Our Constitution

Article 1: Name and identity

1. The name of the organization shall be The Association of Kenyan Community in Central Queensland (TAKENCO QLD).
2. TAKENCO QLD is a registered non‑profit organization operating within Central QLD, Australia.
3. The Association exists to promote the welfare, unity, wellbeing and cultural identity of its members, while fostering positive engagement with the broader Australian community.
4. The Association is non‑political, non‑religious, and non‑discriminatory and operates in a manner that is inclusive, transparent and respectful of all members.
5. The Association shall be governed in accordance with this Constitution and all applicable Australian laws and regulations.

Vision

A united, supporting, and thriving Kenyan community contributing in Central QLD, connected through shared culture, mutual support and community service.

Mission

TAKENCO QLD’s mission is to provide a platform that:

• Brings together Kenyans in Central Queensland to foster unity, inclusion and mutual support.
• Promotes the welfare and wellbeing of members and their families through community support and emergency assistance.
• Celebrates and preserves Kenyan culture, heritage, values and traditions while encouraging positive integration within the broader Australian community.
• Encourages participation, networking, mentorship and collaboration to support personal, professional and community development.
• Provides appropriate mechanisms for resolving internal community disputes.
• Promotes positive relationships between the Kenyan community and the broader Australian community.
• Creates opportunities for networking, education, professional development and community participation.

Article 2: Objectives

1. Provide welfare and emergency support to members and their eligible beneficiaries through member contributions and linkages with government and non‑government organizations.
2. Foster cultural integration through community activities and events.
3. Offer emergency assistance during bereavement, illness, or hardship.
4. Promote unity, cooperation, and mutual support among Kenyans in Central QLD.
5. Encourage networking, knowledge sharing, community participation and personal development among members.
6. Maintain transparent and accountable financial and administrative systems.
7. Identify, apply for and secure grants, sponsorships, donations and other funding opportunities to support the Association's welfare programs, community initiatives, cultural activities and long‑term sustainability.

Article 3: Membership structure

Eligibility

Membership is open to all Kenyans living in Central QLD who meet the registration requirements.

Registration requirements

Members must complete registration and pay a registration fee consisting of an administrative fee and an emergency welfare fund contribution. Acceptance of this Constitution is mandatory.

Awaiting clarification: the draft states a total of AUD 80 made up of an AUD 30 administrative fee and an AUD 100 emergency welfare fund contribution. These parts add up to AUD 130, so the amounts are being confirmed.

Membership rights

Members have the right to:

• Receive welfare support and emergency support
• Participate in TAKENCO QLD programs and events
• Vote during elections and general meetings
• Access financial and administrative reports
• Propose matters for consideration by the Association in accordance with established procedures
• Be treated fairly, respectfully and without discrimination

Membership obligations

Members shall:

• Comply with and uphold the Constitution
• Maintain good conduct
• Pay membership fees, welfare contributions and emergency top‑ups when due
• Provide and maintain accurate beneficiary information
• Support the objectives, activities and welfare initiatives of the Association
• Treat fellow members with respect and refrain from conduct that may bring the Association into disrepute

Suspension, disqualification and termination of membership

Membership may be suspended or terminated by the Executive Committee where a member:

• Fails to meet financial obligations without an approved payment arrangement
• Engages in misconduct or fraud
• Provides false or misleading information to the Association
• Violates the Constitution
• Permanently ceases to meet the membership eligibility requirements

Prior to any suspension or termination, the member shall be given a reasonable opportunity to respond to the matter under consideration.

A member whose membership has been terminated may reapply for membership subject to approval by the Executive Committee and compliance with all membership requirements.

Article 4: Beneficiaries

1. Eligible beneficiaries include: spouse, children, parents, and legal dependents.
2. Beneficiary changes must be submitted in writing.

Article 5: Welfare support

Welfare assistance

Subject to eligibility, available funds and Executive Committee approval, TAKENCO QLD may provide welfare support during bereavement, illness, hardship or other approved emergencies through:

• Financial assistance from the welfare fund
• Community support and mobilization
• Referrals to relevant organisations and support services
• Liaison with relevant authorities where required

Emergency welfare contributions

Members must contribute a mandatory top‑up whenever a member or beneficiary passes away, or a major emergency occurs. The Executive Committee shall determine the top‑up amount.

Article 6: Governance structure

Executive Committee

The governance structure of TAKENCO QLD shall comprise: Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Welfare Officer, and 3–5 Committee Members.

