Legal structure
NPA is an incorporated association and registered charity. Our public charitable purposes are:
| • advancing the natural environment | • advancing education |
| • advancing culture | • advancing public debate |
As a charity, we are not permitted to promote or oppose any political party, representative or candidate. Our campaign and advocacy activities are therefore strictly non-partisan.
We have ‘DGR status’, which means all donations over $2 are tax-deductible. We also hold an authority to undertake charitable fundraising.
Please note that NPA is an independent community organisation, and is not part of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service or the NSW Government.
Internal structure
NPA has a strongly decentralised structure that is specifically designed to support member-led community action. The key elements in our structure are:
| • members • groups • State Council | • Executive • general meetings • professional staff |
Members
Members are our foundation. They provide significant financial and voluntary support, bring knowledge and enthusiasm, participate in our activities, and give direction and leadership.
Groups
Groups comprise members working together to advance NPA’s goals and objectives. Groups allow members to combine and mobilise their talents, knowledge and energy. There are two kinds of groups.
Regional groups (officially called ‘branch committees’) conduct conservation, outdoor, social and other activities within a particular region. There are active groups in most of the State’s major regions. They are always glad to receive offers of assistance.
Specialist groups concentrate on a particular program or special interest. They mostly report to the State Council. There are specialist groups for:
- Landscape conservation
- Marine conservation
- Park management
- Field activities (includes bushwalking)
Management Groups deal with financial, organisational and operational matters. They report to the Executive Committee. There are management groups for:
- Finance and fundraising
- Membership
- Recruitment and awards
NPA State Council
State Council members guide our strategic direction and policy, supervise groups, elect Executive members, and perform certain governance functions. They include representatives from each group, representatives from affiliated organisations, the Executive members, and additional appointed members. Total composition is typically around 35 persons.
Meetings are held 4 times per year on Saturdays at various locations across NSW, or online. A local inspection is usually held the following day. NPA members are welcome to attend meetings and associated activities.
Become an NPA State Council member
NPA Executive
Executive members manage NPA’s financial and operational affairs, undertake business planning, oversee implementation of the annual budget and supervise the Chief Executive Officer.
Become an NPA Executive member
General meetings
General meetings represent the collective voice of members, and are open to all members. There are 3 types of general meeting.
Annual general meetings (‘AGMs’) are held every November. Their role is to ensure that NPA’s management and affairs remain transparent and accountable to members and donors. Information is provided about our activities and progress over the preceding year. You can ask questions or make comments. We usually arrange a special guest speaker. Current practice is to hold meetings online.
Branch annual general meetings are held between July and September each year. They perform a similar role to annual general meetings, but at a regional level. Members also elect officers for the relevant branch committee. Meetings can take a variety of formats, including indoor, outdoor barbeque, or online.
Special general meetings (‘SGMs’) are held infrequently to consider matters of major importance, such as constitutional alterations. A postal or electronic ballot may be held in conjunction with an SGM.
Professional staff
NPA’s voluntary work is assisted by a small but dedicated team of full-time and part-time professional staff. Key roles include general administration, support for member programs, and coordinating our high-level advocacy and campaign work.
