In 2025, the United Nations declared the second International Year of Cooperatives, recognising the global impact of three million member-owned businesses.
In Queensland, co-operatives and mutuals have strengthened communities for over 150 years. Built on shared ownership, co-ops and mutuals are more than businesses; they are icons of lasting impact.
late 1800s and early 1900s
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, co-ops and mutuals helped establish essential services throughout Queensland. People First Bank began as a building society in Toowoomba, and today has grown into one of Australia’s largest mutual banks, a powerful symbol of resilience and transformation. Isis Central Sugar Mill was founded by cane growers and supports the Childers region today. RACQ began in 1905 when 18 pioneering motorists united to advocate for better roads. 120 years on, it proudly serves more than 1.7 million members while advocating for changes that matter to Queenslanders. The Esk District Co-operative was started by dairy farmers and remains a valued retailer and rural supplier. Bundaberg’s Friendly Society Private Hospital still delivers care to its community. And the Killarney Co-operative has kept services and jobs local in the Southern Downs region for generations.
Early to mid 20th century
Through the mid 1900s, co-ops and mutuals supported Queensland’s economic growth.
Coochin Creek Fruitgrowers’ Co-op was started by farmers to help market their fruit and veg. Brismark was formed by wholesalers to support Brisbane Produce Markets’ operations. Emerald Co-operative Society has been a member-owned retail co-op for 70 years. Great Southern Bank’s origins date back to 1946 with the establishment of the Catholic Thrift and Loan Co-operative, later known as CUA. They’ve grown into one of Australia’s largest customer-owned banks, with a clear focus on helping all Australians own their own home. TGT (also known as NQ Co-op) supports independent rural and hardware retailers. Clifton Community Health Services delivers aged care and medical services to locals. Leading financial mutuals, QBank was started to serve emergency and public sector workers, and MOVE Bank to support transport and logistics workers. And the Union Cooperative Society in Brisbane continues to be a Paddington icon.
1970s
By the 1970s, co-ops and mutuals were expanding into new sectors, responding to social change and regional needs. Darling Downs Bank offers community banking across the region. Gold Coast Fishermen’s Co-op connects consumers with fresh catch. Starting as a mining credit union, Queensland Country Bank has grown into a statewide mutual bank serving communities across the state. Queensland Teachers Union Health Fund reinvests into educator benefits. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service Brisbane, Girudala Community Co-operative, and Abis Community Co-operative continue to provide services to First Nations people in their regions. Independent Liquor Group helps retailers compete in the market. Maple Street Food Co-op provides local produce to the Sunshine Coast hinterland. And Bynoe Community Advancement Cooperative Society provides housing and services to First Nations people in Far North Queensland.
1980s and 90s
In the 80s and 90s, co-ops and mutuals adapted to new challenges with innovation. Marquis Macadamias (1983) is now Australia’s largest macadamia processor. Central Burnett Fruit Processors (1987) and Natures Fruit Company (1988) help local growers sell their product. Capricorn Society (1991) services the automotive repair industry.Carpet One Australasia (1994) helps independent retailers through group buying. Cowboys Leagues Club Limited (1995) channels NRL success into North Queensland. Kuranda Arts Co-op (1996) showcases local creators. Community Praxis Co-op (1998) provides training with a social impact focus. Nundah Community Enterprise Co-op (1998) creates inclusive employment in hospitality and maintenance services. And Reverse Garbage Queensland (1998) diverts waste from landfill for education and creative use.
21st century
In the 21st century, co-ops and mutuals continue to prove that purpose-led business has a vital role in Queensland’s future.
Pioneer Valley Water Co-op manages irrigation infrastructure for farming communities. Caboolture Workers Co-op provides employment in commercial cleaning and hospitality. Mary Valley Country Harvest Co-op (2013) connects growers to markets. Australian Unity (2016) was selected to deliver a $1.1 billion redevelopment of Herston Quarter, comprising world-class health, education and biomedical facilities.
Eton Irrigation Co-operative (2020) continues to support regional irrigators. Lockyer Fruit And Veggie Cooperative (2023) is on a mission to revive Australia’s fruit and vegetable processing industry. Hands on Artists Co-op (2024) is a longstanding community arts organisation that has recently become a co-operative to secure its future. And TaskABLE Co-operative (2025) creates work opportunities for young adults living with intellectual disability.
Today, Queensland’s co-operatives and mutuals are not just a legacy, they are our future. They empower communities. They help people bank ethically. They deliver people-focused health care. And they foster financial inclusion and First Nations self-determination. As the world changes, Queensland’s co-ops and mutuals are continuing to build a resilient future, where prosperity is shared, and communities thrive.