Leigh Bowden: Champion of social justice and co-operatives

Leigh Bowden is the Chair of the Coota District Co-op, a member-owned retail co-operative that she helped establish when Cootamundra’s beloved Target store announced its closure. What began as a casual suggestion – “why don’t we start a co-op?” – has since blossomed into a thriving community initiative. Leigh's journey to co-operative leadership is deeply intertwined with her passion for social justice, which has shaped her career and her commitment to community empowerment. From advocating for gender equality to addressing local economic needs, Leigh’s work is a testament to how co-operatives can serve as engines for social change.

Co-operatives, by their nature, provide democratic participation and shared ownership – values that align with Leigh’s commitment to equity and fairness. For her, co-operatives are not just a business model; they are a vehicle for social justice, economic empowerment and community cohesion.

How did you help get the Coota District Co-op off the ground, and what makes it unique for your members?

The idea for the Coota District Co-op was born out of necessity. When the town’s Target store announced it was closing, Cootamundra faced a gap in its retail offerings. The local business community feared that residents would begin travelling to nearby towns like Wagga Wagga or Young for their shopping, draining economic activity from Cootamundra. Recognising the need to keep shopping local, Leigh suggested forming a co-operative to fill the void.

Leigh took the lead, reaching out to the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals (BCCM) for guidance on how to get started. She organised a meeting for the town, bringing in BCCM’s Anthony Taylor to explain the basics of co-operatives and how they could benefit the community. Despite initial challenges – including the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic – the community came together to form a steering committee, and by May 2021, the Coota District Co-op had a formal board and a clear vision.

One of the unique aspects of the co-op is its accessibility. You can become a co-op member for $30 ($20 membership fee and a $10 membership share). Members enjoy a 5 per cent rebate on all purchases! The annual membership renewal is $20. This low barrier to entry ensures that the entire community can participate and benefit from the co-op. “We wanted the whole community to be able to become members,” Leigh explains. This emphasis on inclusivity is at the heart of the co-op’s success, making it a true community-driven venture.

Since opening its doors on 3 August 2023, the Coota District Co-op has grown to over 1,200 members, with plans to reach 3,000 active members. The store has become more than just a retail outlet; it’s a community hub where locals can gather, chat, and feel a sense of ownership. Members are actively involved in the running of the store, with some volunteering their time to work alongside the paid staff. This hands-on approach further strengthens the connection between the co-op and its members, making it a model of community engagement and shared responsibility.

What did you gain from being part of The Bunya Fund – and do you have any advice for current Bunyans?

Leigh’s involvement with The Bunya Fund was instrumental in helping the Coota District Co-op solidify its vision and strategy. The Bunya Fund provided the co-op with the resources needed to bring in Professor Tim Mazzarol, a co-operative expert who worked closely with the board to develop a comprehensive strategy for 2023-2027. Tim’s expertise helped clarify the co-op’s goals and provided a roadmap for sustainable growth.

For Leigh, The Bunya Fund was a game-changer. “It clarified our thinking, which was really important,” she says. The guidance provided by experts like Tim allowed the co-op to formalise its plans and ensure that it was on a solid footing for the future.

Leigh’s advice for current Bunyans – recipients of The Bunya Fund – emphasises the importance of external input. While it’s crucial to stay connected to the community and remain grounded in local needs, seeking advice from outside experts can help refine and sharpen a project’s focus. “Clarify your thinking, work with your community and keep your goals clear,” she advises. The balance between external guidance and grassroots engagement is key to a co-operative’s success.

The Coota District Co-op’s growth from 880 members at its opening to over 1,200 today is a testament to the power of community collaboration and strategic planning. While there are challenges ahead – such as managing the interests of larger shareholders and ensuring continued community involvement – Leigh is optimistic about the future. The co-op is more than just a store; it’s a symbol of the town’s resilience and determination to take control of its economic destiny.

Top five tips to starting a co-op with Leigh Bowden:

1. Start with the community—identify a real need.
   The Coota District Co-op was born out of the community’s need to keep retail local. Identify a genuine community need that a co-operative can address.
2. Engage with external experts to clarify your vision.
   Leigh worked with the BCCM and co-operative experts like Tim Mazzarol to refine the co-op’s strategy and ensure long-term sustainability.
3. Keep membership accessible.
   A low-cost membership and shares ensure that everyone in the community can participate, making the co-op a truly inclusive venture.
4. Foster a sense of ownership and involvement.
   Members of the Coota District Co-op are not just customers—they’re active members. Encourage involvement in the day-to-day operations.
5. Balance local needs with external expertise.
   While the co-op’s roots are firmly in the community, external input helped refine its goals and clarify its strategic direction. Finding this balance is crucial for success.

Leigh Bowden’s work with the Coota District Co-op is a powerful example of how co-operatives can serve as engines for community-driven economic development. By combining her passion for social justice with practical co-operative principles, Leigh has created a model that not only serves the people of Cootamundra but also inspires other rural communities to take ownership of their futures.

To learn more about Leigh and the Coota District Co-op’s journey, listen to our Meet the Co-op Farmers podcast interview with Leigh.