It is often said that they provide connection to the isolated, purpose to the restless, pride to those who often feel invisible and set the rhythm for community cohesion.

Throughout the year Territorians come together on grassy fields, community centres and under the lights in local stadiums. 

They bring generations together, build confidence, provide belonging, guide, identify and shape beliefs.

Community organisations are the epitome of the human spirit – it is where value is built through connection, beliefs are traded, and hope reaches far beyond the scoreboard. 

The Northern Territory Government is implementing reforms aimed at making it easier for incorporated associations to thrive.

The reforms have been warmly welcomed by association volunteers.

They say that the changes to accounting obligations will save them much-needed money and the strengthening of compliance, governance and dispute resolution rules will ensure a smooth operation. 

Olivia MacDonald, president of East Darwin Storm Hockey Club, says small clubs are always strapped for cash and not having to pay for an accountant to check the end-of-financial-year books is welcome. 

“It will ease the burden on us,” she says. 

The club, which is the smallest women’s hockey club in Darwin with 130 members and 10 teams, spends about $1000 in accountancy fees each year. 

Its turnover is less than $150,000 a year, which means it can now have the accounts assessed by a bookkeeper for $400. 

Christina Heron, secretary of the 50-member Darwin-based Arafura Calisthenics Club, says raising the turnover threshold to $150,000 is “extremely helpful”. 

“We’re a not-for-profit club, so not having to pay for an accountant lowers our costs.” 

Legislation to lift the tier thresholds for incorporated associations was passed by the Legislative Assembly during the February sittings. 

Small associations that earn over $25,000 for gross income and/or maximum threshold of $50,000 for gross asset value had to engage a professional accredited accountant to meet compliance and auditing of their annual financial returns. 

Lifting the tier 1 threshold to a maximum $150,000 gross income and/ or a maximum threshold of $300,000 for gross asset value allows them to have audits completed by an independent person rather than having to engage a professional accountant. 

The reform reduces unnecessary administrative burdens for smaller associations while ensuring they remain accountable for their actions. 

In the meantime, the Government is undertaking a comprehensive review of the Associations Act 2003 to ensure the legislative framework remains effective, contemporary and fit-for-purpose. 

The review will focus on strengthening compliance, governance and dispute resolution, aligning with other jurisdictions in Australia. 

It will also ensure the legislative framework remains robust, fit for purpose and responsive to the contemporary needs of associations in the Territory. TQ