Key definitions

Anniversary Membership means a 12-month membership commencing on the date the member joins or renews through VFF’s Stripe subscription arrangement, paid either monthly or annually.

Common Renewal Membership means a membership operating on VFF’s common annual membership cycle from 1 October to 30 September.

Membership Period means either the Common Renewal Membership period or the Anniversary Membership period applicable to the member.

VFF means Victorian Farmers Federation.

VFF Governance Handbook means the handbook of governance, member and related policies adopted by the VFF Board, including the Member Code of Conduct and VFF’s grievance and member sanctions provisions, as amended from time to time and published on the VFF website.

1. Purpose and application

1.1  These Terms and Conditions govern membership of VFF.

1.2  These Terms and Conditions apply together with:

a.  the VFF Constitution;

b.  the membership category and benefits selected by the member;

c.  any applicable membership application or registration form;

d.  VFF’s Privacy Policy;

e.  any additional terms applying to a particular promotion, service or member benefit; and

f.  the relevant provisions of the VFF Governance Handbook.

1.3  By applying for membership, renewing membership, paying a membership fee or continuing to use membership benefits, the applicant or member agrees to these Terms and Conditions.

1.4  Where there is any inconsistency between these Terms and Conditions and the VFF Constitution, the VFF Constitution will prevail to the extent of the inconsistency.

2. Membership applications

2.1  A person or organisation may apply for membership in a membership category offered by VFF.

2.2  Membership is subject to:

a.  the applicant meeting the eligibility requirements for the selected membership category;

b.  VFF accepting the application; and

c.  payment of the applicable membership fee.

2.3  VFF may reasonably request information necessary to assess an application or confirm continued eligibility for a membership category.

2.4  VFF may accept or reject a membership application in accordance with the VFF Constitution and any applicable membership policies.

2.5  Membership is specific to a person or entity  and cannot be transferred unless VFF agrees otherwise in writing.

3. Membership categories and benefits

3.1  VFF may offer different membership categories with different eligibility requirements, fees, voting rights, services and benefits.

3.2  The benefits applicable to each membership category will be determined by VFF and communicated to members through VFF’s website, membership materials or other communications.

3.3  Membership benefits may include access to information, events, advocacy, advice services, discounts, partner offers and other services.

3.4  VFF may reasonably change, replace, suspend or discontinue a membership benefit where necessary because of operational requirements, changes to third-party arrangements, availability, cost, or a change to VFF's services, provided the change does not materially reduce the overall value of the membership for the remainder of the current Membership Period.

4. Membership fees

4.1  Membership fees are determined by VFF and may vary depending on:

a.  the membership category;

b.  the membership arrangement;

c.  the payment frequency;

d.  any applicable discount, promotion or concession; and

e.  any other eligibility criteria disclosed by VFF.

4.2  Unless otherwise stated, all membership fees are inclusive of GST.

4.3  The applicable membership fee, payment frequency and Membership Period will be disclosed before the member completes their application or renewal.

4.4  VFF may change membership fees.

4.5  For Common Renewal Members, a changed fee will ordinarily apply from the next 1 October membership period.

4.6  For Anniversary Members, a changed fee will apply from the member’s next annual renewal date, unless VFF has clearly notified the member that the change will apply earlier.

4.7  Where an Anniversary Member pays monthly, VFF will provide reasonable notice before changing the monthly instalment amount.

4.8  Membership fees are non-refundable for change of mind, except where:

a.  VFF agrees otherwise in exceptional circumstances;

b.  VFF has charged the member incorrectly;

c.  these Terms and Conditions expressly provide otherwise; or

d.  a refund or other remedy is required by law.

4.9  Nothing in these Terms and Conditions excludes, restricts or modifies any right or remedy that cannot lawfully be excluded, restricted or modified.

4.10  Membership fees may be paid by credit or debit card, direct debit, BPAY or cheque. The payment methods available to a member will depend on the member’s membership arrangement and will be disclosed to the member before payment.

4.11  Anniversary Membership fees are payable through VFF’s Stripe recurring payment arrangement in accordance with clause 6.

