If your association is a registered charity, you should be completing an Annual Information Statement for the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit  Commission (ACNC) each year using their online portal. The ACNC tell us that, across Australia, some P&Cs are failing to do so. If your P&C fails to submit two statements, the Commission can revoke your charity status. So if you think your P&C has been missing this reporting obligation, you should contact the ACNC as soon as possible. Council staff are also able to answer questions about this.

Not sure if your P&C is a charity? Find out how to check here.

This is a last reminder for primary schools to participate in the National Fete Research Project. This important study is being conducted by the Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies in collaboration with the Fundraising Directory. The results will be freely shared for the benefit of volunteer organisers for years to come, so please get behind this project.
 
They are looking for key members of the event management committee to complete the survey before Friday 13^th October.  Once you complete the survey, you will be eligible to enter a competition to win one of three Vegepod Container Gardens for your school!

There's a new closed Facebook Group called Canteen Connect ACT, set up so that school canteen managers, support staff, P&C committee members and volunteers can connect with one another and share ideas. It's a great way for the valuable expertise of our wonderful canteen managers and co-ordinators to be shared so that everyone involved in canteens can benefit. A great place to ask your canteen-related questions!

The Australian Veterans Children Assistance Trust (AVCAT) is a national independent charity which aims to help the children and grandchildren of ex-service men and women to a better future through tertiary education. AVCAT scholarships for tertiary studies at a TAFE College, Registered Training Organisation or University are now open, and close October 31.

The Australian Special Education Principals Association has launched a world first web-resource to boost schools' capacity to support students with a disability. Working in collaboration with school leaders across Australia and drawing on the expert counsel of its international partners, the Leading Learning 4 All website is a new tool for school practitioners to further enhance inclusive education in Australia. They are also running training for "champions" in October. Interested school leaders should email Leading Learning 4 All for more information.

To celebrate Biodiversity Month, and keep the kids busy for a moment in the school holidays, how about a crossword competition? Discover amazing things about the web of life and the natural environment, and be in the running to win $100 or other great prizes.

• Canteen Connect event (see above). Tuesday Sept 19, 3:30-5:45pm. Chifley Health Hub Community Room, 70 Maclaurin Cres, Chifley.
• Council Executive Meeting, Oct 10, 7pm.
• Council General Meeting, Oct 24,6:45 for 7pm, 51 Fremantle Dr, Stirling. All welcome.