Monthly magazine the New Internationalist will move to a new co-operative model that includes workers and consumers as members.

While the magazine has always operated as a worker co-operative, the new structure may represent a  way of funding indpendent journalism as traditional media business models falter.

The Our Knights, One Chance group have announced a business plan for a co-operatively owned Newcastle Knights. 

Fans and local businesses could become members by buying one or more $500 shares. 

The group estimates that $20 million needs to be raised and that the Knights would break even within 3 years. 

The Victorian Government has released its Social Enterprise Strategy.

It is the first social enterprise strategy to be developed by an Australian federal or state government. 

As enterprises focused on inclusive economic growth there will be oppurtunities for funding for co-operative social enterprises.

Tasmanian co-operators and supporters have formed a network to advance co-operative development in Tasmania.

The formation of the network was the result of a meeting of Tasmanian co-operators in Hobart on 17 February to discuss the sector.

The network will be convened by Molly Kendall of Resource Work Co-operative.

Follow Cooperatives Tasmania on facebook for updates.

The Australian Mutuals Foundation (AMF), a new charitable foundation supported by Australian credit unions, has launched.

AMF will focus on assisting youth in Australia and the Pacific.

In Australia it will partner with Barnardos to assist youth facing abuse or with housing, health or education needs.

Abroad it will focus on supporting financial co-operative development. 

Date TBC: Employee Ownership Australia 2017 Awards and Conference

For all the latest news from the co-operative and mutual sector, please visit the BCCM website and for information on how to run and set up a co-operative, visit Get Mutual.