Governance for Community Groups

Is your community group registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission (ACNC)? If not, are you eligible to be registered as a charity and do you know how to do it?

Does your group have an active ABN?

If your community group is not registered as a charity with the ACNC and you have an active ABN then you will be required to lodge an annual self-review return with the Australian Tax Office (ATO) for the financial year ending 30 June 2024.

To find out more about this change to reporting to the ATO please see the information on the Justice Connect website Top tips for applying for charity registration with the ACNC | Not-for-profit Law (nfplaw.org.au) These are slides from a recent webinar that provide some valuable information for you. To get access to the slides and the recording you may need to register with Justice Connect – follow the links.

There is also a free webinar in January 2024 that may be of interest to you Starting a Not-for-profit | Not-for-profit Law (nfplaw.org.au) While your organisation may already be incorporated there will be details of these changes and you will have the opportunity to ask questions of the presenter

As part of the Community Governance Program run by the four Ballarat Neighbourhood Houses, we will be presenting a workshop, in collaboration with BRMC, early in 2024 to explore these issues further. Watch this space for the date.

In the meantime, if you have any questions relating to your group please contact Kay Miller, Community Governance Officer email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or on mobile 0460 699 669.

Please note that Ballarat East Neighbourhood House will be closed from 18 December 2023 and will reopen on 23 January 2024.