The process of writing a new constitution for Dragon Boat Victoria originated from both regulatory necessity and member concerns. The Australian Tax Office requires all incorporated associations to update their constitutions with compulsory winding-up provisions and other compliance elements. Recognising this, the Board saw an opportunity not only to meet these legal mandates, but also to address persistent feedback from members who found many aspects of the old constitution ambiguous or difficult to interpret. By undertaking a comprehensive review and engaging with legal experts, the Board created a clearer, contemporary document that would strengthen understanding, transparency, and effective governance for the association going forward. 

A Special General Meeting was called for 8th October 2025, but significant feedback was received from members expressing concern that adequate time had not been provided to thoroughly review the proposed new constitution. The Board acknowledges that some clubs encouraged members to vote against the proposed constitution without seeking greater clarification and understanding. However, we remain committed to listening to all perspectives and addressing concerns with openness and respect. This situation prompted the Board to postpone the vote on the new constitution. To address these concerns and open communication channels, the scheduled Special General Meeting was changed to a Q&A session. This session openly addressed members’ questions and concerns, with more than 80 members present at the session. The recording for this session can be found HERE and enter passcode: @D20N2+f

Following the meeting in which the vote was postponed, the DBV Board convened the following evening to establish a clear and structured timeline to commence an additional constitution review process. This plan includes an Expression of Interest (EOI) phase for members interested in joining a dedicated working group tasked with reviewing member feedback and evolvingthe draft constitution. Members will be invited to provide their input through formal channels, ensuring transparent and inclusive consultation. The goal of this process is to review the constitutional document to ensure that it adequately reflects the association’s needs and values, with the intention of presenting it for member endorsement at a Special General Meeting (SGM) scheduled for 31 January 2026.  

Timeline: 

• Announcement and Working Group Applications: 16th – 23rd October 2025 *see further information below

• Working group formed: 24th – 26th October 2025 

• 27th October – 2nd November 2025: Window for written submissions from all clubs and members regarding changes or amendments. 

• November and December: Working group to meet a minimum of three times,to review submissions and make recommendations on the changes requested / required. 

• 10th January 2025 – DBV Board to call a Special General Meeting for 31st January 2025 

• 31st January 2025 – Special General Meeting for members to vote on new constitution. 

Significant work has already gone into the preparation of the proposed new constitution, incorporating expert legal advice and broad governance principles aimed at modernising and improving the association’s framework. The Board hopes that the newly established review timeline and consultation process will result in a constitution that all members can support and work confidently with, well into the future. 

Dragon Boat Victoria invites members to apply to join the Constitution Review Working Group. We are seeking individuals who demonstrate sound critical thinking, strong executive functioning, and a collaborative mindset. The ideal participant will have experience in governance, policy, or sport administration, remain calm and objective when considering feedback, and are known for their constructive, future-focused approach to problem solving. Above all, they will consistently ensure the long-term interests of the entire association, working with integrity and a genuine commitment to strengthening good governance for our sport. 

All members of the Working Group will be expected to act within the scope of the Terms of Referenceand declare any conflicts of interest that may arise during their tenure to ensure transparency and maintain the integrity of the review process. 

Successful applicants must be available to participate in at least three meetings (each session approximately 3 hours) scheduled during November and early December, with the possibility of additionalmeetings if requiredto fulfil the group’s objectives. 

If you are ready to contribute meaningfully and help shape the future governance of Dragon Boat Victoria, please submityour EOI to administration@dragonboatvictoria.com.au by 23rd October 2025.