Australia’s industry-backed co-operative development programme, the Bunya Fund, has awarded more than AU$70,000 in its fifth round to support early-stage co-operatives to grow, innovate and strengthen their communities.
The Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals (BCCM) announced seven “diverse and impactful” co-operative recipients of Round 5 funding. The sector-backed Bunya Fund is supported in this round by BCCM members Australian Unity, CBH Group and APS Benefits Group.
Launched in 2022, Bunya is Australia’s first co-operative development fund. BCCM says it exists to foster the growth and impact of the co-operative and mutual movement by funding advice for new and emerging co-operatives, as well as supporting established co-operatives looking to innovate.
“At a time when many communities are looking for new ways to strengthen economic resilience and local control, co-operatives offer a proven model for community ownership and participation,” said BCCM chief executive Melina Morrison. “This year’s recipients are addressing challenges as diverse as energy affordability, food security, regional development and employment, while keeping decision-making and benefits within their communities.”
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Fund manager Linda Seaborn added: “The Bunya Fund reflects one of the co-operative sector’s greatest strengths: mutual support. Every project funded this round has been made possible through established co-operatives and mutuals reinvesting in the next generation of community-owned enterprises.
“That support is helping local communities build assets, create opportunities and retain wealth where it is needed most.”
The Round 5 recipients and their funded projects are:
- Dumbleyung Community Co-op (WA): Financial planning and asset management for Dumbleyung General Store, an essential service and community hub, saved by local residents from closure.
- Ngardara Co-op (NT): Business advisory and capacity-building support for the Aboriginal community-controlled Ngardara microgrid in the Borroloola community and surrounding homelands.
- Marlinja Bujbu Co-op (NT): Strengthening governance and organisational capability for the Aboriginal community-controlled Marlinja Community Microgrid Project.
- Southern Harvest Co-op (NSW): Supporting the co-operative’s growth phase through capital-raising capacity building.
- Earthworker Construction Co-op (VIC): Legal fees and advice to prepare documents required for a member CCU offering.
- Community Power Agency (national): Legal fees for a project in the CPA incubation program to register as a co-op and act as a prototype for the rest of the group.
- ORIC – Southlands Co-op (NSW): Preparation for a community co-op buyout of a fruit and vegetable business.
Together, says BCCM, “these projects highlight the breadth and adaptability of the co-operative model, from community-owned stores and local food systems to Aboriginal-owned energy infrastructure, renewable energy, regional development and worker-owned enterprises.
“They show how co-operatives can strengthen local economies, improve food security, support Aboriginal economic development and create more inclusive forms of enterprise ownership.”
Since its launch in 2022, The Bunya Fund has helped co-operatives across Australia to access specialist advice, professional services and capability-building support.
BCCM added: “The fund is helping to grow a stronger pipeline of community-owned enterprises that deliver economic, social and environmental benefits in the places they serve.”
Click here to read the latest Bunya Fund Impact Reports.
