Building Fund

Choose from the following links to learn more about this exciting initiative for Brisbane's Jewish community:

Background	Launch	Recognition of Contributors
Progress to Date	How can you participate?	Location
	Governance Arrangements

Background

The Australian Bureau of Statistics has released the figures from the 2006 census. The figures show that in the five years to 2006, the Jewish population of QLD grew by 13%. During the same period, the Jewish population of Brisbane grew by 12.5%. Sadly, as a people, we have a history of under reporting our faith at census time. This limits the utility of the findings and can make it hard for social support groups and planners to make long term decisions.

The BPJC Board of Management endorses the following view expressed by the QLD Jewish Board of Deputies (QJBD) at their 2008 annual general meeting:

‘the census provides a good baseline for community development because it is a legitimate and quantifiable study which can also be used to compare previous years.’

The age breakdown from the 2006 census shows that the time is right to launch this important project:

	547 members of our community were aged 0 – 15. This is the group that we must keep in Brisbane to sustain our community.
	619 members of our community were aged 45-55. These are the people that need to drive this project and provide much of the funding support
	546 members of our community were aged 55 – 65. This is the demographic that is in need of a local, safe, comfortably social environment.

Some Jewish demographers have suggested that actual figures for our community may be up to 30% higher than those reported in the census which provides an even greater need for the community to support this project.

BPJC has become an integral part of this community through our congregational affiliations with the Union for Progressive Judaism, QJBD and State Zionist Council. Many of our members and supporters are also members of the multitude of organisations here in Brisbane including Jewish National Fund (JNF), National Council of Jewish Women of Australia (NCJWA), Queensland Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women (QAJEX) and others.

Based on our extensive community interaction and analysis of our community's future, including the 2006 census figures, the Brisbane Progressive Jewish Congregation Board of Management has committed to the establishment of a building fund.

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Launch

The fund was officially launched on 15 February 2009 at the BPJC Second Birthday celebrations. The event was attended by many financial members and supporters as well as special guest, Mr Steve Denenberg, Executive Director of the Union for Progressive Judaism.

BPJC's Secretary, Mr Scott Leonard, explained how, like other Australian Jewish communities,

'Brisbane's Jewish community includes the religious and secular, young and old, and people from a range of different nations. Each of these groups has different needs but the common theme throughout our history has been a temple as the centre of a community.

'We are looking for a property large enough for future expansion for offices and meeting halls as demand arises. It will become an asset available to support the whole community' Mr Leonard told the gathering.

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Recognition of Contributors

Contributors will be publicly recognised, unless anonymity is requested, in our synagogue. The building will feature the names of contributors as follows

	Platinum Contributors – A donor of more than $50 000 in total contributions
	Gold Contributors – A donor of between $25 000 and $50 000 in total contributions
	Silver Contributors – A donor of between $10 000 and $25 000 in total contributions
	Bronze Contributors – A donor of between $1 000 and $10 000 in total contributions

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Progress to Date

We are delighted to have received a number of significant contributions. We currently have four Bronze Contributors and a number of other donations have also been received, but have a long way to go.

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How can you Participate?

We need your financial commitment to make this project a reality. Contact BPJC today to arrange a direct contribution, regular payment plan or bequest.

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Location

The 2006 census figures show that many of Brisbane’s Jewish community live west or south of the city. This is evidenced by the consistently good attendance at our functions held at Fig Tree Pocket over the past two years.

While we will continue to monitor attendance figures, the residential postcode of each contributor will be recorded and the information will be used by the BPJC Board of Management, in consultation with the QJBD, and the wider Jewish community when a preferred site is selected.

You have the opportunity to directly influence the decision by making a financial contribution.

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Governance Arrangements

BPJC has established a foundation of solid corporate responsibility and sound governance, beginning with incorporation in March 2006 and continuing today with transparent reporting to our members.

Being an Incorporated Association in the State of Queensland provides the protection of the Associations Incorporation Act 1981. In particular our constitution, and any changes made to it, are scrutinised for conformance to the Act and registered by the Office of Fair Trading.

Under our constitution, in the event of the congregation being wound up all remaining assets cannot be shared amongst our members but are to be transferred to ‘some other institution or institutions having objects similar to the objects of the Congregation.'

All contributions to the fund are also protected under the Brisbane Progressive Jewish Congregation By-Law 01 - Brisbane Progressive Jewish Congregation Building Fund. Key provisions of the By-Law include:

	The authority to expend funds is retained by a general meeting of the congregation.
	Funds must be managed in accordance with the Act. This includes maintaining detailed records and formal external audits once the fund reaches $20 000.
	The provision to refund where practicable, cumulative contributions of $500 or more, with interest, if a general meeting votes to wind up the fund.
	A review of the ability to achieve the objects of the fund is to be completed by the Board of Management every 10 years. A recommendation to wind up the fund or continue the fund is to be presented as a special resolution to the next annual general meeting.

The Board of Management will provide a full report on the activities of the Building Fund to the Annual General Meeting. Individual contributors may request an update at any time from the BPJC Treasurer.

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This page was last updated 5 August 2010

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