Cooperative societies play an important role in rural development. Following the idea of mutual aid and self-help, members are also the owners, and people will join voluntarily to meet common business, social and cultural needs through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise.
What is a co-op?
In a practice often described as “social licence” residents take ownership of their community’s future. There are numerous examples of this model working well in regional areas. When Lockington Community Hotel was doomed to close, locals grouped together to buy it using a co-operative model. Following their success, the Lockington co-op helped the nearby town of Colbinabbin take over the struggling general store.
A cooperative (CO-OP) is an enterprise or organisation owned by and operated for the benefit of those using its services.
Why does EOPP operate as a co-op?
EOPP officially became a co-operative in 1997 under the name of Esperance Organised Primary Producers Co-operative Limited.
The co-operative was formed in order to provide support and meet the needs of businesses in Esperance.
Interested in becoming a member? Find out how to join us at EOPP.
How does it work in practice?
In serving the people of South-East Agricultural Region of Western Australia, Esperance Organised Primary Producers Cooperative Limited is committed to:
- Promoting the interests of primary producers through professional, personal and commercial presence, both in Australia and overseas.
- Providing the highest quality of service to our members by helping individuals, families and corporations to achieve maximum returns from their investment in primary industry.
- Freely supplying practical, easy to understand information that we believe will be of benefit to our members.
- Managing our resources efficiently and prudently in order to sustain our capacity for enduring service.
- Embracing without equivocation, the statement on the Co-operative Identity by the International Co-operative Alliance.
When setting up or joining a co-op, keep these factors in mind:
- a minimum of 5 members is required
- all members must maintain an active relationship with their co-operative by using or contributing to its main activities
- all active members have an equal vote at general meetings regardless of their shareholding
- co-operatives are limited liability entities, meaning that members have no direct responsibility for debts of the co-operative
- directors of the co-operative owe legal duties to the co-operative and under the law that may lead to prosecution and compensation if they are negligent, reckless or fraudulent in carrying out their responsibilities
Follow these rules, and in return, members are rewarded by having the power to make real change in your area, and by having access to less costly or better goods and services, these rewards may be in the form of rebates, or for distributing co-operatives, there may be limited dividends on their shares
What are the benefits?
Co-operatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. In the tradition of their founders, co-operative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility, and caring for others.
Key benefits of a co-operative model
- Competitive power
Through a cooperative model you can combine purchasing power to receive the benefits of Co-operative Bulk Buying for members and the community.
- Support and protection
Cooperatives enjoy true connection and support, a community that really drives forward success.
- Rural economics
True cooperatives keep your money local. The money that goes into the operations of the cooperative is distributed to grower-owners through rebates or dividends which go back into the farming operation and into other local businesses you patronize. Rural communities benefit from this economic cycle and are strengthened.
- Education, training and information
A co-operative can provide education and training for its members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of the co-operative. A co-operative informs the general public, particularly young people and opinion leaders, about the nature and benefits of co-operatives.
- Care in the community
Co-operatives, while focusing on member needs, work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.
You can find out more about any legal implementations via the Co-operatives National Law
The EOPP Mission
“To combine our purchasing power to receive the benefits of Co-operative Bulk Buying”
Interested in becoming a member? Find out how to join us at EOPP.
Get in Touch
Norseman Rd, Esperance WA 6450
Phone: 08 9071 2564 or 0427 169 783
Email: eo@eoppcooperativeltd.com
