ISNSW Benevolant Association

PURPOSE

HISTORY

The idea of a Benevolant Association was first promoted in 1996 by ISNSW past President, Phil Atkinson. It was not until 1998, under the leadership of John Monteath that a company was formed and John was elected Chairman, with Phil Hayward, Ted Hunter, Russell Kell and Ted Hall as Directors.

Sadly the latter two have since passed on, and their positions taken over by Allan Cavanagh, John Abbott and Grahame Wallis. Past President Jonathan Keen has also become a member of the Association and taken up a Directors position.

The board membership ensures representation of the metropolitan area, the north coast, and Hunter regions, with a mix of experienced and currently practicing surveyors.

Original problems faced by members families, arising from requisitions, have been alleviated by having Grahame Wallis as a Director.

ASSISTANCE

The affairs of the Benevolent Association are administered by its Board of Directors, which is heavily dependent upon ISNSW Regional Groups and indiviual members to alert it to the potential need for assistance of a member.

Problems include personal difficulties encountered in a stressful professional life, and accordingly confidentiality is paramount. In many cases it is simply a matter of notifying the affected people of the Associations role and existance, indicating that there is a broader family of professional surveyors colleagues who understand their plight and who may be able to provide assitance if asked to do so.

The nature of the problems encountered means that the quiet work of the voluntary representatives of the Associationgoes largely unheralded and in some way unscrutunised by the general membership, however it is considered that thsi structure allows for the greatest flexibility and most rapid response in addressing problems.

Assistance could take many forms, ranging from educational grants to dependants, to short term financial assistance until affected families can resume some semblance of normaility in their lives. While a comforting word suffices in many cases the major role of society to date has been to advise widows of members of the best way to manage the disposal of the members practice.

FUNDING

With a fledgling Association there are insufficient funds available to provide financial assistance. To date the fund has been financed by generous grants of members' funds by the ISNSW Committee and by Director Grahame Wallis sho insists that fifty percent (50%) of fees collected at twilight seminars at which he presents, are donated to the Association.

With improved funding levels, there is scope for more support of widows and their families.

Members are urged to consider making a tax deductible donation at the time of ISNSW membership renewals, or perhaps considering a bequest when making out their wills.

KNOWLEDGE

The Association is only effective if it has knowledge of members in distress. Members are urged to contact Association Directors, or the ISNSW Head Office if concerns are held for any colleagues or their families.

Contact details

Phil Hayward, FIS
Chairman
C/- The Institution of Surveyors NSW Inc.
162 Goulburn Street 
SURRY HILLS NSW 2010

PO Box A820

SYDNEY SOUTH NSW 1235

02 9264 2076 (ph)