About

Home 5 About

Please use the links below to navigate through information about Co-operatives WA.

Home  ›  About  ›  History

History

Co-operatives WA is the registered business name of The Co-operative Federation of Western Australia (Inc).

The Co-operative Federation of Western Australia (Inc) was formed in October 1919, following a conference earlier in that year attended by 200 delegates from some 65 localised co-operatives spawned across rural WA on the back of the 1914 formation of Westralian Farmers Co‐operative Limited in Kellerberrin in the state’s eastern wheatbelt.

Formed to support the development of co-operatives without taking away local management and control, the Federation unified the co-operative sector and to this very day, through its peak body structure and role, has represented the interests of the Western Australian co-operative sector.

Co-operatives WA is the go to state peak body for Co-operatives Act 2009 (WA) and Co‑operatives National Law matters.

Click here to read Let Our Co-operative Spirit Stand – A centenary history of resilience and adaption in the Co‑operative Federation of Western Australia 1919 – 2019.

Click here for Foreword to centenary history by the Hon Robert S French AC, Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia 2008-2017.

Click here to view a short clip of the 2019 Centenary Dinner and book launch.

Home  ›  About  ›  Structure and Rules

Structure and Rules

The Co-operative Federation of Western Australia (Inc) is registered under the Associations Incorporation Act 2015 of the State of Western Australia.

The Federation was formed in 1919 and is governed by a Member elected Council of Members (board) with each Council Member nominating a person to hold the position of Councillor (director).

Co-operatives WA has been the Federation’s registered business name since early 2009.

To qualify for Membership of the Federation you must be a body corporate domiciled in Western Australia with a charter (Constitution) and operating ethos (Service to Members) based on co operative principles.

Click here for Rules of Co-operatives WA.

Home  ›  About  ›  Councillors

Councillors

Member elected Council of Members and their respective nominee is:

Council of Members                             

Capricorn Society Ltd                          

Co-operative Bulk Handling Ltd               

Galactic Co-op WA Ltd                           

Geraldton Fishermen’s Co-op Ltd           

Mt Barker Co-operative Ltd                   

The Pack Music Co-op Ltd

WA Meat Marketing Co-op Ltd              

York & District Co-op Ltd                   

Nominee

David Fraser

Ken Seymour (Chairman)

Kate Biondo

Michael May (Deputy Chairman)

Lyn Slade

Melanie Bainbridge

Bill O’Keeffe

Mia Monger

Council of Members

Capricorn Society Ltd
Nominee: David Fraser

Co-operative Bulk Handling Ltd
Nominee: Ken Seymour (Chairman)

Galactic Co-op WA Ltd
Nominee: Kate Biondo

Geraldton Fishermen’s Co-op Ltd
Nominee: Michael May (Deputy Chairman)

Mt Barker Co-operative Ltd
Nominee: Lyn Slade

The Pack Music Co-op Ltd
Nominee: Melanie Bainbridge

WA Meat Marketing Co-op Ltd
Nominee: Bill O’Keefe

York & District Co-op Ltd
Nominee: Mia Monger

Home  ›  About  ›  Vision and Purpose

Vision and Purpose

Vision

To be recognised as a centre of excellence and an authority on co-operatives as a business model.

 Purpose

  • To represent the interest of Members at state and national level.
  • To promote the co-operative advantage through community education and awareness of the core values of the co-operative business model.
  • To promote the co-operative sector’s ongoing significant economic and social contribution to the state of Western Australia.
  • To provide guidance on the formation of co-operative entities – focusing on member ownership, control and relevance; member participation and sustainability.
  • To assistance with drafting bespoke fit for purpose rules and navigating the regulatory pathway to incorporation.
  • To deliver director and executive education and training on the management and governance of co‑operative entities.
GFC member shoot
Ultra Tune Capricorn Cooperative
CBH operational

Quick Contact