2026 General Meeting
Sunday 22 Feb 2026
Cook Community Garden, Bindubi Street, Cook ACT 2614
4.00pm – 6.00pm
To change Section 16 of the Constitution: Election of Committee Members, sub-clauses 7 and 8
Sub-clause 7
Amend Sub-clause 7 to include a new point (c) so it reads as follows:
“A person is not eligible to hold more than one committee position simultaneously, except:
(a) the position of Public Officer;
(b) the position of Membership Secretary, which can be held by the Treasurer; and
(c) the position of Magazine Editor which can be held by the Information Officer and vice versa.”
Sub-clause 8
Delete the entire sub-clause
“A person may hold the position of President for no more three successive terms. They may seek re-election to the position of President after a period of no less than 12 months since they last held the office. When a past President is ineligible to hold the office of President, they may hold any other office or be an ordinary committee member’
Mover Peter Weddell, Vice President, past President, past Secretary (Member #1936)
Seconder Andy Hrast, past President, past Treasurer and Secretary (Member #170)
Rationale
Sub-clause 7
Allowing the positions of Magazine Editor and Information Officer to be held by the same person will provide opportunity for an important skill set to be shared across both roles. Especially relevant when annual nominations for these roles are unmet.
Sub-clause 8
COGS current President will relinquish office under current rules in March 2026.
A recent call for expressions of interest for office bearing positions and the general committee has indicated succession is uncertain.
The mover and seconder of the motion believe the current rules of tenure for the presidency are restrictive and it is in the best interests of COGS for a President to have the option of continuing in office to consolidate stability and development of the organisation. It would allow COGS to undertake a long-term succession planning process to identify and promote potential candidates for all office bearing positions. In terms of tenure, it will align COGS with most other local community organisations.
Proxy Voting
If unable to attend the meeting COGS members are encouraged to use the Appointment of Proxy Form to register their vote. Forms must be received by the COGS Vice-President by cob Friday 20 February 2026 or tabled at the meeting. Email completed forms to pwedd9@gmail.com
Download Proxy Form in PDF / Word
