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Mutual Mindset: An Introduction to Co-operatives and Mutuals
Separate registration essential
Do you have new employees unfamiliar with co-operative and mutual structures and their purpose? Or do you have directors and executives looking to deepen their knowledge of the sector? This is a 2-hour online program designed to provide a general introduction to the co-ops and mutual industry in Australia and globally.
This course is suitable for anyone new to co-operatives and mutuals and those looking for a refresher and information on the live sector. It can be tailored to your existing induction training program, or your employees can take one of our online classes throughout the year.
It is facilitated by well-known co-operative development expert Antony McMullen and includes live interaction and two guest speakers.
About this course
The key objective is to educate and inspire people working in the sector to understand more about the unique role and contribution of co-operatives and mutuals to help them in their role in their co-operative or mutual, whether frontline staff, management or directors. It will help build a meaningful connection between the employee and the wider co-operative and mutual sector, as well as strengthen the relationship with their individual employer.
This is achieved through a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles which underpin co-operatives and mutuals as businesses that put purpose, people, and communities at the heart of the enterprise.
It is delivered in a live, interactive webinar structure with a unique live Q&A with two sector leaders. Knowledge is delivered in a fun and accessible format.
By undertaking the course, your employees will learn:
- About the co-operative and mutual business model and how it is different to other kinds of business structures.
- About the purpose of co-ops and mutuals and how they are structured to benefit members.
- Some real examples of co-ops and mutuals through case studies.
- How co-ops and mutuals are started here and around the world.
- Why working for a co-op or mutual matters – in live conversations with two senior co-op or mutual business leaders.
Learning outcomes
Upon completing the course, attendees will be able to demonstrate their understanding of:
- The size, scale and impact of the co-op and mutual sector in Australia.
- The unique nature and fundamental concepts of co-operative and mutual businesses.
- Similarities and differences from other business models, including shareholder-owned businesses.
- The origins and development of co-operatives and mutuals in Australia and overseas (including mutual ADIs, Friendly Societies and agricultural and retail co-ops).
- Co-operative and mutual identity, values and principles.
- Why co-operatives and mutuals matter to a sustainable economy and society.
Length: 2 hours
Delivery mode: Online
Professional development: 2 CPD points are awarded
Guest speakers
Stephen Nugent, Chair, Community First Bank & Chair of Corporate Governance and Remuneration Committee, Community First Bank
B Bus. (Marketing), Grad Cert Internet Mkt., AFAMI, AMP (Harvard)
Mr Nugent joined the Community First Bank Board as a Director in May 2002. Stephen has more than 40 years experience in the banking, finance and insurance industries and was formally the Chief Customer Officer for The Hospital Contributions Fund of Australia Limited (HCF). Stephen is also a Director of the Customer Owned Banking Association and the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network.
Stephen brings to the Board a wide range of experience in project and operations management, process improvement and reform programs focused on digital transformation, sales, marketing, customer service, retail banking, financial and property management, hospitality, retirement aged and home care, strategic planning and compliance.
Stephen is a Fellow and Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Rebel Black, Chief Visionary Officer, The RW Collection & Co-founder, The Rural Woman Co-operative
Rebel Blacks’ mission in life is to thrive, heal and evolve. She is a human agronomist and syntropic entrepreneur. She founded THE RW Collection, a socially conscious company that incubates enterprises focused on community wealth building and supporting community-minded entrepreneurs at the succession and legacy phase of their life. Over her career spanning more than 24 years in community development, both online and offline, Rebel has generated approximately $50 million in funding and investment through national projects, client support and local initiatives. In 2021, she successfully led a ‘community exit’ when her company was acquired by THE Rural Woman Cooperative, an organisation she co-founded and is dedicated to the advancement of rural women and girls. Rebel and her husband also run a social enterprise on their small property on the opal fields at Lightning Ridge supporting emerging micro businesses in food, accommodation, education and performance.
Rebel’s innovative work has earned her multiple national and global awards, including NSW Woman of the Year Finalist and Jury’s Choice in the Global Women in Tech (Paris). In addition to her entrepreneurial achievements, she has recently embraced a new creative journey as a songwriter, performing at notable events like the Cygnet Folk and Tamworth Country Music Festivals.
Facilitator
Antony McMullen, FGIA, Co-operative Bonds
Antony McMullen is a skilled co-operative developer, founder and advocate committed to advancing social, cultural, and economic development for the common good. He is recognised by fellowships with RMIT FORWARD, the Governance Institute of Australia, and the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce. He co-drafted the first iteration of the BCCM’s co-operative and mutual enterprise best-practice governance framework and has qualifications in social impact, community development and co-operative leadership. Antony provides consulting and educational services to co-operative development programs and enterprises, promoting informed decision-making and self-reliance. His roles on various boards as co-founder, Secretary and Chair exhibit his practical knowledge of the co-operative business model firsthand. He manages The Bunya Fund and undertakes co-op development at the BCCM.
Cost
- BCCM Member (1–9 registrations) – $270 plus GST and booking fee
- BCCM Member (10+ registrations) – $210 plus GST and booking fee
- Non-BCCM Members – $486 plus GST and booking fee
Email the BCCM education team if you require additional information.
The material presented by the BCCM is distributed as an information source only and is subject to change without notice.
The BCCM and course presenters make no statements, representations, or warranties about the accuracy, completeness or reliability of, and you should not rely on, any information contained in this presentation. You should make your own inquiries and obtain advice specific to your particular circumstances.
Despite our best efforts, to the extent permitted by law, BCCM and course presenters disclaim all responsibility and all liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses (including direct and indirect losses), damages and costs you may incur as a result of the information presented being inaccurate or incomplete in any way, and for any reason; or being subject to update in legislation.
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