Governance for Sustainable Neighbourhood Groups

TheGood governance and formalising your group

Good governance is about open, inclusive, and transparent decision-making frameworks.

Formalising a local Sustainable Neighbourhood group becomes important when the group wants to undertake projects or other activities. Effective and sustainable groups have agreed goals, systems, and processes to assist their operations. Often detailed in a ‘Terms of Reference’ or other document, effective groups have an agreed set of rules and procedures, governing:

• their vision, values, and objectives (eg a Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plan - SNAP);

• membership of their group;

• how the group makes decisions;

• roles and responsibilities of group members;

• how the group manages its funds;

• other operations (eg meeting protocols, communications, documentation etc); and

• how the group manages grievances or disputes.

Agreeing upon and communicating these rules will ensure that everyone understands their rights and responsibilities when organising and participating in group activities.

A Terms of Reference template and other resources are available to help your group develop your governing procedures.


Sustainable Neighbourhood Groups can undertake activities and apply for funding under the umbrella of the Lake Macquarie Sustainable Neighbourhood Alliance (the Alliance). Individuals become members of the Alliance and can undertake Sustainable Neighbourhood projects utilising established resources, networks, and procedures.

The Alliance is an incorporated association registered in NSW. It is not-for-profit organisation, managed by a board of volunteers. The Alliance is governed by it's constitution:
Constitution - Lake Macquarie Sustainable Neighbourhood Alliance