Annual General Meeting 2026 (May 24) Minutes ONLINE VIA TEAMS 1 Present
Ms Lucia Arman, BODHI Australia, President; AGM minute taker and minutes.
Professor Colin Butler, BODHI Australia Treasurer, Secretary; and co-founder BODHI Australia and BODHI (US).
Dr Ajay Niranjane, BODHI Australia, Vice President.
Dr Gilles Rohan, BODHI Australia, Executive Committee member.
Professor Elise DeVido, BODHI Australia, Executive Committee member & BODHI US President.
Mr Kulottam Chakma, BODHI Australia member (joined meeting at 11.20am AEST).
2 Apologies
Ms Melinda Mayne, BODHI Australia, Executive Committee member.
Dr David King, BODHI Australia, member.
Jane Hudspeth, BODHI Australia, Public Officer.
3.Ordinary business: 3.1to confirm the minutes of the last preceding annual general meeting and of any general meeting held since that meeting.
Dr Niranjane moved that the minutes to the BODHI Australia Annual General Meeting (AGM) dated 24 May 2025 be accepted as a true and accurate record. Professor DeVido seconded. None opposed. Carried.
3.2to receive from the committee, auditor and servants of the organisation reports on the operations and transactions of the organisation during the last preceding financial year of the Organisation; (i.e. reports from the President, Treasurer, Secretary for calendar year 2025); 3.2.1President’s Report 2026 (focussing on 2025 calendar year)
Ms Arman gave a brief overview of the President's Report as provided in writing and submitted to all BODHI Australia AGM meeting attendees prior to the AGM. .
3.2.2Treasurer’s Report 2026 (focussing on 2025 calendar year)
Professor Butler spoke to the BODHI Australia Treasurer's Report as provided in writing and submitted to all BODHI Australia AGM meeting attendees prior to the AGM.
The BODHI Australia audit has been completed by Camerons Accountants, Launceston, Tasmania following its approval by the President, Treasurer and committee.
The BODHI Australia audit will be uploaded to the Australian Charities and Not for profit Commission (ACNC) website prior to the June 30 deadline.
Professor Butler advised that whilst BODHI Australia annual donations continue to decline, BODHI Australia’s finances remain in the black.
Dr Rohan informed that he receives notices from Bendigo Bank advising when BODHI Australia term deposit will mature and queried whether he should notify Professor Butler.
Professor Butler advised that he is aware of this, and can’t explain why all signatories to the BODHI Australia accounts aren’t notified. Unless Professor Butler is unavailable or unable to respond then the other signatories for this (one remaining) term deposit may withdraw from it on BODHI's behalf.
Thank you to Mr Greg Harper, Camerons Accountants
Professor Butler thanked Camerons Accountants for their assistance with the annual BODHI Australia audit, noting with appreciation, that Camerons Accountants had provided BODHI Australia with a discounted fee in the previous year.
Secretary's Report (focussing on 2025 calendar year)
Professor Butler advised that the BODHI Australia annual newsletter BODHI Times (No 62) was distributed as a PDF to BODHI Australia members, donors, advisors and anyone else, who has in the past expressed interested in receiving a copy of the newsletter.
This year the BODHI Times reverted to a more traditional newsletter format using a free Canva digital template. The software was user friendly and allowed the BODHI Times to be converted into a PDF without losing links or formatting.
Mailchimp newsletter templates were abandoned given issues experienced with the software, including reproducing the newsletter as a PDF.
Professor Butler explained that he recently had repeated difficulties logging into weebly - and that this was reported as common by other users. Professor Butler was of the view that BODHI Australia will need to consider developing a new website on an alternative platform.
Professor Butler advised that he had already started the process of developing a new website using Canva software.
Canva provides free (within limits) access to their templates and resources for not for profit or charitable organisations such as BODHI Australia.
Professor Butler advised that he had already registered BODHI Australia with Canva as a charitable organisation and has been approved by Canva to use its resources as a not-for-profit charitable organisation to design, develop and update a new BODHI Australia website.
The current Weebly BODHI Australia website can still be used and is paid for the next 2 years. This will allow enough time for the new BODHI Australia website to be designed and built and the Weebly web pages to be decommissioned thereafter.
BODHI Australia still retains the rights to use the bodhi-australia.com URL.
Ms Arman and Dr Niranjane volunteered to assist build the new BODHI Australia Canva website. Professor De Vido will also assist, time permitting.
3.2.4 Acceptance of BODHI Australia Reports
Dr Rohan moved that the reports as submitted by BODHI Australia President, Treasurer and Secretary be accepted. Professor De Vido seconded. None opposed. Carried.
to elect the officers of the Organisation and the ordinary committee members;
Ms Arman advised that the purpose of an AGM is to elect its Office Bearers and Committee Members. Single nominations were received via the BODHI Australia Secretary, Professor Butler, for the following positions: and were therefore accepted:
Dr Ajay Niranjane, BODHI Australia, President.
