AWA Branches

The Australian Water Association has a strong network of branches embracing each state and territory (and IWA activities in Australia) covering regional issues, state and territory government policy and specialist technical areas. The Australian Water Association’s branch structure provides the necessary local networks for effective member-to-member interactions, member communication and service delivery. State and Territory Managers, supported by Branch Committees are responsible for local activities that support the three pillars of the Asociation’s Strategic Plan and annual Business Plans: relevant information (including advocacy), professional development, and networking/industry development, working towards the vision of sustainable water management.

Branch Guidelines give an overview of the structure and workings of Branch committees. 
Terms of Reference give more information about the International Water Association Australia Committee (IWAA).

Committee Elections

The members of each Branch shall elect a Committee of no fewer than four members and not more than 22. The optimal number of committee positions is between 7 and 15. Nominees must be financial members of the Association and reside in the state or territory they are standing for election. Branch committee appointments will be for two year terms of office. Half committee elections occur annually. This also ensures SAC members have at least 12 months experience before being required to participate in AWA Board of Director Elections.

The committee election can be undertaken at a meeting of members or by electronic/web-based means. These elections should be completed by the end of September. Committee terms are for two years.  

If the number of nominations for the branch committee is equal to or less than the number of required positions, then no election will be held and the nominees will take office unopposed. 

The results of the Branch Committee election should be communicated to all members in that region as soon as possible after the election has been finalised. 

There is no requirement for a Branch to hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) as Branches are not separate legal entities and hence have no obligations under law to hold a formal AGM. Branches should avoid using the term Annual Members Meeting or AGM to avoid giving the impression that the Branch has some independent legal status.
 

Branch Committee Positions

The Branch Committee shall elect the following office bearers from amongst its members.

Branch President, who apart from being the chairperson for the Branch Committee, shall represent the Branch on the Strategic Advisory Council

Vice-President (if required by the circumstances above) to act in the Presidents absence for Branch committee meetings

Second representative to the Strategic Advisory Council (who may hold another Branch Committee position) 

There may be other positions that Branch Committee may determine from time to time to assist in delivery of Branch activities.