Reflections of former WOCCERS
- for those thinking of embarking on the Co-op journey…

• Keep it simple. We could have tried to store dry goods, but haven’t. We could have bought a van, but didn’t. We’ve kept membership numbers low, kept the box modest in size. The WOC is about fresh food (and dry goods) distributed immediately.
• Gatherings are important. For telling stories, celebrating bonds and bringing stability to the Co-op. They give life to the community. The WOC isn’t just about satisfying individual and household needs.
• Identify people with skills in rostering, using excel and who would be good market buyers.
• Take a chill pill. A Co-op in Brisbane fell apart after members became resentful of those members who didn’t pull their weight.
• The WOC has always been part of a broader lifestyle.
• It takes time. The WOC has developed over time and learnt from its mistakes. The WOC has always been a work in progress and it sitill is.
• Having said that the WOC has always had some general principles behind its workings and a shared vision or purpose. Processes and procedures have falling in line behind this vision.
• An ideal WOC would look really messy; contain some conflict but also honesty. Issues would get talked about and conflict resolved.

"I am proud of the fact the WOC is still going; and going from strength to strength. There is space to talk about and address issues. When I compare the WOC to other community groups I’ve been involved in issues get discussed, that haven’t in other groups eg structural issues and how people are relating. Within the WOC there is a desire to address the hard issues, which in some ways goes against people’s natural inclinations to avoid conflict. The WOC has built in processes, which has enabled it to continue and regenerate after key members have left."

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