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.