The Assyrian Aid Society is a charitable organisation operating in six countries in four continents, namely the U.S.A, Great Britain, Sweden, Australia and New Zealand with its head office in Iraq. These organisations raise funds individually for the benefit of Assyrians living in Bet-Nahrain.
AAS-Au operates independently from its sister societies and is not aligned to any political or theological organisation. It is guided entirely by its constitution and the related decisions of its members.
To use all possible legal means to generate and acquire funds in terms of cash and assets to be used for the benefit of Assyrians in Bet-Nahrain. These contributions will ensure and sustain their self-sufficiency through creation and development of businesses, educational institutions, health, agricultural industries and social infrastructure.
Who established The Assyrian Aid Society-Australia Incorporated?
Assyrian individuals with some knowledge of Assyrian Aid Societies in other countries established AAS-Au. These individuals, attracted to the concept and impressed with AAS-Au’s outstanding success in contributing to such a worthy cause, decided to establish one in Australia.
Members of the committee share the basic view that the Assyrian language and culture are very precious not only to the Assyrian community but also to the human race. In many respects our language and culture form the basis of the most advanced western societies in the world.
The membership of AAS-Au is limited to committee members who are not office bearers of any other charitable, political, religious or community organisation.
The committee is made up of 3 office bearers, being the president, secretary, and treasurer. Their powers and responsibilities are explained in the constitution. The committee has members residing in Sydney and in Melbourne.
The day-to-day operation of the committee is similar to a modern organisation where members are required to perform competently according to the position they have undertaken with full reporting procedures with every activity they undertake. The committee works as a team and are all dedicated to the long-term success of this worthy cause.
What is the legal structure of The Assyrian Aid Society-Australia Incorporated?
AAS-Au is a registered association with the Department of Fair Trading- New South Wales Australia consumer protection agency. For its constitution, it has largely adopted the guide provided by the department with some notable exceptions. AAS-Au is also a registered charitable organisation under the charitable Fundraising Act 1991 with the Department of Gaming and Racing- New South Wales Australia.
Assyrian Aid societies in other countries have different structures to suit the general and tax laws of their governments. For example The Assyrian Aid Society-America has a company structure with by-laws and company directors.
When drafting the constitution the committee included clauses that entitle AAS-Au to be tax exempt. Although an annual lodgement of accounts is required, a tax return is not applicable. An ABN has also been granted to AAS-Au.
There are 2 main functions being the raising of funds and the allocating of funds explained hereunder:
AAS-Au’s mission statement states, “To use all possible legal means to generate and acquire funds in terms of cash and assetsâ€. Its primary objective is therefore the Assyrian community living in Australia and its secondary objective is the other charitable organisations and governments.
For the purpose of fund raising AAS-Au has divided this market into the following segments: