HASTINGS Co-op has celebrated its 110th anniversary during a re-launch attended by MPs Alison Penfold, Michael Kemp and Robert Dwyer, councillors, local business owners, members of the community, and senior staff.
Dubbed its “comeback tour”, the gala day in Wauchope on Saturday 21 February coincided with the rebranding of its liquor store.
The Co-op started life as a dairy co-operative and diversified into a number of businesses.
Like many, it has not been immune to changes in market conditions and competition.
At its December AGM, new interim CEO Matthew Lumsden outlined ways of taking the Co-op forward and delivering more value to its members and the broader community.
“The Hastings Co-op has been a cornerstone of the Hastings region since 1916,” he told News Of The Area.
“I look forward to partnering with the board, members, and the wider community to strengthen and renew the Co-op’s vital role in this remarkable part of the world.”
Communication and engagement are high on his agenda along with investing in the business and community.
There has been a rule change to ensure member details are accurate, and there are plans to bring back a simplified Active Member vote as soon as possible.
The restructure of the Co-op has led to a shift in focus.
It now has two Ampol service stations, Cedar Service station in Wauchope – where Saturday’s event was held – and one in the Port Macquarie industrial area.
There is also the bulk fuel operation located next to Bago Tavern in Wauchope, which supplies fuel to numerous dairies, agri-businesses and other end users.
The bottle shop attached to the service station in Wauchope has been rebranded to Local Liquor and the Redspot car hire service at the Port Macquarie Airport will be retained.
On Friday, 20 February, a new business “The Red Door on Cameron” opened in premises owned by the Co-op.
Proprietor Tina Jakonsson intends to breathe life into a space that has been empty for several years.
“I just love new and preloved homeware and furniture” she told NOTA.
Tina was also excited to find original sawn floorboards under old floor coverings during the shop’s renovation.
The Co-op currently employs 35 local people and has in excess of 10,000 members.
Further details can be found on the Co-op’s website hastingscoop.com.au.
By Bill HARROW
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