Co-Operatives: How Dumbleyung Saved Their Store Through a Community Co-op
By Tom Warner & Kym Arnold
April 2025
Welcome to part two of our Co-operative series. This focuses on the Dumbleyung Co-operative, which would be described as a service-based Co-operative.
When the general store in the small Wheatbelt town of Dumbleyung faced closure, the community stepped in. What followed was a practical and collaborative effort to keep local services running and maintain a key part of town life.
A Community Response to a Local Need
For many rural towns, the general store is more than just a place to shop. It often provides access to essential goods, serves as a gathering point, particularly for the elderly residents of the town, and helps support other local activities. When the Dumbleyung store was at risk of shutting its doors, a group of residents came together to explore options.
A community meeting was called, and with guidance from advisors, like Tom from Lincolns, and others with experience in similar projects, the group decided to establish the Dumbleyung Co-operative.
Navigating the Setup
Getting the Co-operative off the ground came with its share of challenges. From drafting the Co-op rules to dealing with suppliers and sorting out Australia Post arrangements, there was a lot to manage.
"We were learning as we went," said Jane, one of the directors. "There were definitely moments where it felt a bit overwhelming, but we just kept working through it."
There were delays with systems, stock logistics, and setting up various accounts, but the team stayed focused. A small number of volunteers took on much of the behind-the-scenes work, often around their existing work and family commitments.
Community Support Makes the Difference
The store reopened under the Co-op model with strong backing from locals. Early on, it became clear that some much-needed updates were required to improve the store and its operations. To help fund these improvements, the community organised an auction. Members reached out to their networks and secured a range of generous items to auction. The response exceeded expectations, with over $30,000 raised through the auction and additional donations. In addition, a strong effort was made to refresh and revitalise the store. Clean-up days saw locals turning out to clean up the store, get it all organised and well stocked for opening day.
With the store reopened, it continues to supply the local area with everyday items, gas, and postal services, as well as some local employment. More importantly, it gives the town a central place to connect.
"People have really got behind it. There’s a sense of shared ownership now," said Jane.
Looking Ahead
A key focus for the Co-op is working towards purchasing the building to gain security over their location. They are also looking at options for grant funding and may consider whether a not-for-profit structure would offer more flexibility. In addition, the Co-op has grown to include over 170 members, and they are continuing to look for more members to ensure they are ready if any other projects come up in the community.
Practical Takeaways for Other Communities
For other towns considering a Co-op model, the Dumbleyung experience highlights a few useful points:
Get advice early by talking to people with experience, which will help avoid common pitfalls.
You don’t need a large committee to begin, so it’s okay to start small.
Not everything goes smoothly, but steady progress is what matters.
Communication is key! Ensure you make regular updates and involve members to maintain trust.
As Jane shared, "We’ve learnt a lot and we’re still learning. It’s been a good experience overall, and we’ve seen what’s possible when people work together."
We hope you have enjoyed this newsletter. Keep an eye out for the next one in the series which focuses on GNP360!
Explore more on cooperatives at Lincolns! give us a call at (08) 9841 1200.
WA Casual Loading Rate Increase
From 26 April 2025, the casual loading rate under WA state awards will increase from 20% to 25%, aligning more closely with national standards. This change affects 118 state awards, and employers must update their payroll systems before the deadline.
Is your business ready? Check the wa.gov.au website for more information about it.
