How did the Australian Deer Research
Foundation come into being?
How many times have you heard the words 'Wouldn't it be good if
we could ...' They are quite often expressed around the campfires
and gatherings of all sorts of people, not the least of whom are
those interested in wildlife and its management. Many are the
daydreams expressed about what would be possible if sufficient
money was available to carry them out, but many are the practical
projects stillborn because of financial constraints.
The executive members of the Australian Deer Association are not
much different to others interested in wildlife management and
conservation when dreaming up ways in which to improve the deer
scene. They have, however, taken positive steps to try to acquire
the financial standing which will make at least some of the
dreams come true; the ADRF was formed for this very purpose.
What is the ADRF's structure?
The Foundation is comprised of 14 members approved by the parent
body, the Australian Deer Association. The daily operations are
carried out under the direction of a board of eight directors
acting on a voluntary basis with assistance of one part-time
employee. It is constituted as a Company Limited by Guarantee and
is tax exempt under Section 23(e) of the Income Tax Assessment
Act. As such, it has no shareholders, pays no dividends and
must apply its funds only in terms of its agreed objectives as a
research foundation. In the event of wind-up of the company, its
funds must be dispersed to an organisation(s) having similar
objectives and status. See Memorandum of
Association for full details.
Funding
Aside from an initial grant of $1,000-, the Foundation is
self-funding. Its primary source of income derives from
publishing and the retail sale of books and other material
primarily on deer and other game species, hunting, fishing and
related outdoor activities.
The ADRF also raises funds from a Debenture Issue which, in
simple terms, asks interested persons or organisations to lend
the Foundation a minimum of $100 for periods of two or more
years. The money is placed in secure investments with the ADRF
retaining the interest -- to date, many debenture holders have
generously allowed their funds to roll over into further terms,
while others have lodged their funds in perpetuity, a significant
demonstration of their commitment towards improving the status of
wild deer in this country. Terms and conditions governing
debentures are provided on the page Debenture
Issue
While the Foundation is still moving towards the substantial
capital base which will enable it to fund significant practical
research or management projects in the future, it is proud to
have been able to financially support a management project under
the auspices of the Tasmanian Deer Advisory Council. This project
has resulted in development of property based management schemes
for a number of properties in Tasmania and in establishment of a
Game Section in the state wildlife department.
Our Logo
The sambar population in Australia is significant by world
standards, while the hog deer despite its more limited range and
smaller population also has claim to this status. Given this, it
may seem strange to some that the Foundation has chosen red deer
antlers for its logo. The reason a red deer was selected, was its
universal standing and the instant recognition for what it is --
a universal representative of the deer species -- for it or its
close relatives, is found in may countries throughout the world.
While it may prioritise in expending its resources, the
Foundation does not restrict its interest or activities to any
one or two of the deer species established in the wild in
Australia, and so it chose a universal symbol for its logo.