The Co-op Federation

20/08/2026

Molly was having a peak co-op happy place moment in Bega in July, facilitating Australia’s first Worker-Owned Co-op Conference & Retreat❤️

19 worker-owners from seven co-ops came together for a day of sharing stories, comparing notes, tackling some of the very real challenges of running a worker-owned business, and thinking about how we can grow and strengthen the worker-owned co-op movement in Australia.

It was a pretty special day. Lots of big ideas, lots of practical problem solving, plenty of laughs, and a whole lot of people who really care about making worker ownership work.

We’ve just published a little event blog with some of the stories, ideas and lessons from the weekend. We’ve also included a recording of our Sunday “Broadcast from the Bunker” session on YouTube, for those who want to hear more about what we got up to.

If worker-owned co-ops are your thing, or you’re just curious about how they work and where the movement is heading, have a read 👇

https://fed.coop/worker-co-op-conference/

13/08/2026

Throwback Thursday 🛍️

Last month Molly got to spend a Saturday at the Food Co-op and meet some of the wonderful members who keep this tiny but mighty co-op humming.

It’s tucked away behind the Uniting Church on Sydney Road, which means you could quite easily walk past it without ever knowing it was there. But if you’re in Melbourne this weekend, it’s definitely worth getting a little brave, a little curious and wandering in to see what you find!

One of the customers Molly met said she loves coming to the co-op. Her description was that it’s “kind of... not-at-all-convenient”... and that’s what she loves about it.

It’s an intentional part of her month. She enjoys gathering her bulk staples, bathroom products and delicious treats from the co-op, seeing the people, being part of the experience. “I’m utterly hooked. It’s the highlight of my month.”

Society really gears towards convenience, but there’s something pretty special about a place that asks you to slow down a little, show up, and actually be part of something.

The best quote of the day came from shop stock manager, Matilda: “Come for the food, stay for the people.”

The Brunswick Food Co-op is open this Saturday from 10am –1pm. So if you’re in Victoria, or heading to Melbourne, go and have a look. You might find a new place to get your groceries, a bunch of lovely people, or perhaps even a way to get involved in your local community. They’re always looking for volunteers too.

11/08/2026

If you’ve been on the fence about supporting your local co-operative, perhaps this beverage from Weston Workers Club Co-op will get you over the line? 😎

Say hello to our August Coffee of the Month... the Fairy Bread Brew 🌈✨

A nostalgic Aussie favourite with a coffee twist. Made with espresso, milk, ice and our signature fairy bread syrup, then topped with fluffy fairy bread cold foam and finished with a white chocolate rim and colourful sprinkles.

Sweet, creamy and guaranteed to brighten your day – this is one coffee you won't want to miss.

Available from 10am daily throughout August. Pop into the café and treat yourself before it's gone!

06/08/2026

We’re borrowing a little Throwback Thursday magic from our friends at Hastings Co-op this week, because honestly, how could we not?

Founded in 1916 Hastings Co-op was celebrating 34 years of achievements with a parade float proudly showcasing what locals had built together: a factory, electricity, a co-op store. Community-owned infrastructure, created by the people who lived there, for the people who lived there.

And we have to give a special mention to the slogan: “You can shop and won’t flop at the Co-op.” They really don’t write them like that anymore!

76 years on from this photo, Hastings Co-op is still community-owned and still serving its members.

Every co-op has a story, and the best ones are the ones communities keep telling. Follow Hastings Co-op to learn more about their impressive history and consider sharing the story of how your co-op came into being!

04/08/2026

Co-op Job - Tree change to Maleny to join the crew at The Maple Street Co-operative?

We're looking for a new shop manager as Charlotte will be moving away next year. If you are interested or know someone with management experience, find our add on Seek for more info and to apply or email Peter at [email protected] 😊 we look forward to hearing from you!

04/08/2026

One of the best parts of our job is getting to walk alongside new co-operatives as they take shape.