4.12  VFF is progressively transitioning members to card and direct debit payments in order to reduce administrative costs. A member who joined VFF on or before 1 September 2026 and who holds a BPAY reference number may continue to use that reference number.

4.13  VFF no longer issues BPAY reference numbers to new members. A member who joined VFF after 1 September 2026 and who wishes to pay by BPAY must contact VFF on 1300 882 833 or at members@vff.org.au.

5. Membership period

5.1  VFF offers the following membership arrangements:

a.  a Common Renewal Membership, which operates from 1 October to 30 September each year; and

b.  an Anniversary Membership, which operates for 12 months from the date the member joins or renews through VFF’s Stripe subscription arrangement.

5.2  The membership arrangement that applies to a member will be confirmed when the member joins or renews.

Common Renewal Membership

5.3  A Common Renewal Membership ordinarily commences on 1 October and expires on 30 September of the following year.

5.4  Where a person joins as a Common Renewal Member after 1 October, VFF may:

a.  charge a pro-rata membership fee for the period ending on the following 30 September; or

b.  apply another fee arrangement disclosed to the member before payment.

5.5  Common Renewal Memberships are ordinarily invoiced annually and do not automatically renew unless VFF has separately established an authorised recurring payment arrangement with the member.

5.6  Before the end of each Common Renewal Membership period, VFF may issue the member with a renewal notice or invoice for the following membership year.

5.7  A Common Renewal Membership will renew when VFF accepts the renewal and receives payment of the applicable membership fee.

Anniversary Membership

5.8  An Anniversary Membership commences on the date that:

a.  VFF accepts the membership application; and

b.  the first payment is successfully processed through Stripe.

5.9  An Anniversary Membership continues for 12 months from its commencement date.

5.10  The member may elect to pay for an Anniversary Membership:

a.  monthly in advance; or

b.  annually in advance.

5.11  An Anniversary Membership automatically renews for successive 12-month periods unless it is cancelled in accordance with these Terms and Conditions.

5.12  For annual Anniversary Memberships, the renewal date will ordinarily be the anniversary of the member’s original commencement date.

5.13  For monthly Anniversary Memberships, monthly payments are instalments towards a 12-month membership commitment and do not create a separate month-to-month membership.

6. Stripe recurring payment authority

6.1  VFF uses Stripe or another nominated payment service provider to process recurring Anniversary Membership payments.

6.2  By selecting a Stripe recurring payment option and providing payment details, the member:

a.  authorises Stripe to process payments from the nominated card or bank account;

b.  confirms that they are authorised to use the nominated payment method;

c.  authorises VFF to initiate payments for membership fees as they become due; and

d.  acknowledges that payments will continue until the membership is cancelled or otherwise terminated.

6.3  For an annual Anniversary Membership:

a.  the full annual fee will be charged when the member joins; and

b.  the applicable annual fee will be charged again on or around each anniversary date unless the membership has been cancelled.

6.4  For a monthly Anniversary Membership:

a.  the first monthly instalment will be charged when the member joins;

b.  subsequent instalments will ordinarily be charged on the corresponding date each month; and

c.  the monthly instalments collectively pay for the member’s 12-month membership commitment.

6.5  Where the corresponding payment date does not occur in a particular month, the payment may be processed on the last day of that month or another date notified by Stripe.

6.6  The member must ensure that:

a.  their payment details remain current and accurate;

b.  they are authorised to use the nominated payment method; and

c.  sufficient funds or available credit are maintained when payments are due.

6.7  Where payment is made through Australian BECS Direct Debit, the member must also accept Stripe’s Direct Debit Request and Direct Debit Request Service Agreement when providing the authority.

6.8  VFF may provide information about the member and the payment arrangement to Stripe to the extent reasonably necessary to establish and administer the recurring payment arrangement.

7. Renewal notices

7.1  VFF will issue annual renewal notices to Common Renewal Members before the commencement of the next membership year.

