Mutual mindset: An Introduction to Co-operatives and Mutuals 2026

Do you have new employees unfamiliar with co-operative and mutual structures and their purpose? Or do you have directors and executives looking to deepen their knowledge of the sector? This is a 2-hour online program designed to provide a general introduction to the co-ops and mutual industry in Australia and globally.

This course is suitable for anyone new to co-operatives and mutuals and those looking for a refresher and information on the live sector. It can be tailored to your existing induction training program, or your employees can take one of our online classes throughout the year.

It is facilitated by well-known co-operative development expert Antony McMullen and includes live interaction and a guest speaker.

About this course

The key objective is to educate and inspire people working in the sector to understand more about the unique role and contribution of co-operatives and mutuals to help them in their role in their CME, whether frontline staff, management or directors. It will help build a meaningful connection between the employee and the wider CME sector, as well as strengthen the relationship with their individual employer.

This is achieved through a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles which underpin CMEs as businesses that put purpose, people, and communities at the heart of the enterprise.

It is delivered in a live, interactive webinar structure with a unique live Q&A with a sector leader. Knowledge is delivered in a fun and accessible format.

By undertaking the course, your employees will learn:

1. About the co-operative and mutual business model and how it is different to other kinds of business structures.
2. About the purpose of co-ops and mutuals and how they are structured to benefit members.
3. Some real examples of co-ops and mutuals through case studies.
4. How co-ops and mutuals started here and around the world.
5. Why working for a co-op or mutual matters – in a live conversation with a senior co-op or mutual business leader.

Learning outcomes

Upon completing the course, attendees will be able to demonstrate their understanding of:

• The size, scale and impact of the co-op and mutual sector in Australia.
• The unique nature and fundamental concepts of co-operative and mutual businesses.
• Similarities and differences from other business models, including shareholder-owned businesses.
• The origins and development of co-operatives and mutuals in Australia and overseas (including mutual ADIs, Friendly Societies and agricultural and retail co-ops).
• Co-operative and mutual identity, values and principles.
• Why co-operatives and mutuals matter to a sustainable economy and society.

Length: 2 hours

Delivery mode: Online

Professional development: 2 CPD points are awarded

Price

• BCCM Member (1-9 registrations) – $283 plus GST and booking fee
• BCCM Member (10+ registrations) – $220 plus GST and booking fee
• Non-BCCM Members – $509 plus GST and booking fee

Dates

• Tuesday, 28 April 2026, 2 pm – 4 pm AEST
• Tuesday, 6 October 2025, 2 pm – 4 pm AEDT

Facilitator - Antony McMullen

Antony McMullen is a seasoned co-operative developer committed to building local prosperity for the common good. His passion for good governance is recognized through his designation as Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia (formerly Chartered Secretaries Australia); he co-drafted the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals (BCCM) Co-operative and Mutual Enterprise best-practice governance framework. He holds qualifications in social impact (social entrepreneurship), community development, community services management and co-operative leadership.

Antony has helped develop and has co-founded several co-operatives, serving on co-operative boards as both Secretary and Chair, so he has a firsthand understanding of the benefits and challenges of the co-operative business model. He is the co-founder of the first co-operative co-working space in Melbourne – 888 Co-operative Causeway  – which hosts regular social and solidarity economy events and even a podcast (The Co-operative Way).