Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our FAQs. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to contact us.
About P&C Associations
A Parents and Citizens (P&C) Association is a school-based organisation that supports public education by promoting the interests of the school and bringing parents, carers, staff, and community members together.
P&C Associations contribute to school decision-making, support educational programs, organise events, run services like canteens and uniform shops, and fundraise to enhance student experiences.
Local P&C Associations operate at the school level. The P&C Federation of NSW is a not-for-profit organisation that supports, informs, and advocates for P&C Associations across the state.
Membership is open to all parents and carers of students enrolled at the school, as well as interested citizens who live in the school intake area.
Office bearers typically include a president, two vice presidents, secretary and treasurer. Each role has specific duties as outlined in the Federation’s resources and constitution.
Contact our Member Services team for support. We can guide you through the process and provide the necessary templates and information.
Membership and Support
Membership includes access to insurance coverage, legal and governance support, templates and resources, regular updates, training opportunities, and direct support via phone and email.
Renewal information is sent annually. You can also check your renewal status and find payment information via the membership portal.
The current office bearers will need to login to update the P&C details through the online form. Alternatively, provide the Meeting Minutes with new office bearer details via email to mail@pandc.org.au
Our Member Services team is here to help. You can reach us at mail@pandc.org.au or 1300 885 982.
Yes. We can help clarify how policies may impact your P&C Association and point you toward reliable sources.
Governance and Compliance
All P&C Associations must hold an Annual General Meeting once a year. Guidance is available in our AGM factsheet which you can find this by logging into the website.
You’ll need to keep minutes, financial records, employee information, contracts, membership lists, important correspondence and more. A full checklist is available in our resources section which you can access by logging into the website.
Yes. All P&C Associations must operate under a constitution. Under the Education Act 1990, the NSW Minister for Education must approve the constitution of P&C Associations. The Minister has approved two constitutions:
- The Prescribed Constitution, for P&C Associations incorporated under the Parents and Citizens Associations Incorporation Act 1976
- The Standard Constitution, for unincorporated P&C Associations.
You can find out more about the P&C Association constitution by logging into our website.
We strongly encourage P&Cs to incorporate. Not only is the process free and easy, incorporation provides legal protection for office bearers and members. Contact us for help with incorporation or updating your association’s details.
Public liability insurance is available with P&C Federation membership. We also partner with Andrews Insurance to ensure P&Cs have access to the insurance coverage right for them and their activities. Details are available from Andrews Insurance or by logging in to our website.
Fundraising and Finance
You can run a wide range of activities – sausage sizzles, trivia nights, fetes, raffles and more. Some events may require permission from your school or have other compliance requirements. We can guide you through this. Notify the Federation and Andrews Insurance of your upcoming event with the Notification of Events form.
Yes. Good governance requires transparency and accountability. We provide templates and best-practice guidelines to help which you can find by logging into our website.
We regularly share grant opportunities in our fortnightly bulletin and can assist with tips for a strong application.
Yes. We have experience and templates to help you navigate agreements, pricing, staffing, and compliance.
Training and Resources
We offer free online videos, guides, resources as well as fact sheets tailored to each office bearer role. For all our resources simply login.
Login to view our Member Resources page for agenda, minutes, templates, financial forms and more.
Yes. While we don’t provide legal advice, we can guide you to the right information and help interpret requirements relevant to your association.
Advocacy and Representation
We engage directly with government and education bodies to advocate for policies that support public education and school communities.
Through surveys, consultations, and by contacting our office with concerns or proposals. We regularly pass on member insights in our advocacy work. We also encourage you to engage with our Parent Voice program for formal and informal opportunities for parent consultation.
You can contact the Department directly or raise the matter with us, and we can support you in finding the right pathway or escalation process.
Events and Communication
We host Road Show events across NSW, online webinars, and a bi-annual conference. Details are available by logging into our website.
Our most up-to-date information for members can be found by logging in to our website. You can also subscribe to our fortnightly bulletin, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and check our website regularly for news and updates.