7.2  VFF will send annual Anniversary Members a renewal reminder before processing their annual renewal payment.

7.3  A renewal notice or reminder may include:

a.  the membership category;

b.  the renewal date or Membership Period;

c.  the applicable membership fee;

d.  the payment method;

e.  instructions for updating payment details; and

f.  instructions for cancelling or declining renewal.

7.4  Anniversary Members may not receive a separate reminder before every  instalment unless:

a.  the amount or frequency is changing;

b.  a reminder is required by law or the applicable payment provider; or

c.  VFF elects to provide one.

7.5  The member is responsible for keeping their nominated email address current.

8. Cancelling membership

Common Renewal Membership

8.1  A Common Renewal Member may notify VFF that they do not wish to renew for the next membership year.

8.2  Unless VFF agrees otherwise, cancellation during a Common Renewal Membership period:

a.  does not entitle the member to a pro-rata refund; and

b.  will take effect at the end of the Membership Period already paid for.

Anniversary Membership

8.3  An Anniversary Member may cancel their automatic renewal by:

a.  using any cancellation function made available through VFF’s membership platform; or

b.  contacting VFF at members@vff.org.au or on 1300 882 833.

8.4  To prevent the next renewal payment from being processed, a cancellation request must be received 7 days before the next scheduled renewal payment date. Monthly instalments falling due during a current 12-month membership commitment are dealt with under clause 8.6.

8.5  For an Anniversary Membership:

a.  cancellation prevents the membership from automatically renewing for another 12-month period;

b.  the membership ordinarily remains active until the end of the period already paid for; and

c.  no pro-rata refund will ordinarily be provided for the unused portion of the Membership Period.

d.  the member remains responsible for monthly instalments due for the balance of the current 12-month membership commitment; and

e.  VFF reserves the right to continue processing those monthly instalments until the end of the current Membership Period, whether or not the member has cancelled their automatic renewal or their Stripe payment authority.

8.7  VFF may, at its discretion, agree to an early cancellation or waive future instalments in exceptional circumstances.

8.8  Cancelling a Stripe payment authority does not, by itself:

a.  cancel the membership;

b.  remove the member’s obligation to pay amounts already due; or

c.  remove the member’s obligation to pay remaining instalments under an existing 12-month membership commitment.

8.9  Cancellation does not affect any refund, termination or other rights available under applicable law.

9. Failed or overdue payments

9.1  If a membership payment is declined, dishonoured, reversed or otherwise unsuccessful, VFF or Stripe may make further reasonable attempts to process the payment.

9.2  VFF may contact the member and request that the member:

a.  update their payment details;

b.  make payment using another approved payment method; or

c.  otherwise remedy the overdue amount.

9.3  VFF may restrict or suspend some or all membership benefits while membership fees remain overdue.

9.4  If an amount remains unpaid for 120 days after its due date, VFF may:

a.  cancel the membership;

b.  terminate the recurring payment arrangement;

c.  refer the outstanding amount for recovery; and

d.  take any other action permitted under the VFF Constitution or applicable law.

9.5  VFF may cancel a membership earlier than 120 days where:

a.  the member advises that they will not pay the outstanding amount;

b.  the payment arrangement has been cancelled without an alternative payment method being established;

c.  there has been fraud or misuse of the payment arrangement; or

d.  immediate cancellation is otherwise permitted under the VFF Constitution.

9.6  The member remains liable for all membership fees and instalments that became payable before cancellation.

9.7  VFF may charge a dishonour or administration fee unless the fee:

a.  was clearly disclosed before the member entered the arrangement; and

b.  reflects VFF’s reasonable costs.

10. Changes to membership details

10.1  Each membership must have a nominated primary contact.

10.2  The member must provide and maintain:

a.  a valid email address;

b.  a valid telephone number;

c.  current contact and business details; and

d.  current payment details.

10.3  The member is responsible for promptly advising VFF of changes to:

a.  the primary contact;

b.  ownership or business structure;

c.  eligibility for the membership category;

d.  contact details; or

e.  payment details.

10.4  Notices sent to the most recent email address recorded by VFF will be treated as having been provided to the member.

