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NRMA invests in electric future for members

Electric car charging station

Motorist mutual NRMA has announced the rollout of a network of 40 electric car charging stations across New South Wales.

NRMA Chairman Kyle Loades said "there has been underinvestment in the electric vehicle market in Australia, so the NRMA is stepping in to develop a network to support the adoption and rollout of electric vehicles."

NRMA has also recently released a report highlighting the potential of electric vehicles.

Canadian co-operatives form new co-operative investment fund

CCIF

Canadian co-operatives and mutuals are putting the principle of co-operation among co-operatives into practice, having unveiled a new $25 million fund to invest in co-operative businesses

Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada said that the fund will be critical to ensuring start-up and expanding co-operatives can access capital without compromising their principles of authonomy and democratic member control. 

The fund has the backing of the Desjardins Group, the Co-operators and other key co-operative organisations. 

Boomali Aboriginal Arts Co-op turns 30

The Boomalli Ten

Boomalli Aboriginal Arts Co-operative will mark 30 years with the launch of an exhibition of works by its 10 founding members at Boomali Gallery on 3 November

Boomalli is the longest-standing Aboriginal arts space in Sydney and aims to promote Aboriginal Artists whose language groups exist in the NSW state boundaries.

The celebratory exhibition will run until 28 January 2018. 

Newcastle Uni unveils latest co-operative management courses

Bees

The University of Newcastle have announced their next Graduate Certificate in Co-operative Management and Organisation course offering. 

Students who complete the Graduate Certificate course will gain an understanding of the distinct principles, governance, organisation and management of member-owned enterprises.

Alongside the Graduate Certificate, students may also choose to enroll in single units, or include units as electives in a Masters of Environmental Law or as part of a standard MBA course. 

The deadline for enrollments is 22 January 2018. 

UK Labour leader says Uber should be co-operatised

UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn

UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has suggested "gig economy" businesses like Uber and Deliveroo should become co-operatives.

Corbyn made the comments at the 100th Conference of the Co-operative Party, which has a longstanding pact with the Labour Party. 

He also said Labour would aim to support the co-operative movement to double in size. 

Upcoming events

C4CE Community Energy webinars, every Tuesday evening from 5 September

Co-operatives from Below: Forming and Sustaining New Co-operatives, 3 November, Sydney

Boomalli Aboriginal Arts Co-operative 30 Year Exhibition launch, 3 November, Sydney

2017 BCCM Leaders’ Summit & Industry Dinner, 9-10 November, Brisbane 

The People's Disruption: Platform Co-ops for Global Challenges, 10-11 November, New York City

International Co-operative Alliance Global Conference and General Assembly, 14-17 November, Kuala Lumpur

National Housing Conference (featuring housing co-operative speakers), 29 November - 1 December, Sydney

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.