Yackandandah Community Development Company (YCDCo) petrol station showcasing a car at the pump, fuel dispensers, and surrounding infrastructure, representing a community-owned cooperative in regional Australia.
Articles

'The amazing world of our thriving co-operatives, especially in the regions’, The Fifth Estate

Community-owned cooperatives are growing in regional Australia, particularly in Victoria, as innovative responses to market failures and threats to local businesses. By providing essential services and reinvesting profits locally, examples such as Yackandandah Community Development Company (YCDCo) and renewable energy projects demonstrate their impact. These models prioritise community ownership, resilience, and local economic benefits, yet are underrepresented in mainstream business education. The article examines their increasing adoption and potential to address community needs effectively.

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Summary

The article highlights the growing trend of community-owned cooperatives in regional Australia, particularly in Victoria. These cooperatives are thriving by providing essential services and boosting local economies in response to market failures or threats to local businesses. Key examples include Yackandandah Community Development Company (YCDCo) and various renewable energy projects. These cooperatives operate on principles of community ownership, profit-sharing, and local reinvestment. The article highlights how these models are gaining momentum, with more communities adopting this approach to address local needs and build resilience, despite limited recognition in mainstream business education.

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