Tucked into the lush Sunshine Coast Hinterland on Jinabara and Kabi Kabi country, the town of Maleny has long been known for its unique community spirit, one rooted in cooperation, sustainability and grassroots enterprise. At the heart of this legacy is the Maple Street Co-operative Society Ltd, one of Australia’s most enduring and successful community-owned businesses.
A century-long culture of cooperation
Maleny’s co-op tradition dates to 1903, when local settlers established the Maleny Cooperative Dairy Association, the region’s first dairy co-operative. Over its lifetime, it built three butter factories, laying the groundwork for a culture of mutual support and community-led enterprise. Today, Maleny supports a diverse network of co-operatives and social ventures, including:
- The Maleny Credit Union (now QCB),
- The LETS (Local Exchange Trading System) cashless currency
- Multiple settlement co-ops
- Environmental and educational co-ops
- Arts Alive Maleny – the town’s newest art co-op
- And of course, the Maple Street Co-op, Maleny’s long-standing health food store
The birth of Maple Street Co-op
In the late 1970s, a group of Maleny locals were carpooling to Nambour just to buy wholefoods like lentils, brown rice, chickpeas and even tobacco. Frustrated by the lack of access to (mostly) healthy staples, they envisioned something better, a local store grounded in consensus decision-making, sustainability and community ownership.
With help from co-op advocate Lorna Huston and founding manager Jill Jordan (later known as the “unofficial mayor of Maleny”), they launched the Maple Street Co-operative on January 14, 1980.
The founding members came from all walks of life, environmentalists, artists, Buddhists, psychologists, activists united by a shared belief in ethical business and community-led change. The early years were tough: suppliers were distant, funding was minimal and wages were non-existent. But the Co-op persisted, driven by passion, volunteerism and deep community ties.
Thriving through change
The co-op celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2019–2020, still rooted in the same values that inspired its founding. In 2020, it expanded into the full premises of its building – a move that spurred growth in both membership and sales. That same year, as the COVID-19 pandemic began, the co-op demonstrated remarkable resilience. Despite briefly closing for only a few days, it maintained steady sales through to 2025, adapting to the needs of the community during uncertain times.
Following its recent expansion, the co-op has preserved its original character while incorporating modern upgrades and equipment. It continues to foster a sense of community and offers a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere for customers. Professionally qualified staff, including naturopaths and nutritionists, are available daily to assist customers with dietary inquiries and provide guidance on the comprehensive supplement selection.
Behind the store, you’ll find even more community spirit: a tiny home project offering affordable housing, and a flourishing volunteer-run community garden – a peaceful spot in the middle of town for connection and relaxation.
With a 2024–2025 turnover of $5 million, 2,000 local member-owners, employment of 20–25 staff, and continued reinvestment into the community, the Maple Street Co-op exemplifies how community-owned, purpose-driven enterprises can thrive, both economically and socially in the modern world.
