Locally owned.
Locally led.
For community benefit.
A group of dedicated locals working to secure the essentials of liveability and influence our community's prosperity through cooperation.
Ravensthorpe CRC is proud to host the Ravensthorpe Co-operative on our website - please contact the co-op committee directly with any queries. Email the committee at ravensthorpecoop@gmail.com
You can also stay up to date by following the Ravensthorpe Co-op’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ravensthorpecooperative
Pop-Up Co-op Joins Local Makers at the Christmas Markets
The Ravensthorpe CRC Christmas Markets were buzzing on Saturday 29 November, with local stallholders, makers, and entrepreneurs filling the courtyard with colour and energy.
Among them was the Ravensthorpe Co-op Formation Committee, running a small Pop-Up Co-op to connect with residents and share updates on the community-owned shop project.
Stocked with locally sourced “essentials of liveability” - fresh eggs, milk, and bread - the pop-up offered a simple, practical example of the co-op’s intention to keep decisions and profits local.
Committee members spent the morning listening to community views, answering questions, and gauging the level of support for seeing a reliable, community-influenced grocery store established in town.
The strong conversations reaffirmed what we’ve been hearing throughout this process: food security, local ownership, and dependable essentials matter deeply in Ravensthorpe.
Insights from the day will help shape the next steps as the Formation Committee continues work on co-op registration, business planning, and a membership drive in 2026.
We’re also looking ahead to a significant milestone: welcoming retail consultant Rob Hubbard to Ravensthorpe in early January. With extensive experience in rural supermarket operations, Rob will undertake a fact-finding visit to inform the feasibility study. His advice and guidance will be invaluable as the project progresses.
What’s next?!
Co-Operative Overview
Ravensthorpe's journey towards establishing a community-owned cooperative grocery store is moving forward with community support and active research and exploration.
Following a successful community information session on co-operatives held on August 19 2025, a dedicated Formation Committee convened its first meeting on Wednesday, September 3rd 2025 at the Ravensthorpe Community Centre Red Room. Attended by a group of local volunteers laid important groundwork for the initiative.
Key discussions at the initial meeting included introductions and sharing of experience and familiarisation with the principles of co-operatives. Committee members explored the significant benefits of community ownership, such as fostering social cohesion, catering to local needs, reinvesting in the area, and creating opportunities for local upskilling. Risks and assets relevant to the project were also identified, and initial working groups for "Governance" and "Shop Start-Up" were established to drive specific aspects of the co-op's development.
The community is encouraged to stay informed about this important initiative through the dedicated WhatsApp group – email ravensthorpecoop@gmail.com with your phone number to be added to the group - and updates through the Community Spirit. This co-operative effort aims to create a sustainable and community-focused grocery solution for Ravensthorpe, keeping resources within the local economy and building a thriving community hub.
