Jul 1, 20232 min read

Business of the Year and 4 more!

Updated: Jul 11, 2023

✦ Hastings Co-op Chief Executive Officer Nick de Groot said winning Business of the Year, as well as four categories of the Wauchope and Hinterland Business Awards, was the “ultimate recognition” for the company’s “amazing staff”.

“The night was even more special because staff from a number of businesses were there to accept the Excellence in Sustainability, Excellence in Large Business, Excellence in Retail (>11 employees) and Outstanding Community Organisation Awards,” he said.

Hastings Co-operative are Business of the Year — Hastings Co-op representatives at the Wauchope & Hinterland Business Awards. Photo: Atlantis Creative

A community-owned co-operative

With businesses across the Hastings and Camden Haven, employing more than 350 locals, the Hastings Co-op business scope includes fuel, supermarkets, liquor stores, department stores, hardware and rural supplies and car hire and is an integral part of the local community.

“Our aim is to create a sense of belonging where staff and members are family, customers are friends and suppliers are partners,” Mr de Groot said.

While the Co-op continues to grow and diversify to benefit members, customers and employees, their focus firmly remains on rewarding members who are part of the Co-op family, giving back to local groups and charities, being one of the largest employers of youth in the area and showcasing local producers.

By turnover, Hastings Co-op is the second largest consumer/retail co-operative in Australia, and one of the longest serving independent co-ops in Australia, which is a testament to the local dairy farmers who saw the benefit of joining forces back in 1916.

Join and reap the rewards

Customers are invited to join Co-op 100, which is the Hastings Co-op free rewards program. As a member you're not only supporting your local community, but you also earn points every time you shop at any Co-op business and receive a $15 voucher when you collect 100 points.

Members are also in the running for $6,500 in vouchers each year in quarterly member giveaways and can save on hundreds of IGA products each week when you buy ‘member deals’.

To learn more about becoming a Co-op 100 member, simply go to co-op100 signup.