Succession Act 1981

Each of the following dispositions of property has effect as a disposition in augmentation of the general funds of the association to which the disposition is made—

a disposition to an unincorporated association of persons that is not a charity;

a disposition to or on trust for the aims, objects or purposes of an unincorporated association of persons that is not a charity;

a disposition to or on trust for the present and future members of an unincorporated association of persons that is not a charity.

Property, a disposition of which is, or has effect under subsection (1) as, a disposition in augmentation of the general funds of an unincorporated association, must be—

paid into the general fund of the association; or

transferred to the association; or

sold or otherwise disposed of on behalf of the association, with the proceeds being paid into the general fund of the association.

If the personal representative pays an amount to an unincorporated association under a disposition, the receipt of the treasurer or a similar officer of the association (however described) is an absolute discharge for the payment.

If the personal representative transfers property to an unincorporated association under a disposition, the transfer of the property to a person nominated in writing by any 2 persons holding the offices of president, chairperson, treasurer or secretary of the association, or similar officers of the association (however described), is an absolute discharge to the personal representative for the transfer of the property.

Subsections (3) and (4) do not—

limit the way an absolute discharge may otherwise be obtained in accordance with the will; or

apply if a contrary intention appears in the will.

It is not an objection to the validity of a disposition to an unincorporated association of persons that—

a list of persons who were members of the association at the time of the testator’s death can not be compiled; or

the members of the association may not divide assets of the association beneficially among themselves.