Sco-op
August 2025Dear Members, Suppliers, Directors, and Team,
Farming is about looking ahead as much as it is about working hard today. In this edition, we’re focusing on opportunities that help secure the future – whether that’s encouraging the next generation through our Agricultural Scholarship, strengthening family businesses with the Succession Planning Workshop, or shaping the direction of our cooperative at the Annual General Meeting.
First up, a reminder that applications are still open for the 2025 EOPP Agricultural Scholarship. This scholarship offers up to $10,000 over two years to help cover boarding and school fees for Year 10 and 11 students in the Esperance Port Zone who are passionate about a career in agriculture or ag-aligned industries. It’s a fantastic opportunity to ease the financial burden for families while encouraging the next generation of leaders in our sector. If you know a student who would be a great fit, please encourage them to apply.
We’re also excited to share details of the upcoming Farm Succession Planning Workshop on October 13, delivered by Agknowledge. Succession isn’t a one-off event – it’s about building clarity, confidence, and resilience for the future of your family and business. This workshop is designed to make the process easier and more practical, with tools and support to help you move forward together.
And finally, don’t forget to save the date for our Annual General Meeting on October 16. This is your chance to be part of the conversation about the future of our member-owned business and consider nominating for a position on the board.
Check Out Our August Supplier Spotlight
This month, our Supplier Spotlight highlights Esperance Communications, a local success story that began when apprentice Colin Gallop started his journey in 1988. From working his way up through the ranks to becoming Managing Director and eventually purchasing the business in 2022 alongside Ron and Carolyn Chambers, Colin has transformed Esperance Communications into a thriving 20-person enterprise that now serves as the largest electronics, communications, and IT company in the region. In Esperance, his dedicated team provides comprehensive technology solutions for locals and businesses alike, ensuring the community gets quality, personalised service with that special local touch.
We hope you enjoy the read!
Warm regards,
Spotlight On
Esperance Communications
This month, our Supplier Spotlight highlights Esperance Communications, your friendly local tech experts who’ve been keeping your commmunity connected.
Starting back in 1982 as a cozy repair shop, this family-owned gem has become the town’s go-to place for everything electronic. What began as a 2-person operation has grown into a 20-strong team of tech-savvy locals who genuinely care about making “Electronics Made Easy” – and they really mean it!
These days, Esperance Communications is hands-down the largest electronics, communications, and IT company in our area, but they’ve never lost that personal touch. Whether you need computer help, security systems that work with the new firearm regulations, vehicle fit-outs for your caravan adventures, or that fancy new Starlink internet everyone’s talking about, they’ve got you covered.
The heart of the business is Managing Director Colin Gallop, who started as a young apprentice way back in 1988 and worked his way up to eventually buying the business in 2022 – now that’s dedication! He’s backed by Service Manager Kieran Chambers (with his Computer Science smarts) and Sales Manager Shannon D’Silva, who has that knack for matching you with exactly what you need.
What really sets this crew apart is how they treat every customer like a neighbour. As long-time EOPP suppliers, they’ve been making life easier for local organizations by keeping everything on one simple account. No fuss, just friendly service from people who actually live and work right here in our community.
Find them at: 28 Norseman Road, Esperance | 08 9071 3344 | sales@ec.com.au | www.ec.com.au
“Succession planning isn’t just a one-time event; it’s a powerful tool in your farm business management toolkit.”
Agknowledge is presenting the workshop
In 1998 Peter Cooke and Nicol Taylor established Agknowledge, a firm specialising in strategic development for agribusiness, farmer based organisations and farm operations to consider and plan their future – their intellectual capital.
Who Is the Succession Planning Workshop designed for?
Succession is all about planning for change or transition within a business and the family, and it usually requires a family member to be the ‘change agent’ to initiate the conversation and get the process underway.
That can be difficult to do as an individual, so we encourage more than one family member to attend this workshop to build broader understanding in your family group, help get everyone on the same page and understanding the language and steps required for succession planning, and provide support to keep the process on track even through the busy farming cycles.
It takes effort to continue to drive the succession process, so bringing a co-driver along with you will make it easier to get traction with your succession plan.
As with any workshop it is valuable to have diversity in both gender and age groups as this enhances the learning opportunity and expands our understanding of other’s perspectives.
Pre-Workshop Activities – PARTICIPANTS TO COMPLETE BEFORE ATTENDING
Identifying the issues
Once you have enrolled you will be sent a simple form titled AgKnowledge Family Questionnaire; an important piece of early preparation for all workshop participants to complete. This will identify key issues to enable you to build an understanding of family priorities.
Print copies, and ask each family member to complete the entries, and bring to the Workshop.
Date: 13/10/2025
Venue: Comfort Inn Bay of Isles
Limited spaces are available. Please register now at eo@eoppcooperativeltd.com
EOPP Annual General Meeting
Save the Date – 16th October 2025
The annual letter from the board and form for Nominatations to Act as a Director , will be arriving in your email or post shortly.
We would like to encourage every member who is interested in the benefits of a community based member-owned business to nominate for a position at the board table.
Our Business Directory Just Got Better!
We’re excited to share that our updated Business Directory is now live on the website! This upgrade makes it even easier for people to find your business when they’re looking for local suppliers – and it also shines a light on the incredible range of skills and services within our community.
It’s more than just a list – it’s a showcase of the people and businesses that keep our region strong.
Jump online, have a browse, and see the amazing network you’re part of. We’d love you to check it out and share the word!
August 2025
Supplier Advertisements
Local people. Trusted support.
At Farm and General, we’re proud to be a local team supporting local farmers and tradies. Whether you need advice, gear, or a good yarn, we’re here to help.
Location: Drop in and see us at 46 Norseman Road, Esperance
Call: 08 9072 0888
10% OFF Salt Shift – All August!
Keep your gear clean and corrosion-free with Salt Shift – the ultimate wash for vehicles, boats, and machinery.
For the month of August, enjoy 10% off the full Salt Shift range at Ag and Trade!
Grab yours in-store while stocks last.
Have you seen our Supplier Directory?
Let's GoDiscover where you can make use of your EOPP membership with our list of EOPP Suppliers above!
Interested in becoming an EOPP Supplier? Get in touch with our Executive Officer Helen at eo@eoppcooperativeltd.com!
Interested in Becoming an EOPP Member?
When you apply to become an EOPP member, you get exclusive access to a range of exclusive discounts, savings and promotions, as well as other member benefits like profit sharing and annual rebates.
