The Co-op Federation

04/06/2026

How did you mark National Reconciliation Week?

We’re proud to work alongside Indigenous-owned and Indigenous-managed co-operatives that are building self-determination, cultural strength and community wealth through co-operation.

A special shout out to our members: Running Water Community Press, Kowanyama Community Enterprise Co-operative, DJÄKAMIRR Co-op, Muurrbay Aboriginal Language and Culture Co-operative Ltd, and Tranby Aboriginal Co-operative.
Reconciliation takes action.

Co-operation is one way we can walk that path together.

28/05/2026

Co-operatives have incredibly long lifespans!

Why is that?

Because they invest back into their members and adapt to their needs.

Take Australian National Field Days. 70+ years of commitment to advancing Australian agriculture. Some things have changed with time, some things haven’t. At ANFD, they look to the future while standing on the shoulders of members past.

They’re an excellent example of the many thousands of co-op businesses building community wealth in the regions and in it for the long haul. Check out their socials to see more of their story.

22/05/2026

Everyone wants to go home at night, to a place where you can finally exhale. Somewhere to feel safe and stable. Somewhere to put down roots and dream up your future for as long as you wish to remain in that place.

Sadly, we're in the midst of a housing crisis. Rising rents and insecure housing are leaving too many people stressed and isolated. Not having a stable home makes everything else harder.

Fortunately, people all around Australia are organising cooperative solutions to claim their own housing. Housing co-ops offer a different path through collective investment and community ownership. They create affordable long-term security, shared decision-making, and a strong connection to people and place.

If you’re curious to learn more, 2-4pm tomorrow, Sydney Co-housing is hosting an Intro to Housing Co-ops session at the wonderful Murundaka Cohousing Cooperative ( ) in Camperdown.

Can’t make it in person? No stress! They’re running it online next Tuesday too ✨

Check it out here:
https://events.humanitix.com/intro-to-housing-coops-2026

21/05/2026

Women have always played a huge role in co-ops, but the data on leadership pathways and representation across the Asia-Pacific region is still patchy.

The ICA-AP Committee on Women is inviting co-ops to contribute to a new regional study exploring women’s participation, leadership, and the structures that help people step into decision-making roles.

If your co-op can spare a little time, we’d really encourage you to take part and help ensure grassroots co-op experiences are reflected in the research 🌱

Survey closes 1 June 2026.

https://icaap.coop/2026/05/07/new-regional-study-to-track-womens-leadership-in-cooperatives-in-asia-and-the-pacific/

Pictured here is the fabulous The Co-operative Life, home care co-operative, owned and run by the care workers, because happy carers mean happy clients!

12/05/2026

📣 HOBART! Countdown is on for this incredible event! An introduction to all things ‘Co-Op’, with guest speakers specialising in Tassie Cooperatives!
Registration is essential, snacks and drinks available - surrounded by the wonderful art exhibition from Art From Trash 2026 by

Don’t miss out!

🎟️ https://events.humanitix.com/build-it-together
🔗 in IG stories “Events”

08/05/2026

When global overwhelm hits, it’s time to get active locally!

The world feels like a lot right now. Rising costs, burnout, systems under strain.
This is often when co-operatives emerge, and they are forming and thriving all around the world at this very moment.

Practical, people-powered ways of building businesses, housing and community that actually share the benefits.

If you're in Hobart, join Resource Work Cooperative and The Co-op Federation at the Long Gallery, Salamanca Arts Centre (during the incredible Art From Trash exhibition) for an interactive evening and intro to co-ops. co-operative

On the night:
• a clear, no-jargon Co-ops 101
• real examples from Tassie and beyond
• small group break-outs with local groups presenting their work
• open Q&A

Meet the Tassie legends who have already formed thriving co-operatives, from housing to waste to retail. Learn how the co-op model works, and see if it could fit your own idea. A space to dream big and explore ideas.

$10 | $5 (concession)
Bar + snacks available by donation
Wed 20 May 2026, 5:30pm - 7pm
Long Gallery, Salamanca Arts Centre

Grab your spot: https://events.humanitix.com/build-it-together

Hosted by The Co-op Federation in colab with Resource Work Cooperative!

08/05/2026

Great story about our great member co-op. Get in there now and grab something special for Mother's Day! Christine and Stu explain the essence of co-operative enterprise.

07/05/2026

Check out this fantastic article about Melbourne rolling out some winning co-operative rental housing.

Rental co-ops offer security of tenure for tenants, autonomy, control, afirability and community!

Brilliant work, Common Equity Victoria!

These photos are C. see captions for details.

Check out the article here: https://l1nq.com/yukdefn or see the link in our stories 🔗

01/05/2026

Here's our Feb cohort of Co-operative Governance Course participants!

This course is a brilliant way to cast fresh eyes on how things are running at your co-op, in a confidential space, with other folk who understand co-operatives. Check out our June course and the descriptions of the Nine Essential Governance Modules to see if our 3 week course is right for you!

https://events.humanitix.com/online-co-operative-governance-june-2026-three-lunchtime-sessions

29/04/2026

Very well said

How does a co-op differ from a regular business?

The main difference lies in ownership and accountability.
In most private or public companies, there are two groups to satisfy: Customers and Shareholders.

Often, these interests compete and profit is typically distributed to shareholders who may not use the business at all.

A co-operative is different. The shareholder and the customer are the same person. There is only one set of interests to answer to: the members. Each member has an equal voice, regardless of the size of their shareholding. This democratic structure means decision-making reflects collective needs rather than external investor priorities.
Business decisions are guided by co-operative principles, balancing profitability with the long-term wellbeing of members and their communities.
Yenda Producers Co-operative are committed to supporting members across all our locations, with a strong emphasis on local employment and local communities. Our approach takes a long-term view.
Our purpose is to encourage the building of wealth and sustainability for members and their communities by working in partnership with all stakeholders.