2026 Benefits of Membership
To become a member, please complete our form here or complete the Membership Application Form PDF and return to membership@associations.net.au.
All directors and staff can benefit from membership by the association.
BRONZE MEMBERS BENEFIT FROM ALL OPTIONS 1 - 7:
1. ASSOCIATION ADVICE HELPLINE
Associations Forum is here to support you with practical, reliable advice for your day-to-day queries. Backed by decades of hands-on experience, our advisory team understands the unique challenges of running a membership-based organisation.
2. EVENT AND MEMBER ACTIVITIES DISCOUNTS
Staff and Board directors of Associations Forum members receive major discounts on our leading-edge conferences, seminars and workshops. We run educational and networking events that allow sharing of information, experience and knowledge in a collegiate environment.
3. SURVEYS ON SALARIES, BOARDS, EVENTS AND MEMBERSHIP
Each year, Associations Forum conducts surveys on salaries, boards, events, and membership. Members enjoy free results for most surveys and a discounted rate for the salary survey. Access to association sector information helps management make better, data-based decisions.
4. SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS
Special Interest Groups (SIGs) give association representatives the opportunity to discuss key issues with peers through online meetings. Topics include membership, events, finance and CEOs of small and medium organisation’s. Participation is exclusive to Associations Forum members.
5. RESOURCES TO HELP RUN YOUR ASSOCIATION
Resources, guides, tools and documents available to Associations Forum members include Board Governance Charter, AGM Guide, Director Induction Process, Terms of Reference for Finance and Audit Committees, Cyber Security Policy and many advisory articles written for immediate practical application within an association.
6. ASSOCIATIONS MAGAZINE & eNEWS
Our acclaimed print publication, ASSOCIATIONS, contains relevant leading-edge sector news and information. It is free to our member organisation staff and directors. The magazine is supplemented by fortnightly e-Newsletters containing news, updates, appointments, forthcoming events, member queries, advice and jobs.
7. ASSOCIATION LIABILITY INSURANCE
Associations Forum members have access to an exclusive insurance program at competitive rates. The coverage has been designed as an affordable and essential way for Associations to offset their Management and Professional Indemnity exposures.
SILVER MEMBERS BENEFIT FROM ALL OPTIONS 1 - 7 INCLUSIVE. SILVER MEMBERS ALSO RECEIVE ALL OPTIONS 8 - 13 INCLUSIVE:
8. IN-DEPTH ASSOCIATION ADVICE
Associations occasionally need detailed In-Depth Advice for complicated or controversial aspects of governance, membership, operations, events or sponsorship. Our experience may help in a variety of situations and scenarios. Up to 60 minutes of verbal discussion and advice is available to assist on challenging issues.
9. ASSOCIATION AWARDS
Associations Forum members are eligible to nominate for the prestigious Association Awards. Since 2017, an annual Association of the Year has been identified and honoured. Other sought after and highly respected awards are Association Event of the Year, Association External Campaign of the Year and Association Turnaround of the Year.
10. JOBS BOARD
Associations Forum members advertising vacancies receive discounts on our Jobs Board – a leading portal for association jobs as well as for Directorships and Volunteer Board positions. Vacancies are promoted to thousands in our fortnightly e-Newsletters.
11. INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ADVICE
Industrial Relations (IR) legislation and requirements are complex. Associations Forum is pleased to offer outsourced IR advice on the Fair Work Act, labour practices, conflict resolution and achieving a balanced and productive work environment. Your association will benefit from understanding constructive connections between employers and employees though accessing 60 minutes of IR advice.
12. STRATEGIC PLAN REVIEW
Good plans are vital to ensuring that an association has a clear mission, outlined pillars, and measurable activities. Associations Forum’s Strategic Plan Review is a health check that uses our experience to assess whether a plan is practical, straightforward, and effective in guiding both big-picture, long-term, and day-to-day decisions.
13. BOARD EVALUATION TOOL
Associations Forum’s Board Evaluation Tool is an online questionnaire where each Board director completes questions on Board clarity, processes and culture. With the deidentified results, associations can see whether there is a convergence of opinions within the Board as well as with other entities.
GOLD MEMBERS BENEFIT FROM ALL OPTIONS 1 - 12 INCLUSIVE AND ALSO RECEIVE ONE OF OPTIONS 14 - 18 INCLUSIVE:
14. CEO & CHAIR COACHING
Starting a new senior role in the associations sector can be daunting. Having an experienced expert for context, knowledge, and encouragement gives new leaders, CEOs and Chairs a timely boost. Associations Forum’s team supports new leaders through three 30-minute meetings offering guidance, knowledge, and encouragement. Available to one person per organisation only.
15. CONSTITUTION REVIEW
Important governance documents benefit from a fresh set of eyes. Associations Forum’s Constitution Review offers a 90-minute review with written feedback on constitutions, identifying matters for reconsideration, such as clarity, membership definitions and Board composition. Our colleague firm Governology can be separately engaged to make changes or rewrite constitutions, policies or procedures.
16. BY-LAW OR POLICIES REVIEW
In isolation, an association will not know if their by-laws or policies are suitable and appropriate. Our 90-minute external review provides insight into whether changes are needed or if these key documents are appropriate.
17. AGM ADVICE
Associations are accountable to their members at Annual General Meetings and occasional other General Meetings. Because AGMs are only held annually, CEOs, Boards and company secretaries have limited experience in getting them right. Association Forum can advise on many matters such as Notice of Meetings, quorum, Special Resolutions, voting rights and minutes.
18. GOLD MEMBER PRESENTATIONS
Gold members may choose one presentation from the available options:
- Membership enables all staff and directors to access member benefits
- Presentations are offered online. Separate charges apply for travel time and expenses for in-person presentations
- Proposals are available for other services and training
- Associations Forum is not a law firm
- All prices include GST
- Membership is valid for 12 months from the joining date
- Information and prices are valid up to 31 December 2026
Non-Gold members can receive training presentations and other services for a fee. If you have any enquiries please contact us on 02 9904 8200 or membership@associations.net.au.
