Co-operatives build a better world

The Maple Street Co-op will be holding a year-long celebration throughout 2025 for the UN’s International Year of Co-operatives, with the theme, "Co-operatives Build a Better World."

Co-operatives are enterprises owned and controlled by the members that they serve. The first documented Co-op was in Scotland in the 1760s, the first that arrived in Maleny was the Maleny Co-operative Dairy Co. in 1903.

The Maple Street Co-op is a comparative youngster at 45 years old but is still one of the longest running businesses in the area. And it is part of something on a global scale. 

More than 12% of people worldwide are part of the 3 million cooperatives in the world! The largest 300 cooperatives and mutuals report a total turnover of A$ 3,277 billion and providing 10% of the world’s employed population.

A celebration was held on Sunday February 2, not only launching this special year but also the Co-op’s stunning new mural.

Many of the Co-op’s 1,700 owner-members celebrated at a garden party held in the Community Garden. Musicians included Co-op member Jenny Fitzgibbon and Tommy (who wrote Maleny’s original co-op song) , with local refreshments of damper and bush teas. The garden provided a beautiful setting and party-goers contributed to the mural by painting on a little seed of their own.

Co-op members and local artists Lexie Abel and Libby Harward of Munimba-ja Art Centre designed and painted the mural in October.

Several Co-op members had been involved in developing ideas and concepts at a print-making workshop held in the garden that the artist then took, adding their stories and vibrant, colour palate.

Artist Lexie Abel said, “We are excited to present this fresh and dynamic design to you. Inspired by springtime in the Co-op Garden as well as our own veggie patches at home, this design sings seasonality whilst paying homage to the flowering native silky oaks of Jinibara country.

“We have put together a mural that we believe is both energetic and engaging, whilst also being grounded, earthy and deeply connected to community and country. An ethos that we believe reflects Maple St Co-op.”

Peter Pamment, Co-op Manager said, “We’re excited to be part of this international celebration of co-ops. I firmly believe the co-op model is great, not only for our community, but also the greater economy and the environment.

“We want to help strengthen other co-ops in our area and help the community understand the huge benefits the Co-op brings to the area.”

“We are so pleased to have employed Co-op members to develop the mural and to support local artists. The aim of this artwork is to further develop the Co-op’s unique character, boost its visibility and to set it apart from other grocery stores. 

“The artists have nailed it.”

A commemorative tea-towel illustrating the mural is now available at the Co-op printed on organic cotton in Australia.

Look out for other activities to celebrate the year by following the Co-op on social media!

If you’d like to know more or be involved please email Fi Emberton  assistantmanager@maplestreet.coop