The Co-operative and Regional Development Strategy (CARDS), is an initiative of the Registry of Co-operatives, a unit of the NSW Government's Department of Fair Trading. CARDS seeks to identify opportunities in regional areas where a co-operative arrangement may enable local communities to achieve economic or social objectives.

The Registry proposes to build networks with representatives at each level of government as well as peak industry and professional groups. It is through these networks that CARDS aims to stimulate an interest in developing a greater understanding of the potential benefits that the co-operative business structure could bring to rural and regional communities. The project also aims to assist in identifying opportunities where the co-operative model is the most appropriate business vehicle to address the needs of these communities. CARDS recognises the benefits in adopting a 'whole of government approach' which can be achieved through promoting the co-operative model across regional development programs.

A major component of the project is a proposal to focus on a particular regional community in which to pilot a co-operative solution. The pilot will involve consultation with community leaders to identify opportunities where a co-operative approach could provide the most appropriate business model by which the community can achieve its social and economic goals. The assistance provided will include advice, possible financial assistance to initiate proposals, and links to appropriate government agencies thereby offering full program support for co-operative ventures.

If you have an enquiry about CARDS please email Jon Robinson at jrobinson@fairtrading.nsw.gov.au.

The Registry is also in the process of developing and publishing a range of educational and promotional material concerning co-operatives. The material will assist in increasing awareness of the co-operative structure as a viable business model and highlight what can be achieved by communities in rural and regional New South Wales. These resources provide a general guide to co-operatives and outline the steps involved in forming a co-operative.

The Registry is located at 154 Russell Street, Bathurst and is open from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday. If you have an enquiry about co-operatives in New South Wales, or in particular the CARDS project, please contact the staff at the Registry on 02-6333 1400 or 1800 504 042. General information about co-operatives and other services provided by the Department of Fair Trading is available on the website http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au.