement. FOK does not expect people to stay on its Committee indefinitely but if you commit we would like a full 12 month term.

The Committee is responsible for controlling and managing the group’s affairs. It is accountable for compliance with the conditions of our rehabilitation and release licence and other legislative obligations. It develops the direction of policy for our activities including rescue and care, habitat, community education, advocacy, lobbying, and research. It also attends to administration including, finance, correspondence, marketing and promotion.

The seven office-bearing positions are President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, Care Co-ordinator, Koala Care Centre Co-ordinator and Trees Officer. The number of general committee members depends on the number of nominations received. A few general committee members have occupied some of the other named positions of Training Officer, Leaf Collection Co-ordinator, Marketing Co-ordinator, Telephone Co-ordinator; Fundraiser Events Co-ordinator; and Membership Officer.

There is a degree of flexibility in the duties of non-office bearing positions, depending on the skills and interests of members who would like to stand. All positions become vacant and require formal nomination for election. If you are interested in finding out more aobut the Committee's work or a particular position, please contact the President.

Office-bearing positions and a brief outline of their duties:

President:  Provide leadership to FOK; prepare agendas for and chair meetings of the Committee of Management; chair the Friends of the Koala Care Fund Management Committee; co-ordinate advocacy and policy reform activities, prepare media releases; spokesperson; network.

Vice President:  Support and deputize for President as required; assist with co-ordinating activities.

Secretary:  Record minutes of Committee of Management meetings; Prepare routine correspondence; Organise the Annual General Meeting.

Treasurer:  Bank and manage finances; prepare financial reports; fulfill auditing obligations; receive and receipt fees for new membership nominations; prepare budget; member of the Friends of the Koala Care Fund Management Committee.

Care Co-ordinator:  Overall responsibility for the treatment and rehabilitation of all koalas brought into care; work closely with Care Centre Co-ordinator, Phone Co-ordinator, Training Officer, Home Carers and Veterinarians; authorise diagnostic tests and referrals to the Australian Wildlife Hospital; maintain accurate records including the database; prepare reports as required by the Committee; spokesperson.

Care Centre Co-ordinator:  Manage the Koala Care Centre; ensure maintenance and tidiness; supplies; oversee the hands-on training of rostered volunteers; co-ordinate involvement in voluntary work/award schemes; co-ordinate Supervisors’ meetings; prepare reports as required by the Committee.

Trees Officer:  Co-ordinate Nursery and related activities; maintain associated records; target priority areas for habitat restoration; liaise with local government and other partners and stakeholders regarding habitat matters; prepare reports as required by the Committee.