8 June    2009

Co-operatives WA News

This message has been issued by Co-operatives WA as part of its Member Services and Business Awareness programs.

MEDIA RELEASE

WA CO-OPS IN BIG LEAGUE

Congratulations go to fourteen WA Co-operatives that have made it into Australia’s Top 100 Co-operatives, Credit Unions and Mutuals by Annual Turnover compiled by Co-operatives Australia.

“The important contribution made to the WA economy by businesses that operate under a co-operative business model is often overlooked.

“The national list will increase public awareness of a sector that has traditionally focused on getting on with its day-to-day business and one that has not been pre-occupied with chasing media coverage outside its own membership base,” according to Chris Enright, Chairman of Co-operatives WA.

Release of the list is timely with new legislation governing co-operatives expected to be enacted in Western Australia by the end of the year. The new legislation will make it easier for eastern states co-operatives to do business in WA and for local co-operatives to grow their activity base.

“WA co-operatives featuring in the list can be very proud of their achievements and there needs to be greater awareness of what they contribute in the way of employment and services to their members and the wider community,” said Chris Enright, who is also chairman of Mt Barker Co-operative, one of the WA co-operatives listed.

“Like many of our fellow co-operatives, Mt Barker Co-op has been servicing community needs for many years without any fanfare and it is pleasing to be recognised in the Top 100. With all that is going on at present in our economy, it is important that people understand how to benefit from doing business with a co-operative they can join for just a few dollars. In the case of Mt Barker we are a retailer but the Top 100 show cases co-operatives that operate across all industry sectors and in many different fields,” concluded Mr Enright.
 

(ENDS)

Released by:             Co-operatives WA on 8^th June 2009

Authorised by:           Chris Enright

Background Information

Co-operatives Australia’s - Australia’s Top 100 Co-operatives, Credit Unions and Mutuals by Annual Turnover is available here.

Mt Barker Co-op is a retail and merchandising business servicing the Plantagenet Shire and surrounding area. It has some 1,500 active shareholder members. For a once only joining fee of $20 they receive 20 $1.00 shares; get the right to vote at shareholder meetings; and earn cash rebates on the business they put through their co-operative. The Co-operative operates a Super IGA store, hardware store and has a rural merchandising arm.