The National Trust of South Australia (NTSA) is seeking passionate, experienced and community-minded people to join its Council and help guide the organisation’s future.
Council members play an important role in providing strategic leadership, good governance and specialist expertise to support the National Trust’s mission to protect, conserve and celebrate South Australia’s heritage.
This is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to one of South Australia’s most important heritage organisations while working alongside a passionate network of staff, volunteers, members and supporters.
What does being a Council member involve?
Council members contribute to the strategic direction, governance and long-term sustainability of NTSA.
The expected commitment includes:
- Attending approximately seven Council meetings each year, held in central Adelaide. Meetings are currently held at Ayers House or North Adelaide Baptist Church, with an online option available.
- Allowing approximately five additional hours per month outside of meetings to undertake Council-related work, review information and contribute to projects or discussions as required.
- Providing strategic advice, guidance and specialist expertise to the CEO and staff team where required.
- Contributing to sound governance, strategic decision-making and the long-term sustainability of NTSA.
- Actively supporting the National Trust’s values, purpose and strategic direction.
- Working collaboratively with fellow Council members, staff, volunteers, branches, members and other stakeholders.
- Preparing for and actively participating in Council meetings and discussions.
- Exercising sound judgement and acting in the best interests of the National Trust.
Council members are also required to appropriately identify and manage actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest and must not participate in relevant discussions or decisions where a conflict has been disclosed. Councillors must also not make use of inside information obtained through their role.
Under the Rules, a Councillor’s office becomes vacant if they are absent without leave from three consecutive Council meetings.
Who can be a Council member?
The National Trust’s Rules provide that the Council comprises 12 elected Councillors. Each Councillor must be a member of the National Trust of South Australia.
At least three Councillors must have their usual place of residence in South Australia outside the metropolitan area of Adelaide.
We welcome nominations from members with a broad range of professional, community and specialist experience.
Skills and experience sought
NTSA is particularly interested in people who can bring practical experience and sound judgement in areas including:
- Marketing and communications
- Commercial and business development
- Legal
- Governance
- Natural and built heritage and conservation
We also welcome people who can bring other relevant skills, experience, perspectives and connections that will contribute to the future of the National Trust.
You do not need to have previously served on a board or Council. We are interested in people who can make a constructive contribution, work collaboratively and demonstrate a genuine commitment to South Australia’s heritage.
Eligibility and nomination requirements
To nominate for Council, you must be a member of the National Trust of South Australia.
Nominations must:
- be submitted in writing using the National Trust Council nomination form;
- state the candidate’s full name;
- include a biography of no more than 100 words;
- include a recent photo/headshot;
- be signed by two adult members of the National Trust;
- state the candidate’s usual place of residence and whether that residence is inside or outside the metropolitan area of Adelaide;
- include the written consent of the candidate; and
- be lodged with the Chief Executive Officer within the four-week nomination period.
Please ensure all nomination requirements are completed before submitting your nomination.
How are Councillors elected?
Councillors are elected at the National Trust’s Annual General Meeting.
If the number of valid candidates does not exceed the number of vacancies, all candidates will be declared elected.
If the number of candidates exceeds the number of vacancies, a ballot of National Trust members will be conducted. Each member is entitled to one vote.
Term of office
Councillors are elected for a two-year term, with their term concluding at the end of the Annual General Meeting in the second year following the AGM at which they were elected.
The maximum period of office for a Councillor is four consecutive two-year terms, except where Council approves an extension in accordance with the Rules.
Key dates
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 20 August 2025 | AGM notification and Council nominations open |
| 20 September 2025, 5.00pm | Council nominations close |
| 28 September 2025 | If a ballot is required, voting information will be sent to eligible members by email, or by post where no email address is held |
| 12 October 2025 | Ballot closes |
| 13 November 2025 | Membership processing deadline for voting eligibility |
| 14 November 2025 | NTSA Annual General Meeting |
Make a difference to South Australia’s heritage
Becoming a Council member is an opportunity to use your skills, experience and perspective to help shape the future of the National Trust of South Australia.
If you are passionate about South Australia’s heritage, committed to good governance and keen to contribute to the future of the organisation, we would welcome your nomination.
How to nominate
Complete the National Trust of South Australia Council Nomination Form and submit your nomination, including all required supporting information and signatures, to the President of the NTSA Council by 5.00pm on 20 September 2025.
For further information or to obtain a nomination form, please contact:
Executive Admin
executiveadmin@nationaltrustsa.org.au
