Dear Members, 

The Board of Dragon Boat Victoria Inc. gives notice of a Special General Meeting (SGM) to be held on: 

Date: Wednesday, 8 October 2025 
Time: 7:00 PM 

The purpose of this SGM is to consider and vote on this motion: 

The adoption of a new Constitution for Dragon Boat Victoria Inc., which, if approved, will replace the current 2021 Constitution. This change includes a mandatory change to our Constitution in line with Australian Tax Office winding up requirements. 

Why a new Constitution? 

This update was prompted by two key drivers. First, compliance with the Australian Tax Office’s winding-up requirements, which must be in place by 31 October 2025. Secondly, valuable feedback from Presidents and clubs across Victoria, who highlighted confusion and lack of clarity around several clauses in our existing constitution. 

Recognising the importance of getting this right, the Board commissioned an external review, engaging constitutional lawyers and benchmarking against best practice governance frameworks used by other states within AusDBF. Their advice has resulted in a clear, contemporary, and fit‑for‑purpose constitution that reflects who we are today and where we want to be tomorrow. 

By updating our Constitution now, we are ensuring DBV complies with legal requirements, removes outdated or confusing clauses, and provides a solid foundation that will allow our clubs to grow with confidence. The new document is intended to make governance easier to understand, more transparent, and more relevant to the way our sport operates today. 

This new Constitution will ensure that DBV: 

The key changes include: 

Documents for review 

All documents are available for members to download for review, see below.

Motion to be considered 

At the SGM, members will be asked to pass the following Special Resolution: 

Agenda Item 1  - Notice of motion 

Notice is given to members that it is proposed to adopt a new constitution. 

 The following motion is proposed as a single special resolution. 

                             THAT: 

Voting eligibility 

To have a vote at a Special General Meeting (SGM), you must be a current member of Dragon Boat Victoria who is entitled to vote. This means you are not an Associate Member and your membership rights are active and not suspended. As this motion is a special resolution, at least two-thirds of the members present, and entitled to vote, must agree for it to pass. In the event of a tie, the Chairperson of the meeting has the deciding vote. Voting may take place by a show of hands or, if requested, by a secret ballot to ensure every member's voice is heard fairly. 

Next steps 

Following member approval, the new Constitution will be lodged with Consumer Affairs Victoria for registration. Once confirmed, it will apply from the 2025 Annual General Meeting on 13 November 2025, including the election of Directors. 

Your participation is vital to ensure that DBV remains strong and sustainable. 

Please RSVP by 1 October 2025 on the DBV events page (www.dragonboatvictoria.com.au) to confirm your attendance via the online link.