Mullumbimby Rural Co-Op

It took only one person with experience to sow the seed in 1955, that grew the Mullumbimby Rural Co-Operative Society, the farmer’s group that now everyone can benefit from.

Craig Morris who was farming on the Tunnel Road had experienced the advantages of co-operative buying and began to talk about it. Pat Daly had a farm on Montecollum, Charlie Mules’ property was where the co-op building now stands, Frank James was along the Brunswick Road, Tom Graydon (senior) was along Main Arm Road and Reg Byrnes was just out of town at the foot of Mt Chincogan.

The first meeting took place in a little timber shop which stood where Bridgeland’s retail outlet is now. It was August 1955 and it was agreed that each shareholder buy 25 shares at £1 each, about the price of a Penfold’s Hospital brandy at Mallams. Charlie Mules was elected the first Secretary Manager, a position he was to hold until January 1981. In October, the directors met for the first time. The minute book records those present were C.B Morris (Chairman), L. Barnes, R. Anderson, T. Graydon, F. James, L. Henderson & G. Daly (secretary). P. Daly’s apology was noted.

For the first few years, it was a very DIY organization. Stock feed was the only item handled, and it was stored in the sheds of Charlie Mules & Pat Daly. Volunteers were rostered to open for 4 hours on 2 days of the week, and shareholders collected what they wanted. By the end of 1956, there were 60 paid up members and the first bonus was paid in shares in 1958. Turnover for the period from October 1955 to the end of June 1956 was £17,111 with a net profit of just over £400. Today, the Co-Op turns over nearly $5 million per year.