Co-operatives WA, the lead Industry Partner in the UWA Business School research project titled – Looking Back – Looking Forward: The economic and social contribution of the Western Australian Co-operative and Mutual Enterprise (CME) sector to the state’s development, welcomes the Ord River District Co-op and Quairading Farmers Co-op to the project as case study partners.

The origin of the Ord River District Co-op goes back to 1963 when Ord River cotton growers saw a need for producer focused processing and marketing of their crops. Over the ensuing 60 years ORDCO has remained relevant to the needs of its membership and will be an important case study of resilience in the face of an ever changing environment.

The formation of Quairading Farmers Co-op goes much further back! Established in 1917 the COVID-19 pandemic has been the catalyst of a resurgence in business activity and community support for the Quairading Co-op. The co-operative will be an excellent case study, providing a great teaching and learning resource.