17/05/2026
The South West initiative backing regional communities
Born and raised in Donnybrook, John “Jack” Cross has spent much of his life working alongside regional Australians and supporting the communities that keep country towns alive.
As one of the former owners of Delta Ag, Jack saw firsthand the growing pressure many local clubs and community groups are facing.
“You see the same people putting their hands up time and time again to keep local sport, events and community groups going,” he said.
“But it’s getting harder, especially in regional areas.”
Rather than accept that decline as inevitable, Jack began looking for a long-term solution that could genuinely give back to regional communities.
That search led him to Geraldton-based co-operative GOPP and its administration company OPPWA, where he began discussions with CEO Wendy Norris about how a similar model could work in the South West.
Together, they developed the concept that would become South West Organised Purchasing Power (SWOPP).
“The idea is simple: businesses are already spending money, so let’s help them save with the suppliers they already use while creating a system that gives back to local communities,” Jack said.
“Instead of money constantly leaving regional areas, SWOPP creates a way for communities to benefit from the everyday spending that’s already happening.”
Under the leadership of Ms Norris and her team, GOPP has grown from 30 suppliers to a network of 136 suppliers, now processing more than 91,000 invoices and more than $32 million in annual trade each year.
Using that proven framework, SWOPP has been established to create a sustainable, ongoing income stream for local clubs and community groups.
For Jack, SWOPP is about creating a sustainable model that helps regional areas stay connected, resilient and strong for generations to come.
“Country areas survive because people back each other,” he added.
“SWOPP is about making sure regional communities continue to thrive.”
Membership to SWOPP is open to regional businesses looking to save money while supporting the local community organisation of their choice.
For more information on how to get involved contact (08) 6289 0795 or email [email protected].
