What is an incorporated society?

An incorporated society is a group or organisation that has been registered under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908 and, when incorporated, is authorised by law to run its affairs as though it were an individual person.   This means that the members are not personally liable for the society's debts, contracts or other obligations.  Likewise, members do not have any personal interest in any property or assets owned by the society.

There are a wide range of groups and organisations that have become incorporated societies.  These include sports clubs, social clubs, music and cultural groups, special interest and activist organisations.

An incorporated society will continue to exist as long as it files certain documents with the Registrar of Incorporated Societies or until its members, or a creditor, decide to bring the society to an end.