The Bendigo Diocesan Trusts Corporation is a nonprofit organization incorporated in 1905 under the Anglican Trusts Corporation Act 1884 of the Parliament of Victoria, Australia. It serves as the trustee for numerous property titles within the Anglican Diocese of Bendigo, managing real estate assets primarily consisting of churches, church halls, and rectories throughout the diocese[3].

Purpose and Functions

The Corporation’s core mission is to provide worship services and pastoral care to promote the ministry of the Anglican Church, support the proclamation of the Word of God, and oversee the administration of church property and related funds. It is responsible for holding and preserving the legal estate of all property vested in it for church purposes while ensuring that these assets are used according to the trusts and directives established by the diocese[1][3].

The Trusts Corporation manages approximately 131 property titles and holds funds from bequests for individual churches or parishes. While it holds legal trusteeship, the day-to-day management and care of individual church properties, such as churches or rectories, are typically exercised by the respective churchwardens within each parish, subject to relevant express trusts and the guidance of diocesan authorities[3][5].

Governance and Legal Framework

The Corporation operates within a framework established by the Anglican Trusts Corporation Act 1884 and related amendments, including the Trusts Corporation Act 2015 enacted by the Diocese of Bendigo. This legislation mandates that all property acquired for church purposes within the diocese be vested in the Trusts Corporation unless otherwise directed by parish bodies or the Bishop with diocesan advice[3][5].

The Corporation’s governance involves adherence to rules and regulations consistent with both the Anglican Trusts Corporation Act and diocesan resolutions. It works closely with the Bishop, the Synod of the Diocese of Bendigo, and the Bendigo Anglican Diocesan Corporation—the latter being a separate legal entity responsible for the employment and operational management of the diocese[3].

Relationship with the Diocese

The Bendigo Diocesan Trusts Corporation supports the broader mission of the Anglican Diocese of Bendigo by securing and managing the physical assets essential for church functions and community ministry. The Diocese’s Synod, which includes clergy and lay representatives from parishes, oversees matters related to the governance and life of the church, and the Trusts Corporation acts under the direction of diocesan leadership to fulfill its trustee role[3].

Financial and Operational Overview

As a registered charity, the Corporation aims to maintain a sound financial position with assets exceeding liabilities to ensure the sustainability of its property stewardship and ministry support. It also maintains transparency in its operations and financial reporting as required under Australian charity law, ensuring public trust and accountability in managing church assets[1][4].

Summary:
The Bendigo Diocesan Trusts Corporation is a longstanding trustee body dedicated to managing the property and financial assets of the Anglican Diocese of Bendigo. It plays a vital role in enabling the church’s ministry by securing and administering the properties necessary for worship, pastoral care, and community engagement within the diocese. Governed under Victorian state legislation and diocesan regulations, it operates with the aim of preserving church assets and supporting the diocese’s mission in accordance with Anglican tradition and law.

[1] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/3ad3367e-38af-e811-a962-000d3ad24a0d [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/b4252fcf-39af-e811-a962-000d3ad24a0d/profile [3] https://www.bendigoanglican.org.au/governance/ [4] https://www.changepath.com.au/the-bendigo-diocesan-trusts-corporation [5] https://www.bendigoanglican.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Trusts-Corporation-Act-2015-passed-at-Synod-290515-amended-2016.pdf