Last week, Sam caught up with the team behind Bellingen Coffee Co-op. Pictured (first pic) from left are Ruth, Sharma, Amelia and Sam, meeting on the path as we help them to form.

Bello Co-op is formed around incredible coffee, but it's about more than what's in the cup. It's a member-owned co-operative sourcing organic beans directly from women-led farming communities. They pay above Fairtrade prices, and reinvest profits into projects that strengthen the local communities.

What we particularly love is how open they've been about sharing the journey. The ups, downs and decisions involved in becoming a co-operative, giving people a genuine peek behind the scenes at what formation actually involves.

If you've ever wondered what it takes to start a co-op, and why you would choose a democratic structure, we'd really encourage you to give Bello Co-op a follow Bellingen Coffee. It's a rare chance to watch a co-operative come together before your very eyes.

An inspiring project, with some seriously good coffee! ☕

29/07/2026

🌱 Guess what these three things have in common?

We thought we’d share a few things happening across our co-operative community right now.

Different sectors, different locations, different people, different dreams, but all creating opportunities for people to connect, collaborate, share knowledge and create value for their members. Some may appeal to you!

Have a look and see if any of these spark your interest:
____

🌾 Supporting rural women to grow and connect

Co-operative has opened applications for Cohort 3 of Thriving Together, a free 12-week program supporting women in rural, regional and remote NSW to grow their ideas, businesses and confidence.

With mentoring, practical learning and connection with other rural women, the program creates space for women to build skills, networks and momentum.

Applications close 14 August:
https://thrivingtogether.theruralwoman.com.au/
____

🐔 Growing stronger local supply chains

Organic Investment Co-operative’s ORCA Poultry Feed is now available through local Buyers Groups and especially co-operatives across SA, Victoria, NSW and Tasmania.

Certified organic, soy free, nutritionally balanced and made with 100% Australian grown grains.

More info and ordering:
https://organicinvestmentcooperative.com.au/orca-organic-produce/
____

🎲 Play a free storytelling game with Percolab Australia Cooperative

Join 'Listen For' - an online storytelling game with a twist. A one-hour session exploring new ways of active listening, connecting and transforming our work, relationships and wellbeing.

📅 Tuesday 4 August 2026
⏰ 12pm–1pm (AEST)
https://www.percolab.com/event/listen-for-online-community-game-4aug/

So... what do they all have in common?

They’re all examples of co-operatives using their structure to bring people together across different areas, create stronger connections and collaborate in ways that generate more value for members.

What's the best part (in our humble opinion)? That value doesn’t stop with members. It flows back into the communities around those co-op members, helping create stronger, richer and more connected local areas 💚

28/07/2026

📢 Australian co-operatives, we need your help.

The International Co-operative Alliance-Asia and Pacific is gathering data on women's representation and gender equity in co-operatives across the Asia-Pacific. We are seeking responses from Australian co-ops, and we'd love to see our sector well represented.

The survey closes this Friday 31 July

The findings will help inform future investment, research and advocacy to strengthen gender representation in co-operative leadership across our region.

You don't need to complete it all at once; you can save your progress using the three dots in the top right-hand corner and return to it later.

If your co-operative has the capacity, we'd really appreciate you taking the time to contribute.

You can access the survey here:

https://icaapsurvey.limesurvey.net/184373?lang=en&newtest=Y

Please feel free to share this with other co-ops who may not have seen it.



Pictured: Travel Agents Co-operative https://atac.travel/

28/07/2026

A great co-op job

We’re looking for a local, community-minded Office & Administration Assistant to join us at Sage Room Co-op in Manly.

This casual role is approximately 10 hours per week, with flexibility around school hours, and would suit someone who’s organised, enjoys plenty of variety and gets real satisfaction from bringing order to scattered information.

Please share this with someone who might be a brilliant fit.

https://www.sageroom.com.au/work-with-us/

27/07/2026

A great co-operative milestone