Ms Lucia Arman, BODHI Australia, Vice President.
Professor Colin Butler, BODHI Australia Secretary and Treasurer (both roles by the one person permissible under the BODHI Constitution).
Professor Elise DeVido, BODHI Australia Executive Committee Member.
Ms Melinda Mayne, BODHI Australia Executive Committee Member.
Dr Gilles Rohan, BODHI Australia Executive Committee Member.
to appoint the auditor and determine his or her remuneration.
Professor Butler clarified that the BODHI Australia Constitution clearly states that BODHI Australia is required to submit an annual audit undertaken by a suitably qualified auditor.
In the interest of complete financial accountability and full transparency it is important that BODHI Australia continues to be professionally audited and that the completed audit report is upload annually to the ACNC website.
Professor Butler stated that Camerons Accountants are familiar with the work of BODHI Australia. They have successfully conducted BODHI Australia audits over many years and their fees are reasonable.
All in attendance at the AGM agreed that BODHI Australia should continue to appoint Camerons Accountants as the BODHI Australia auditor.
Ms Lucia Arman moved that Camerons Accountants be appointed as the BODHI Australia auditor for the following year. Professor Butler seconded. None opposed. Carried.
3.5to appoint a Public Officer;
Ms Hudspeth, who resides permanently in Tasmania, continues to be willing to be re-nominated as BODHI Australia's Public Officer.
Professor De Vido moved that Ms Hudspeth be re-appointed BODHI Australia's Public Officer. Dr Niranjan seconded the motion. None opposed. Carried.
3.6 to determine the remuneration of servants of the organisation;
Currently 10% of all BODHI Australia's annual income (excluding from BODHI Australia’s Executive Committee) is provided to Professor Butler in recognition of the role and the many hours he undertakes in the day to day and operational management of BODHI Australia business.
Professor Butler explained that he would like to reduce his honorarium to 5% instead of 10% for the 2025-2026 financial year given he has been gainfully employed for the first 5 months of 2026.
All in attendance at the AGM approved the revised 5% remuneration for 2025-2026 for Professor Butler.
4. Business Arising
BODHI Australia Website and Social Media Platforms
Ms Arman suggested that perhaps Ms Mayne and Dr Niranjane make a time to meet to discuss the BODHI Australia e-newsletter and other social media platforms aimed at improving the promotion of BODHI Australia and its work.
The meeting to discuss the above was held online on 18 September 2025 with Ms Mayne, Dr Niranjane, Professor Butler and Ms Arman in attendance.
In summary the meeting concluded that updating BODHI Australia’s digital and social media platforms would be contingent on the future of BODHI Australia and its longevity.
There would be little point in allocating time and resources to improving BODHI Australia’s digital and social media presence should BODHI Australia due to its diminishing donor funds, become obsolete in a few years.
It was agreed that BODHI Australia would first need to work out its succession plan and from there depending on the outcome determine what best to do with respect to updating its digital and social media platforms as a way of promoting BODHI Australia and as a medium to encourage donor funds.
Since then, BODHI Australia had developed a succession plan and where Dr Niranjane has opted to transition over the next 2 to 5 years to become BODHI Australia’s successor and to continue the work of BODHI Australia under its current Constitution.
Consequently, BODHI Australia will seek to improve its digital and social media presence as a way of alerting members of the public to the work of BODHI Australia and to encourage donor funds.
Work with respect to updating the BODHI Australia website is currently underway.
4.2 BODHI Australia Official Audit vs Annual Information Statement
Honorary Professor Butler to look further into whether BODHI Australia is required to submit a formal financial audit to the ACNC by a suitably qualified CPA accountant or whether an Annual Information Statement would suffice.
After much discussion between Camerons Accounting and BODHI Australia representatives it was agreed that it is was best to continue to have the BODHI Australia finances formally audited by an accounting firm versus submitting a financial report to the ACNC.
An official audit despite the costs assists to keep the BODHI Australia finances clear and accountable.
More importantly and in addition to the above the BODHI Australia Constitution clearly stipulates that BODHI Australia is to appoint an auditor on an annual basis following its AGM. To do otherwise would require an amendment to the BODHI Australia Constitution.
Ms Arman, BODHI Australia President, to source two quotes, from two certified public accountant (CPA) accounting firms and/or individuals who could compile and complete the BODHI Australia, annual audit for the ACNC.
