When Target announced the closure of its much-loved Cootamundra store, the locals quickly realised they would need to travel to Young or Wagga to buy many of their everyday essentials - even bras and briefs. An offhand comment by Cootamundra resident Leigh Bowden, "why don't we start a co-op?", marked the start of a long but exciting journey that has seen substantial progress made towards opening a member-owned retail co-op in the town.

Leigh shares with Michael Cavanagh the current progress of the Cootamundra District Co-op, as well as the highs and lows involved in pioneering a co-op: finding the first members, raising capital, securing supplies and establishing a spirit of co-operation (and not competition) with the other local retailers. 

If the co-op successfully opens its retail store, it will be a major victory for the board, the members and the local community. But if their vision doesn't quite come to fruition, Leigh and her team of dedicated volunteers will know that they did everything they could to help their Cootamundra community.

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Links & Resources:

• Listen to all podcasts
• Find out more about the Cootamundra District Co-op
• Find out more about co-op farming
• Subscribe to our monthly Co-operative Farming e-newsletter
• Contact the Meet the Co-op Farmers podcast team 

If you or your community want to know more about setting up and running a co-op you can contact the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals for some friendly assistance.