Member participation

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Paid members have voting rights in accordance with Aquaholics' Rules and contribute to the direction and priorities of the organisation. The Committee manages day-to-day governance and operational oversight, while significant matters are considered through the organisation's established decision-making processes.

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Independence, partnerships & conflicts of interest

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Aquaholics works with businesses, training providers, conservation organisations, government agencies and other community partners where collaboration supports our objectives.

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Partnerships do not transfer governance or decision-making authority away from Aquaholics. Decisions concerning expenditure, procurement, partnerships and project delivery remain subject to Aquaholics' governance processes.

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Actual, potential and perceived conflicts of interest are required to be declared and managed in accordance with the Aquaholics Conflict of Interest Policy. Committee members with a relevant conflict may be excluded from discussion or decision-making where appropriate.​

 

Safe & Respectful Participation

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Aquaholics is committed to providing activities and volunteering environments that are safe, respectful, inclusive and welcoming.

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​Aquaholics seeks to provide equitable opportunities to participate and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, cultural background or other personal characteristics unrelated to safe and appropriate participation.  Learn more about Inclusive Participation on our Get Involved page.

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Everyone participating in Aquaholics activities — whether as a member, volunteer, participant, committee member, activity leader or partner — is expected to treat others with respect, behave responsibly and contribute to an environment in which people can participate with confidence.

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Our Code of Conduct

 

Our Code of Conduct establishes the standards of behaviour expected of people involved with Aquaholics, including respect for others, responsible participation, appropriate conduct and accountability.

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Aquaholics adheres to the Victorian Fair Play Code, with its principles incorporated into and supported by our Code of Conduct.

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Child Safety & Wellbeing

 

Aquaholics is committed to the safety, participation and wellbeing of children and young people who may engage with our organisation or activities.

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Our Child Safety & Wellbeing Policy sets out our commitment to child-safe practices, appropriate conduct, risk management and responding to concerns.

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Health, Safety & Wellbeing

 

Marine and outdoor activities require careful planning, appropriate supervision and active management of changing conditions and risks.

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Aquaholics maintains safety systems covering activity planning, participant readiness, field operations, incident management and emergency response. These systems support our volunteers and activity leaders to make appropriate decisions and, where necessary, modify or cancel activities when conditions are unsuitable.

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Our overarching approach is set out in the Health, Safety & Wellbeing Policy.

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Raising a Concern

 

We want members, volunteers, participants and members of the community to feel able to raise concerns about behaviour, safety or their experience with Aquaholics.

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Concerns and complaints are handled through an established process designed to provide appropriate, fair and respectful consideration of the issues raised.

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View the Complaints, Feedback & Dispute Resolution Policy, or Contact Aquaholics About a Concern

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Supporting Safe Activities

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Behind these public policies, Aquaholics maintains operational procedures for areas including field activity safety, emergency response, incident and hazard reporting, environmental conditions, biosecurity and project-specific activities.

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These procedures support consistent decision-making and help our volunteers and activity leaders deliver activities safely and responsibly.

 

Financial Accountability

 

Aquaholics is committed to responsible and transparent management of membership income, grants, donations and project funding.

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Financial oversight is provided by the Treasurer and Committee, with expenditure managed through established approval and financial delegation processes. Grant and restricted project funding is recorded against its approved purpose, and reporting is completed in accordance with applicable funding agreements.

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Where transactions involve an actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest, they are managed in accordance with Aquaholics' Conflict of Interest Policy and relevant governance procedures.

 

Key Governance Documents

 

Aquaholics maintains policies, procedures and governance documents to support responsible decision-making, safe participation and accountable operation of the organisation.

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Governance & Accountability

 

Rules / Constitution - Sets out the formal rules governing Aquaholics Club Inc.
 

Committee Terms of Reference & Delegated Authority - Defines Committee responsibilities, authority and decision-making arrangements.
 

Conflict of Interest Policy - Sets out how actual, potential and perceived conflicts are identified, declared and managed.
 

Safety, Conduct & Participation

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Code of Conduct - Sets expectations for appropriate and respectful behaviour.

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Child Safety & Wellbeing Policy - Sets out Aquaholics' commitment to child-safe practices and environments.

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Health, Safety & Wellbeing Policy - Provides the overarching framework for managing health and safety across Aquaholics activities.

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Complaints, Feedback & Dispute Resolution Policy - Explains how concerns, complaints and disputes are received and addressed.
 

Information & Organisational Management

 

Privacy & Information Management Policy - Explains how Aquaholics manages personal information and organisational records.
 

Environmental Stewardship & Conservation Policy - Sets out the principles guiding Aquaholics' environmental activities and decision-making.​

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Questions or Concerns

 

Questions about Aquaholics' governance, policies, Committee processes or organisational practices can be directed to us through the contact link below.

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If your enquiry relates to behaviour, safety, child wellbeing or a complaint, please use the appropriate process outlined in our Safe & Respectful Participation section and Complaints, Feedback & Dispute Resolution Policy.

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Contact Aquaholics committee