Meet the Producer
THIS is the UN’s International Year of Co-operatives, with the theme, “Co-operatives Build a Better World.” Co-operatives are business enterprises owned and controlled by the very members that they serve.
First documented internationally in the 1760s, the first co-op that arrived in Maleny was the Maleny Co-operative Dairy Co. in 1903.
The Maple Street Co-op is a comparative youngster at 45 years old, but is still one of the longest running businesses in the area. This year the Co-op will be holding a year-long celebration, exploring co-operatives’ impact on their community and wider society, reflecting on achievements, and creating solid actions to strengthen the co-operative movement.
Just a few events to look out for in 2025:
• The Launch on Sunday February 2. There will be a very special launch for the Year of Co-operatives and the Co-op’s stunning new mural. Members and the community will be invited to a garden party that will encompass community, food and connection.
It will be co-ordinated with Co-op members and local artists Lexie Abel and Libby Harward of Munimba-ja Art Centre, Maleny
• International Co-op Day Saturday July 5.
• The Co-op Unconference in August. A free-wheeling mini-symposium and gathering of Co-op elders, specialists and youngsters to explore how to create co-ops and share learnings and ideas for the future
• Outreach to schools and organisations to explore co-ops, their benefits and to challenge some traditional perceptions around the Co-op
• Partnerships with local organisations such as Maleny Film Festival, the Hinterland Book Festival, and the Maleny Music Festival. If you’d like to know more or be involved please email Fi Emberton assistantmanager@maplestreet.coop