11. Workplace relations and human resources information

11.1  Eligible members may have access to VFF’s workplace relations or human resources information and advice service.

11.2  Information provided through this service is general information only and does not constitute legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice.

11.3  VFF will use reasonable care when providing information, but the information will be based on the facts provided by the member.

11.4  The member is responsible for providing complete, accurate and current information. Incomplete or inaccurate information, or a change in circumstances, may affect the relevance or accuracy of the information provided.

11.5  Members should obtain independent professional advice before acting on information where the matter is significant, complex or specific to their circumstances.

11.6  Additional assistance outside the scope of the standard member service may:

a.  incur an additional fee;

b.  be provided by a third party; or

c.  require a separate engagement agreement.

11.7  Nothing in this clause excludes or limits any liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.

12. Promotions and third-party offers

12.1  VFF may offer promotions, discounts or additional benefits from time to time.

12.2  A promotion may be subject to separate terms, eligibility requirements, availability periods or usage limits.

12.3  Unless otherwise stated, promotional offers are non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash.

12.4  Some benefits may be provided by sponsors, partners or other third parties.

12.5  A member may be required to accept the third party’s own terms and privacy arrangements before accessing a third-party benefit.

12.6  VFF is not the supplier of a third party’s goods or services and is not responsible for the third party’s acts or omissions, except to the extent that responsibility cannot lawfully be excluded.

13. Member conduct and responsibilities

13.1  Members must:

a.  comply with the VFF Constitution and the relevant provisions of the VFF Governance Handbook;

b.  provide accurate information to VFF;

c.  act lawfully when participating in VFF activities;

d.  treat VFF representatives, other members and participants respectfully;

e.  not misuse membership information, systems, services or benefits; and

f.  not represent that they speak on behalf of VFF unless authorised.

13.2  A member must not share membership-only material, login credentials or benefits with an ineligible person unless VFF has expressly permitted this.

13.3  Concerns about a member’s conduct will be managed fairly and in accordance with the VFF Constitution and the grievance, disciplinary and member sanctions provisions of the VFF Governance Handbook.

14. Suspension and termination by VFF

14.1  VFF may suspend or terminate membership where:

a.  membership fees remain unpaid;

b.  the member no longer meets the applicable eligibility requirements;

c.  information supplied by the member was materially false or misleading;

d.  the member materially breaches these Terms and Conditions or the VFF Constitution or the relevant provisions of the VFF Governance Handbook;

e.  the member misuses VFF services or benefits; or

f.  suspension or termination is otherwise permitted under the VFF Constitution.

14.2  Except where immediate action is reasonably necessary, VFF will provide the member with:

a.  notice of the concern;

b.  a reasonable opportunity to respond or remedy the breach; and

c.  notice of VFF’s decision.

14.3  VFF will exercise its rights under this clause reasonably and for the purpose of protecting VFF, its members, staff, services, reputation or legitimate interests.

14.4  Termination does not affect rights or obligations that arose before termination.

15. Payment disputes

15.1  A member who believes a payment has been processed incorrectly should contact VFF as soon as possible at 1300 882 833 or members@vff.org.au.

15.2  VFF will review the matter and may request supporting information.

15.3  The member may also contact their financial institution or payment provider regarding a disputed debit.

15.4  Any undisputed portion of the membership fee remains payable while a payment dispute is being considered.

16. Privacy and communications

16.1  VFF will collect, use, store and disclose personal information in accordance with its Privacy Policy and applicable privacy laws.

16.2  VFF may provide personal information to service providers, including Stripe, where reasonably necessary to:

a.  process payments;

b.  administer membership;

c.  provide member services;

d.  communicate with members; or

e.  comply with legal obligations.

16.3  The member acknowledges that service providers may store or process information using systems located outside Australia, as described in VFF’s Privacy Policy or the relevant provider’s privacy information.

16.4  VFF may send operational communications about membership, payments, renewals, services and changes to these Terms and Conditions.

16.5  Marketing communications will be managed in accordance with applicable law, and members may unsubscribe from marketing messages without preventing VFF from sending essential membership or payment communications.

