Now Trading as Suncoast Rural
Wamuran Co-op Ltd Today 2019
Wamuran Co-op Ltd
(now known as Suncoast Rural)
History (taken from ‘Wamuran 75th Celebrations 1921-1996)
The Fruit Growers and progress Association had operated since 1917. In the early 1920’s Wamuran was opened up for subdivision for fruit farms. On May 1926, Wamuran and District Fruitgrowers’ Co-operative Association Limited was registered as an association under “The Fruit Marketing Organisation Act”. The Fruitgrowers Association merged into the newly formed Fruitgrowers Co-operative Association. This organisation assisted in the transportation of the local produce.
On 3rd April 1932, 11 fruit growers from the Wamuran district met and decided that there should be a “Trading Branch” for the Wamuran Fruitgrowers so that farmers of the area could buy collectively and so reduce their costs. The Trading Branch began operating from underneath the Wamuran Albert Hall, opening for 1 hour on 3 days of the week, selling cases, woodwool and fertilisers. Turnover for the 1st year 1933-34 was 355 pounds ($711).
In 1936, permission was obtained from the Railway Department to erect a shed within the railway yards. This was erected by the members, with timber donated by the members. Trading hours were extended to half a day, three times per week. Extensions were made to the shed in 1961; and electricity was connected in 1962. From this time, the shed was opened 5 days a week, with a full time manager.
In July 1966, the Wamuran and District Fruitgrowers’ Association became a true co-operative under “The Primary Producers’ Co-operative Association Act”; and shares were issued to its members so that equity could be established for the members.
In 1977, the original shed was removed from the centre of the railway yards, and a new modern merchandised store was built to cater for increased business. In 1981, due to increased turnover, an extension was made to the building to make 675 sq.m. of floor space. More extensions have been made since that time, as needed.
Since 1932, the Wamuran and District Fruitgrowers’ Association, with 11 members and a turnover of $711, has grown into an organisation with 2 sheds – 850 sq m and 1300 sq m – with around 5757 shareholders and a turnover of $11 million in 2009/2010.
Wamuran Co-op Ltd Today (taken from Wam Co-op website in April 2011)
Over the past 75 years, Wamuran has seen a huge diversification from pineapples, bananas and citrus, into other crops as well, such as avocados, macadamia nuts, strawberries and now raspberries. The co-op has never lost sight of its core business, and today offers primary producers and all rural residents, a complete rural package.
Suncoast Rural has of recent times first been associated with Home Hardware and later Norco Holdings but as at 2019 successfully stands alone and operates longer hours to compete with stores like Bunnings.
Wamuran Co-op is a very strong co-operative, due to the support from the local Community!
Address: D’Aguilar Highway, Wamuran
Postal Address: P.O. Box 7, Wamuran Qld 4512
Phone: (07) 54 966 500 Freecall: 1800 672 794
Fax: (07) 54 966 217
Email: shop@wamuranco-op.com.au
Website: www.wamuranco-op.com.au
