Ravy Co-op: Quick Wins and Long Term Plans

The Ravensthorpe Co-op formation effort moved from paper to action on October 31 with a "Carpark Quick Win" that brought together 11 keen locals for an hour of hands-on weeding in the shop carpark’s neglected gardens. Pooling trailers, utes, wheelbarrows, tip passes, and elbow grease, the group delivered a quick, visible uplift to the main street - complete with laughs, camaraderie, and a well-earned drink and dinner at the pub to finish.

Formation Committee: Critical updates and milestones

Since the early October article, the Formation Committee has accelerated progress toward formal registration and structure. Key updates include:

• Formation meeting set: pending DLGIRS approval of the draft rules, this crucial meeting - to adopt the rules, formally join, and elect the inaugural board - is scheduled for Wednesday 17 December, at 6:30pm at the Ravy CRC.

• Co-op name: The formal name has been confirmed as Ravensthorpe Co-operative Ltd.

• Membership Cost: The annual membership fee will be set at $100 per year for an individual. The full membership drive will launch after the co-op is officially registered.

• Business Planning: With support of RHFF, the Committee has engaged Lincolns Accountants to develop a comprehensive business plan for the proposed grocery business. This process includes:

·        Financial Modelling (Part 1): Estimating start-up costs such as fit-out, stock, and systems; forecasting operating expenses and working capital needs; and identifying possible funding sources through donations, loans, and grants.

·        Financial Modelling (Part 2): Refining cashflow projections, determining a minimum viable fundraising or pledge target, and modelling different growth and sustainability scenarios.
The plan will form the foundation for investment readiness and help secure future funding to get the store doors open.

• Webpage and Social Media: Communicating with the community is a high priority, even in these very early stages. Updates can be found online at https://www.ravycrc.com.au/ravyco-op or on Facebook.

Next Up: Pop-Up Co-op on November 29th

The Formation Committee will host a ‘Pop-up Co-op’ at the Ravy CRC's Christmas Markets on Saturday, November 29th.

Stop by the Pop-Up Co-op stall to buy the essentials - milk, eggs, bread - and learn about the co-op plans, structure and provide feedback.tion

There’s been a lot of talk so far, we’re ready for ACTION – we invite the community join us as we spruce up the gardens at Foodworks and give this big chunk of our main street a bit of love. Friday 31 October, 4pm at the Foodworks carpark -  BYO gardening gloves..

Within a month of its first meeting, the Ravensthorpe Community Co-op Formation Committee has taken major steps to explore cooperative options, clarify structures, and test how community-led initiatives could shape essential service delivery - such as the local grocery shop - in the future.

After hearing from Lincolns Accounting and Cooperatives WA on September 10, the Formation Committee has indicated a preference for a non-distributing co-operative structure, ensuring reinvestment into community benefit and eligibility for grants and tax exemption.

A tour of the former supermarket site with Shire CEO Matt Bird on September 18 gave members a clearer picture of what’s possible for the building, followed by a priority setting workshop led by Euphorium’s Julian Canny. The session helped the group balance immediate needs with long-term strategy.

Last week, the group adopted a Strategic Framework and Communications Strategy - two vital tools to guide decision-making and ensure transparency. The framework captures the co-op’s direction:

• Purpose: We come together to secure the essentials of liveability.

• Vision: We see a future where the Ravensthorpe community can influence its prosperity through co-operation.

• Mission: We need to become a community that understands and applies our levers of influence for greater liveability - empowered, creative, and cooperative in shaping our future.

At the October 2nd meeting, the committee welcomed Richard House from Gnowangerup co-op, GNP360, whose presentation inspired the team to focus on “why you can” achieve goals and acting with purpose. At our next meeting on October 9, we’ll be reviewing the draft co-operative rules that have been developed with support from Co-operatives WA.

Community members are encouraged to stay up to date via the Community Spirit, and the Ravy Co-op WhatsApp group - email gab@euphorium.com.au if you’d like to be added to the WhatsApp

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, a dedicated Formation Committee convened its first meeting on Wednesday, September 3rd at the Ravensthorpe Community Centre Red Room. Attended by a group of local volunteers, including  Zane Adams, Rachel Gibson, Vanessa Copeland, Ralph Baker, Giles Hacon, Christine Chalk, Keith Rowe, Charlene O’Brien, Heidi Bridger and Gab Major the meeting 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 Formation Committee is set to hold its second meeting next Wednesday, September 10th, at 6:30 PM at the Ravensthorpe Community Resource Centre. This upcoming session will feature Thomas Warner from Lincolns Accounting and Peter Wells from Co-operatives WA, who will provide expert guidance and answer committee questions.

The community is encouraged to stay informed about this important initiative through the dedicated WhatsApp group – email gab@euphorium.com.au 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.