A Cooperative Success Story
by Alan Harrington, Co-op Manager

The end of the financial year has resulted in a net profit in excess of $50,000 for Maple Street Co-operative. This result will go a long way to funding our extensions/renovations. The final result will be reported in the next newsletter, by which time our audited figures should be available. Needless to say, we have had a record turnover for the year.

Our end of the financial year stocktake, overseen by Secretary Mary Meadows, went smoothly with the assistance of many dedicated directors, staffers and members.

On our renovations, the plans are currently before Council. Because of the extensive nature of the plans (they are increasing our retail space by approximately 50 per cent), it is expected that Council approval will take several months. It is good to know that Caloundra City Council Division One Councillor Dick Newman has given "in principle" support to the Co-op's expansion plans.

The increased space will enable the Co-op to increase its range of organic products as well as provide a more efficient infrastructure to better meet members' needs. This will include a significant revamp to the front of the Co-op to provide wheelchair and pram access. More details will be provided as they come to hand. A copy of the plans (subject to Council approval) is on display on the Co-op's noticeboard.

After nearly four years, our longest-serving packer Scarlett Swain has moved north to greener pastures. We all wish Scarlett the very best and thank her for her contribution over the years.

The UpFront Club has taken up a significant part of my managerial time. After a considerable investment by the Co-op in the Club renovations as well as in plant and equipment, I feel that, finally, an appropriate capital investment has been made to ensure that the Club will be financially viable and meet the needs of all members into the future.

I consider that the outcome of the renovations has been fantastic and way above my original expectations. It is a credit to all involved. First, I would like to thank the Board for supporting the project; in particular, I'd like to give special thanks to director Tony Woodhouse for his time and involvement. Second, thanks to all The UpFront Club staff and volunteers who worked on all the tedious jobs such as deconstruction, floor repair, painting and so on. Third, thanks to Maple Street Co-op staff who allowed me the time to prioritise my input into the Club transfer and renovation. And fourth, thanks to Club operations manager Kelly Robson for her interior design concepts and for sourcing furniture and other items that are so important in maintaining the Club's ambience, for her drive and energy in seeing the project through and for the huge amount of her own time that she has contributed.

Maple Street Co-op's policy of supporting our local community was followed in the refurbishment in that, as far as was practicable, we purchased plant and equipment, building materials, fixtures and fittings from local suppliers.

From my point of view, I am more than pleased with what has been achieved and, so far, the results have been reflected in the support that has been given to The UpFront Club.

The Club is in the process of introducing member-initiated theme nights once a month.

It looks like being another full-on year!

[From "Maple Street Co-op News", August/September 2006; published by
The Maple Street Co-operative Society Ltd, 37 Maple Street, Maleny, Qld 4552, Australia, tel (07) 5494 2088, email maplest.co-op@serv.net.au, website http://www.maplestreetco-op.com.au]