By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
A CRACKDOWN on local charities has continued with another five having their charitable status revoked and a further 48 facing the same fate.
The Independent reported last month Grovedale Community Centre lost its charity licence for failing to fulfil its legal obligations.
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) has now revoked Norlane Baptist Church, Gateway Christian Care Trust, Geelong Disabled and Disadvantaged Community Participation, Ross Bush Memorial Foundation and the Ukrainian Autocephalic Orthodox Church.
Among the 48 charities facing revocation are religious, education, disability, health, medical research, welfare, youth, conservation and arts organisations.
Commissioner Susan Pascoe said revocation of charity status was reserved for the most serious of cases.
“We’ll act firmly and quickly where there’s evidence of serious mismanagement or misappropriation, a serious, persistent or deliberate breach of the ACNC Act, or where vulnerable people or significant charitable assets are at risk.”
Ms Pascoe said the announcement showed the ACNC was committed to providing the community with an accurate, up-to-date charity register and enforcing compliance.
“Submitting an annual information statement to the ACNC each year is a legislative requirement to maintaining registration,” she said.
“It is not a difficult process and the ACNC can help charities that need assistance.
“Annual information statements are published on the national charity register, so that the community can find out information about their activities and operations.”
Charities facing revocation include Geelong Region Medical Research Foundation, Gordon Association of Students, Uniting Care Concerns, Geelong Community Orchestra, Wathaurong Wholesale Trust, Royal Geelong Agricultural & Pastoral Society and Otway Community Conservation Network.
