Celebrating our Tasmanian Icons

19th Century and early 20th Century

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, co-ops and mutuals helped establish essential services throughout Tasmania.

Founded as the Launceston Equitable Building and Investment Society, Bank of us is now Tasmania’s only customer‑owned bank, focusing on customer benefit, community involvement and helping Tasmanians to be financially secure.

Bank of us is the accredited lending services provider for the Tasmanian Government’s MyHome shared equity program. MyHome has helped over 900 households into their own home and reached its 1,000th settlement in January 2026.

The Hobart Friendly Society Dispensary was established to provide affordable medicines when healthcare access was limited, continuing today as Hobart Friendly Care Pharmacies. And the Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania has grown into the state’s largest member-owned organisation, supporting members on the road and beyond for more than a century.

As a mutual, RACT is owned by its members and is focused on members’ needs. RACT’s purpose is to be “Tasmania’s shoulder to lean on and voice when it matters,” with a vision that by 2030, RACT will have a valued relationship with every Tasmanian.

Mid 20th century

Through the mid 1900s, co-ops and mutuals supported Tasmania’s economic growth.

Health Care Insurance Ltd is one of the oldest private health insurers in Australia, established to extend mutual health insurance coverage to Tasmanians. The Tasmanian Flower Room Co-op is Tasmania’s oldest continuing co‑operative, fostering creative business through shared retail.

Tasmanian Independent Retailers Co‑op supports more than 180 independent grocers and co‑owns Statewide Independent Wholesalers to support grocery logistics across Tasmania. And St Lukes Health is Tasmania’s leading not‑for‑profit wellness organisation, serving 100,000 members and investing in services that support health, wellbeing, and dental care.

1970s and 1980s

By the 1970s, co-ops and mutuals were expanding into new sectors.

The Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre was established to support Aboriginal self-determination and deliver community-led services. Capricorn Society supports automotive businesses through member-based purchasing, finance and services. Yolla Producers Co‑op is a 100 per cent farmer‑owned co‑operative supplying goods and services to more than 1,600 members.

CareSuper is a profit‑to‑member industry super fund incorporating the legacy of Tasmania’s former Tasplan fund. Designer Crafts Co-operative, known as the Spindle Tree, was established to support craftspeople through shared retail and co-operative enterprise. And Neighbourhood Houses Tasmania was created to strengthen community connection and local support networks.

1990s to early 2000s

In the 90s and 2000s, co-ops and mutuals continued to innovate.

Cohousing Co-operative Society pioneered resident-managed housing models in Tasmania. Resource Work Co‑op is a worker‑owned co‑operative operating the South Hobart Tip Shop. Toosey Aged Care and Community Care is a community‑owned provider delivering services in Tasmania’s Northern Midlands.

And RapidClean operates under a co‑operative‑style franchise model for locally-owned cleaning service businesses. Source Community Wholefoods operates as a member-run food co-op, promoting ethical and sustainable access to food. And the People’s Wine Co-op supports independent, ethical wine production through consumer ownership.

Today and beyond

Today, co-ops and mutuals in Tasmania generate more than $810 million in turnover, employ over 1,100 people, and support communities through shared ownership.

As Tasmania faces economic and demographic challenges, co-ops and mutuals remain uniquely placed to respond. From motoring and finance to health, housing, agriculture, retail and care, Tasmania’s co-operatives and mutuals continue to put people before profit.

They are not just a legacy – they are business for the future.