Constitution & Governance
TOCAH is a not-for-profit, non-sectarian and non-political incorporated association, established to raise the visibility of—and access to—the history of country Australia, and to bring together people who care about preserving it.
Our governance framework exists to keep TOCAH transparent, accountable, and future-focused as we build a living digital collection of regional, rural and remote (RRR) memory.
Our Constitution
TOCAH operates in accordance with its Constitution (with amendments to August 2024). This document outlines our objects, powers, membership structure, committee roles, meeting procedures, financial reporting requirements, and how constitutional changes are made.
View TOCAH’s Constitution (PDF)
What TOCAH is here to do
In the Constitution, TOCAH’s objects include (in plain English):
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Raising the visibility of, and access to, the history of country Australia
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Bringing together people interested in country Australian history
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Supporting research by providing access to historical resources
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Maintaining close contact with organisations with similar aims
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Developing an online register of relevant collections and sources
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Prioritising unique resources at risk of being lost
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Encouraging the recording of histories and undertaking projects of lasting value
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Producing publications as determined by the Management Committee
- Doing all of the above with integrity
- Building and maintaining a “collection of significance” that reflects country Australia
Financial accountability
TOCAH’s financial management is governed by the Constitution and overseen by the Treasurer and Management Committee.
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All expenditure is approved or ratified at a Management Committee meeting
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After each financial year, statements are prepared covering income/expenditure and assets/liabilities, then examined by an auditor prior to the AGM
- TOCAH’s financial year closes on 30 June
By-laws and changes to the Constitution
TOCAH may create internal by-laws (consistent with the Constitution) to support effective operations, and members can set aside by-laws at a general meeting.
Changes to the Constitution are made by special resolution in line with the Associations Incorporation Act 1981 and the approvals specified in the document.
Questions about governance?
If you have questions about membership, committee roles, or how TOCAH operates, please reach out to the committee via the contact form on this page.