The Bendigo Diocesan Trusts Corporation is an Australian nonprofit organization serving the Anglican Diocese of Bendigo in Victoria. Established under the Anglican Trusts Corporation Act 1884 of the Parliament of Victoria and incorporated in 1905, the Trusts Corporation functions as the legal trustee for church property within the diocese, holding both real estate and funds in trust to support the ministry and operations of the Anglican Church of Australia in the region.

History and Legal Foundation

The Corporation was created to administer property and financial assets entrusted to the Anglican Diocese of Bendigo. It was incorporated specifically under Victorian legislation, enabling it to hold and manage church properties and trust funds for the benefit of the diocese and its parishes. The Trusts Corporation operates in accordance with the provisions of the Anglican Trusts Corporation Act 1884, with subsequent updates such as the Trusts Corporation Act 2015 reinforcing its corporate and fiduciary responsibilities.

Role and Responsibilities

The Bendigo Diocesan Trusts Corporation acts as trustee for approximately 131 property titles across the diocese, which primarily consist of churches, church halls, and rectories. This custodianship involves maintaining the legal estate of these properties and ensuring they are preserved for their intended purposes. While the Trusts Corporation holds the legal ownership, the day-to-day care and management of individual church properties lie with the respective parish churchwardens, subject to any specific trust conditions.

Additionally, the Trusts Corporation manages funds derived from bequests given to individual churches or parishes, overseeing their investment and use in alignment with diocesan regulations and policies. It works closely with the Bishop of Bendigo and diocesan councils to direct the handling and disposition of properties and trust assets, following established rules and ordinances for the good governance of the diocese.

Governance

The governance structure of the Bendigo Diocesan Trusts Corporation integrates with the wider Anglican Diocese of Bendigo. The Corporation acts under the authority of the diocesan Synod, which comprises clergy and lay representatives who meet annually to deliberate on church affairs. The Bishop, along with diocesan councils and boards such as the Bendigo Anglican Diocesan Corporation, provide leadership and operational oversight.

Notably, the Bendigo Anglican Diocesan Corporation, registered under the Corporations Act 2001 in 2014, handles employment and daily operational matters of the diocese. Its board membership corresponds with that of the Bishop in Council, ensuring alignment between property trusteeship and diocesan administration.

Ministry and Outreach

Beyond property management, the Bendigo Diocesan Trusts Corporation supports the Anglican Church’s mission in the region by facilitating worship services, pastoral care, and the proclamation of the Christian message. Its stewardship of church assets underpins the broader ministry activities of the Anglican Diocese of Bendigo, enabling parishes to carry out their religious, community, and charitable work effectively.

In conclusion, the Bendigo Diocesan Trusts Corporation is a key institutional body within the Anglican Diocese of Bendigo, entrusted with the responsible management and protection of church properties and funds. Its work ensures the sustainability of the Anglican community’s spiritual and administrative life throughout the diocese.

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[1] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/3ad3367e-38af-e811-a962-000d3ad24a0d [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/a247b310-2caf-e811-a963-000d3ad244fd/documents/a4838578-daf5-ec11-82e7-002248944bc7 [3] https://www.bendigoanglican.org.au/governance/ [4] https://www.dnb.com/business-directory/company-profiles.bendigo_diocesan_trusts_corporation.59200a2f5f95c9d43a40b0469aa2914d.html [5] https://www.bendigoanglican.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Trusts-Corporation-Act-2015-passed-at-Synod-290515-amended-2016.pdf