The VFF Farm Tree & Landcare Association (FTLA) is an incorporated association established by The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) in 1986. The Association has evolved to cater for groups and individuals involved in Landcare, tree planting and similar land management and conservation activities. Currently the FTLA has over 500 Member Groups.

The VFF through the FTLA is able to provide support and services to help reduce the administrative demands on the volunteer office bearers of Member Groups.

The FTLA Rules are specifically designed to allow Member Groups as much independence as possible – given the great range of member groups and the principle of local action inherent in Landcare that a one-size fits all approach was inappropriate. That said, the FTLA rules do cover the relationship of a member group to the FTLA and whatever bylaws the group adopts will need to allow the group to fulfil its obligation to the FTLA. In the unlikely event that the FTLA rules and the group’s bylaws conflict the FTLA Rules will take precedence.

INCORPORATION
Incorporation is a means of providing a group of people (an association) with a legal identity.

Incorporation provides protection for members against the possibility of being personally responsible for the organisations debts and liabilities. Although this protection is not absolute, it does offer protection where an incorporated association’s members carry out their duties and activities in good faith and with care and diligence (“Duty of Care”).

The FTLA acts as an umbrella body under which Member Groups obtain the benefits of incorporation. Member Groups are released of the statutory burdens that go with being an incorporated association.

Membership under the FTLA umbrella satisfies the need to be incorporated so as to be eligible to receive government and other sources of grants and funding.

Member Groups must act as members of the FTLA in order to be protected by the FTLA incorporation.

(Note: Member Groups that retain their own separate incorporation will still be required to meet their statutory obligations with respect to that incorporation).

INSURANCE
Incorporation, however, will not protect a Member Group or its members from the consequences of their own negligence. Insurance provides a safety net against liabilities arising from negligence including the means to defend a claim.

The insurance package sourced for FTLA Member Groups is comprised of three components:

1.Public and Products Liability Insurance
Covers personal injury or property damage arising from the negligent actions of a Member Group or its members

2.Personal Accident Insurance
Provides for payments where a volunteer, a worker or a member is injured while engaged in activities for a Member Group.

3.Associations Liability Insurance
·Professional Indemnity
·Directors & Officers Liability Insurance
·Association Reimbursement
·Entity Insurance

Provides protection for office bearers and employees in the course of carrying out their duties on behalf of their organisation.

VICTORIAN LANDCARE MAGAZINE
All members of FTLA Member Groups receive the Victorian Landcare magazine. The magazine is the premier Landcare publication circulated in Victoria

LOBBYING
The FTLA through the VFF is in a position to act as a strong advocate for Landcare.

3.Administration fee x No. of Members $4.00

FURTHER INFORMATION
Contact the FTLA’s Executive Officer, Susi Johnson Phone (03) 9207 5527
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