1840s to 1910
Pioneers of fairness, co-operatives and mutuals have offered security and opportunity for millions of Victorians since the 1840s. Australian Unity is Australia’s first wellbeing company, delivering health, wealth and care services for members and the community for more than 180 years. UFS Healthcare formed as a friendly society dispensary in Ballarat, has grown into a major not-for-profit health provider across Western Victoria. APS Benefits Group created to support public servants has evolved into a modern financial services provider. And Terang & District Co-operative has grown into a thriving, diversified regional business.
Early to mid 20th century
In the mid 20th century, co-ops and mutuals continued to support Victoria’s development. GMHBA was founded by cement workers and remains a strong not-for-profit health insurer. Emerald & District Co-operative has supplied the needs of locals since 1945. And Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op provides fresh catch from the Bass Strait to this day. Latrobe Health Services celebrates 75 years of support for members’ health and peace of mind. Hume Bank has long provided community-focused banking across the border regions. Bank Australia – Australia’s first customer-owned bank is now a national leader in ethical banking. Associated Retailers Limited formed to benefit independent retailers is strong today.
1970s
By the 1970s, co-ops and mutuals were adapting to social change and expanding into new sectors. Bank First – founded by teachers to care for those who care for others in our community, remains true to this original vision. BankVic, formed by Victorian Police members, provides leading, essential banking services for the state’s essential workers. Geelong Bank, formed by Ford Motor employees, now serves the wider Geelong community. Futurity continues to champion intergenerational financial well-being and education to this day. Defence Bank celebrates 50 years of proudly serving the Defence community. Deakin and Community Childcare Co-op supports early childhood education. Tyrepower succeeds as the largest independent tyre retailer in Australasia.
1980s and 90s
Through the 1980s and 90s, co-ops and mutuals met new challenges with innovation and resilience. Westgate Health Co-operative was founded by locals demanding fairer healthcare. Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative provides vital services to First Nations people. Baptist Mutual offers values-aligned insurance to community organisations. United Housing Co-operative empowers members to shape their housing options. Common Equity Housing Limited – is Australia’s largest co-op housing provider, with over 2,000 properties managed by 90 plus housing co-ops across Victoria. TAFCO was founded to support primary producers and Irrigear Stores is a network of experts in pumping and irrigation. Australian Travel Agents Co-operative helps independent agencies stay competitive. As a member-based, medical defence organisation MIPSis here to protect those who care – the healthcare profession. SGS Economics and Planning, proudly employee owned, delivers economic and social policy expertise and ArchiTeam Co-operative supports small firms with advocacy and shared services.
21st century
In the 21st century co-ops and mutuals remain as relevant as ever, showing that purpose-led business has a vital role in our future. Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-operativedelivers services to its member community across central Victoria. Hepburn Energy, Earthworker Co-operative, and CoPower lead community-owned efforts in renewable energy, worker-owned manufacturing and ethical power. Co-operative Bonds, a worker co-operative, supports the next generation of co-ops. And the Mountain Milk Co-operative was formed by dairy farmers seeking a better future through ethical primary production.
Today, Victorian co-operatives and mutuals are key players in creating a strong, inclusive and sustainable economy. They lead in housing, energy, finance, health and First Nations empowerment. They provide vital banking, motoring and insurance services. And they demonstrate how shared ownership can deliver ethical services and lasting community benefit. Together, co-operatives and mutuals are building a more resilient future for all Victorians, where prosperity is shared, and communities thrive.
