Incorporated associations have a legal entity separate from their members and usually suit small community-based groups as an alternative to a co-operative or a company limited by guarantee.
They are not-for-profit organisations and don’t engage in trade or commerce unless approved by the Corporate affairs Commission, which is administered by Consumer and Business Services (CBS).
They must benefit the community and usually include areas such as promoting science or the arts, sport and recreation or fundraising for medical treatment.
To incorporate an association you'll need to upload a copy of:
- your association's proposed rules (sometimes called the constitution)
- the completed checklist for the proposed rules
- any trust documents connected to the rules, including documents which establish the trust.
The name of the association must be the same as shown in the rules.
Application fee: $216.00
You'll receive the Certificate of Incorporation in approximately 14 days.
Related links
Before you begin
Committee
Your committee members must have:
- authorised someone to fill out, sign and lodge forms
- approved the name of the association
- assigned a public officer
- approved the association's rules.
The association's name
The name should reflect the nature and purpose of the association. The name can't be:
- the same as a name reserved or registered under the Corporations Act 2001
- easily mistaken for another incorporated association
- the same as a registered business or likely mistaken for one
- undesirable or offensive to the public
- suggestive of any connection with government.
List of restricted and undesirable names for associations - Government Gazette
Reserve a name
You may reserve your association's name if you need extra time to collect the evidence needed for the application.
Fee: $152.00
Contact CBS Associations and Cooperatives
Email: associations@sa.gov.au
Phone: 131 882
In person:
91 Grenfell Street
Adelaide
Post:
GPO Box 1719
Adelaide SA 5001
