The Cobargo Co-operative Society (Cobargo Co-operative) is a shining example of the resilience and strength that can emerge from a long-standing community bond. Operating since 1901, originally as a dairy producer co-operative, it has evolved over the years into a pivotal community service provider on the south coast of NSW. This transformation has been driven by the co-operative’s deep connection to its local region, a relationship built on mutual support and shared challenges.
In 2020, the Cobargo Co-operative had around 1,200 active members and an annual turnover of $4.1 million. The society’s history spans over a century, encompassing countless challenges, including the global impacts of both world wars, the Great Depression, and more recently, devastating bushfires and the recovery from the 2019–2020 fires.
A century of evolution
The origins of the Cobargo Co-operative date back to the Cobargo District Co-operative Creamery Butter Society, established in 1901 to provide local dairy farmers with a sustainable future. By 1904, the co-operative had achieved significant success, with 2,110 members and a thriving butter export business. Over the next several decades, the co-op adapted to changing market conditions, including the decline of dairy farming in the region and the expansion of retail operations.
By the 1980s, Cobargo had shifted from being a dairy producer to serving as a general retailer for the broader community. The co-op offered agricultural supplies, hardware and pet food, cementing its role as an essential local resource. As the town of Cobargo evolved into a hub for tourists and sea-changers seeking the beauty of the NSW coast, the co-op’s membership expanded, reflecting the diverse needs of the community.
Community-focused and disaster-resilient
The true test of the Cobargo Co-operative’s resilience came in the summer of 2019-2020, when devastating bushfires ravaged the region. The co-op quickly became ground zero for disaster response. As shops around the town were destroyed, the co-operative remained open, providing emergency supplies such as fuel, feed and fencing materials. The staff, many of whom were personally affected by the fires, worked tirelessly to support the community.
Dan Williamson, Manager of the co-op, led the efforts, ensuring that the community’s needs were met even when the power, phone lines and internet were down. They recorded transactions manually and operated a generator to keep the store running. As the co-op distributed donated goods, they ensured that aid reached those who needed it most, demonstrating the co-op’s deep social capital and the trust the community placed in it.
This experience has built a stronger connection to the community – people now know we are a co-op, not just a shop.
– Dan Williamson, Manager, Cobargo Co-op
The co-op’s community-oriented approach and its ability to respond quickly and efficiently made it a vital pillar of recovery.
Giving back and supporting the community
The co-op’s recovery efforts didn’t stop at providing emergency supplies. The community rallied around the co-op, which launched a ‘Go Fund Me’ campaign raising $72,680. This money was used to provide $200 vouchers to affected members, ensuring they had the means to rebuild. The co-op also kept prices low for essential recovery items, such as hay and fencing, showing its commitment to supporting not just members, but the entire town.
Eighteen months after the fires, these recovery-focused prices remain, illustrating the co-op’s long-term dedication to community rebuilding. The co-op’s open and transparent distribution of funds fostered trust, and its members have continued to support one another, proving the strength of the mutual and community-driven business model.
Vision and values for the future
Cobargo Co-operative has faced many challenges, but through each, its core mission has remained clear: to serve the needs of the Cobargo community. Looking to the future, the co-op is guided by a vision, mission and set of values that reflect its commitment to both the social and economic well-being of the region.
Vision:
“To support the community of Cobargo and districts to grow and prosper into the future, being open to how this may evolve. We aim higher than just economic growth, looking to support Cobargo’s social capital by being a vibrant and interactive place where the community feels safe and supported to connect.”
Mission:
“The Cobargo Co-operative exists purely to serve the community of Cobargo and surrounding locales. We aim to provide for the needs of our community with a high standard of service, integrity, honesty and humility, while focusing on growth into new areas to ensure sustainability.”
Values:
“We value the diversity of our area, the families that have farmed here for generations, and the new people who see a future here. Our values are rooted in respect, consideration, excellence and above all, serving the needs of Cobargo.”
Looking ahead
While the co-op has navigated significant adversity, it remains optimistic about the future. The board and management are committed to supporting the community’s recovery and continued prosperity. The social, emotional and economic support offered by the co-op has proven indispensable to the town’s resilience, and with the ongoing dedication of its staff and members, the Cobargo Co-operative is poised to continue playing a vital role in the region’s future.
Despite the hardships of the bushfires, the COVID-19 pandemic and the financial strain of recent expansions, the Cobargo Co-op’s focus remains on its community. With the support of its members, Cobargo Co-operative continues to be a cornerstone of the region – ensuring its future as a thriving, supportive and resilient community-driven business.
Abridged article sources
- Primary producer co-operatives: The beating heart of community resilience and recovery (BCCM, October 2021)
- Australia’s Leading Co-operative and Mutual Enterprises in 2020 by T. Mazzarol (part of the CEMI Discussion Paper series)