Eligibility for Executive Committee positions

To be eligible for election or appointment to the Executive Committee, a member must:

• Be a fully registered member of TAKENCO QLD in good standing
• Have fulfilled all membership and financial obligations to the Association
• Be ordinarily resident in Central Queensland
• Hold Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or a valid visa that permits the member to lawfully reside in Australia for the duration of their elected term
• Not be subject to any disciplinary action or suspension by the Association at the time of nomination
• Remain compliant with the Constitution and Code of Conduct throughout their term of office

Where a Committee member ceases to hold a valid visa or lawful residency status in Australia, or no longer meets the eligibility requirements, the Executive Committee may declare the position vacant.

Duties of officers

• Chairperson: Leads the Association, chairs meetings, represents TAKENCO QLD externally.
• Vice Chairperson: Assists and deputizes for the Chairperson.
• Secretary: Manages records, communication, and minutes.
• Treasurer: Oversees finances and prepares reports.
• Welfare Officer: Coordinates welfare support and emergency responses.
• Committee Members: Support programs, events, and welfare operations.

Executive Committee decisions

• Executive Committee decisions shall be made by a simple majority vote of members present, with the Chairperson having a casting vote in the event of a tie.
• Members with a conflict of interest must abstain from voting.
• All decisions shall be recorded in the meeting minutes.

Elections

Elections shall be held annually during the AGM and conducted by secret ballot. Only fully registered members may vote or contest for Executive Committee positions. Candidates must satisfy the eligibility requirements outlined in this Constitution at the time of nomination and throughout their term of office.

Article 7: Meetings

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

The AGM shall review annual activities, present audited financial reports, conduct elections, and amend the Constitution where necessary.

Special meetings

Special meetings may be called by the Chairperson, two‑thirds of the Executive Committee, or a petition signed by at least 30% of members.

Article 8: Financial management

1. All Association funds shall be deposited in an account held with a recognized financial institution in the name of TAKENCO QLD.
2. The Treasurer shall maintain accurate records and present financial reports to the Executive Committee quarterly and to members during the AGM.
3. Association funds shall not be used for the personal benefit of any member.
4. All welfare disbursements require Executive Committee approval.
5. Annual financial audits shall be conducted.
6. The Association's bank account shall have a minimum of three authorised signatories, comprising the Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary. Any withdrawal, transfer or payment from the Association's account shall require the approval of at least two authorised signatories.
7. The Executive Committee shall ensure that all funds are managed in a transparent, accountable and responsible manner consistent with the objectives of the Association.

Article 9: Code of conduct & welfare payout rules

Conduct expectations

Members shall:

• Treat all members with respect, courtesy and fairness
• Promote unity, inclusion and harmony within the Association
• Refrain from discrimination, harassment, or intimidation
• Comply with this Constitution, Association policies and applicable Australian laws
• Protect TAKENCO QLD’s reputation
• Avoid misuse of welfare funds or confidential information

Welfare benefit

Subject to eligibility requirements and available funds, the Association shall provide a welfare benefit in the event of an approved claim.

Awaiting clarification: the draft sets a fixed benefit of AUD 5,000 here, while Article 5 makes welfare support discretionary and subject to available funds. Whether the amount also applies to beneficiaries is being confirmed.

One‑off contribution on member demise

In the event of a member’s demise, all members shall contribute a one‑off payment.

Awaiting clarification: the draft fixes this at AUD 100, while Article 5 says the Executive Committee determines each top‑up amount.

Benefit restriction for members in arrears

A member owing AUD 150 or more shall not benefit from the TAKENCO QLD scheme unless a prior approved payment plan exists. Members cannot clear arrears after an incident to qualify for benefits.

Article 10: Disciplinary action

1. Misconduct may result in: warning, suspension, removal from membership, or legal action.
2. Disciplinary decisions require a two‑thirds majority of the Executive Committee.

Article 11: Amendments

1. Amendments may be proposed by the Executive Committee or any member in writing.
2. Amendments require a two‑thirds majority vote at the AGM.

Article 12: Dissolution

1. The Association may be dissolved by a three‑quarters majority vote.
2. Remaining funds shall be donated to a recognized charitable organization in Australia.

Article 13: Adoption & membership termination rules

Adoption of the Constitution

This Constitution becomes effective upon approval by two‑thirds of registered members.

Membership termination due to arrears

A member shall be removed from TAKENCO QLD if they owe AUD 300 or more, and have not provided an approved payment arrangement within three months. Such a member may re‑join the Association as a new starter.

Relocation outside Central Queensland

A member who permanently relocates outside Central Queensland may apply to retain their membership, subject to approval by the Executive Committee and continued compliance with the Association's membership obligations.

Retained members shall not have voting rights or be eligible to hold elected office within the Association.