17. Australian Dairy Farmers membership – UDV members

17.1  Membership of Australian Dairy Farmers Limited (ADF) is included in VFF UDV membership for eligible UDV members.

17.2  ADF membership is a standard feature of UDV membership and VFF registers eligible UDV members with ADF as a matter of course. Unless a UDV member notifies VFF under clause 17.7 that they do not wish to hold ADF membership, the member authorises VFF to register them with ADF and to complete, sign and submit an ADF membership application in the member’s name, giving ADF the declarations, acknowledgements and preferences required by ADF’s application process on the member’s behalf. This applies to both new and existing UDV members.

17.3  In giving that authority, the member:

a.  requests ADF membership and agrees to be bound by the ADF Constitution, as amended from time to time and available on the ADF website;

b.  acknowledges that they have been given the opportunity to read, and accept, the ADF Privacy Policy available on the ADF website;

c.  warrants that the information they have provided to VFF is accurate and complete and may be provided to ADF; and

d.  consents to VFF and ADF sharing the information reasonably necessary to register, administer and verify their ADF membership.

17.4  The member acknowledges that ADF membership applications are subject to approval by the ADF Board, and that the ADF Board does not approve new applications in the 28 days before its Annual General Meeting.

17.5  ADF communications:

a.  where VFF gives the member the opportunity to choose whether to receive ADF communications, VFF will submit the application on the basis of the choice the member has made;

b.  where VFF does not give the member that opportunity, VFF will submit the application on the basis that the member receives ADF communications, and the member may change that preference at any time using ADF’s unsubscribe or communication preference options;

c.  VFF will not register the member’s interest in being contacted about optional ADF activities, including Policy Advisory Groups, unless the member has asked to be contacted; and

d.  communications required under the ADF Constitution or by law, including notices of meetings, ballot papers and annual reports, will continue regardless of the member’s preference.

17.6  A member may withdraw the authority in clause 17.2 at any time by notice to VFF. Withdrawal does not affect anything already done under that authority.

17.7  A UDV member who does not wish to hold ADF membership, or who wishes to cease it, should contact VFF on 1300 882 833 or at members@vff.org.au. Joining, declining or ceasing ADF membership does not, by itself, affect the member’s VFF or UDV membership.

18. Liability and applicable law

18.1  Nothing in these Terms and Conditions excludes, restricts or modifies any consumer guarantee, right or remedy that cannot lawfully be excluded, restricted or modified.

18.2  To the extent permitted by law, VFF is not responsible for indirect or consequential loss arising from:

a.  a member’s failure to use an available benefit;

b.  changes made by a third-party benefit provider;

c.  events outside VFF’s reasonable control; or

d.  reliance on general information without obtaining appropriate professional advice.

18.3  Any limitation or exclusion of liability in these Terms and Conditions applies only to the extent permitted by law.

19. Changes to these Terms and Conditions

19.1  VFF may amend these Terms and Conditions where reasonably necessary to reflect:

a.  changes to membership services or payment arrangements;

b.  changes to laws or regulatory requirements;

c.  changes to third-party arrangements; or

d.  reasonable operational or administrative requirements.

19.2  VFF will provide reasonable notice of a material change before it takes effect.

19.3  A change will not retrospectively remove a member’s accrued rights.

19.4  Where a change has a materially adverse effect on a member, the member may cancel their membership before the change takes effect, subject to any existing payment obligations under a current 12-month Membership Period.

20. General provisions

20.1  If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is unlawful, invalid or unenforceable, it will be read down or severed to the extent necessary without affecting the remaining provisions.

20.2  A failure or delay by VFF to exercise a right does not waive that right.

20.3  These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of Victoria, Australia.

20.4  The parties submit to the jurisdiction of the courts and tribunals of Victoria and any courts hearing appeals from them.

21. Contact details

21.1  Questions about membership or these Terms and Conditions may be directed to:

 

Victorian Farmers Federation
Phone: 1300 882 833
Email: members@vff.org.au
Address: Level 5, Farrer House, 24 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000