Professor Butler approached two CPA accounting firms (Reed Walker and Powell Accounting) for a quote and was advised by each that they could not assist BODHI Australia with an audit.
Professor Butler also approached a cousin who is a CPA and who advised her firm could not undertake the BODHI Australia audit for the price that BODHI Australia currently pays Camerons Accountants.
Sourcing pro bono accountants to assist BODHI Australia with an annual audit also proved problematic.
4.3 Update on Possible New Projects and New Project Partners 4.3.1 The Trans Rights Now Collective (TRNC). Update provided via the Presidents Report.
In moving the project forward Dr Niranjane suggested that the next steps might involve asking Aryaketu, CEO, Aryaloka Education Society, to assist Ms Grace Banu, CEO, TRNC with an application for FCRA status.
As a first step Dr Niranjane to ask Ms Banu whether she would like assistance with the TRNC application for FCRA status.
Pending Ms Banu's agreement, Dr Niranjane to thereafter discuss with Aryaketu the possibility of visiting Ms Banu, TNRC to scope how Aryaketu might assist TRNC with their application for FCRA status.
BODHI Australia funds to cover Aryaketu’s travel, accommodation and per diem costs for his visit to the TRNC in Tamil Nadu.
Aryaketu to submit a proposed travel budget to BODHI Australia for approval prior to visiting the TRNC.
Next steps in the project will be determined after Aryaketu has visited the TRNC and can report back his findings and recommended way forward. 4.3.2 The Foundation of His Sacred Majesty (HHSM).
BODHI Australia will not be progressing FHSM's application for funding. The matter is now closed.
5. Special Business 5.1 BODHI Australia Succession planning 2025
Ms Arman explained that the BODHI Australia Executive Committee had met on 9 November 2025 to discuss and agree on BODHI Australia’s succession plan; and where thereafter a BODHI Australia Succession Plan was drafted based on collective agreements arising from the meeting.
A first draft of the BODHI Australia Succession Plan was submitted to all BODHI Australia Executive Committee members for comment, amendment or approval; and where the BODHI Australia Succession Plan was updated reflecting feedback received from members of the BODHI Australia Executive Committee, with the exception of one amendment and one other issue that required discussion at the 2026 AGM.
A second draft of the BODHI Australia Succession Plan was provided to AGM meeting attendees along with AGM agenda and meeting papers.
The one required amendment was to update the BODHI Australia Succession Plan to reflect Professor De Vido new academic and professional status. Since the Succession Plan was first drafted Professor De Vido has been promoted to Professor and is no longer an Associate Professor. Ms Arman will update the BODHI Australia Succession Plan to reflect this change.
With respect to the BODHI Australia Succession Plan the one item that required further discussion at the AGM was that of an honorarium i.e. what would an honorarium be applied to and how much would be awarded.
Professor Butler was of the view that an honorarium should be based on a percentage basis and not on a fixed amount. That said an honoraria payment would be contingent on many factors; for example, the amount of money BODHI Australia has available in its funds, the nature of the work undertaken and the time spent to complete it, etc.
All meeting attendees agreed that in the interim BODHI Australia could only make a decision with respect to an honorarium based on its current organisational agreement and fiscal position.
All unanimously agreed that at the present it was best to maintain the status quo i.e. 10% annually and to one person only; and where that 10% honorarium is to be drawn from BODHI Australia annual donations (not accumulated donations and excluding any donations made by the BODHI Australia Executive Committee members).
The proposed honorarium payment to be reviewed by the BODHI Australia Executive Committee if or when BODHI Australia’s financial position, workload or circumstances changes.
Ms Arman will update the BODHI Australia Succession Plan to reflect agreements made at the 2026 AGM in relation to honorarium payments.
Ms Arman explained that the BODHI Australia Succession Plan is considered a living document. It will be tabled for discussion as an agenda item at each BODHI Australia AGM and updated if required.
5.2 A Three Day Visit to BODHI Australia’s Project Partner Nishtha and the Alokita Project. A report submitted by Dr David King and Ms Karyn Richardson.
Ms Arman formally tabled the above report advising that it is will soon be available at the BODHI Australia website.
5.3 Nishtha’s Alokita Project, Annual Report and Financial Statement (1 April 2025 – 31 March 2026). Submitted by Ms Mina Das, Secretary, Nishtha
Ms Arman advised that Ms Mina Das, Secretary, Nishtha has submitted the Nishtha, Alokita annual report and financial statement for the reporting period 1 April 2025 – 31 March 2026.
The Nishtha Alokita Project annual report to be uploaded to the BODHI Australia webpages in due course.
6. Date and place of BODHI Australia AGM in 2027
BODHI Australia AGM in 2027 will be online as Professor Butler and Ms Arman are likely to again be in Taiwan.