Co-operative Development Services Ltd (CDS) is a not-for-profit co-operative that specialises in the development and formation of co-operatives in Victoria.

CDS is a network of consultants and professional advisors, selected for their co-operative and business development experience across a broad range of industry and community activities.

Since it was formed in April 1999, CDS has assisted in the formation of a number of coops in Victoria including:

Corrong Development Co-operative Ltd, formed in 2001 to acquire land from the Yarriambiack Shire Council to build and lease industrial premises to agricultural related businesses, who service grain growers and other primary producers in the Hopetoun district in western Victoria.

National Agricultural Data Co-operative Ltd, formed in 2002 to provide data management services to Australian primary producers and other agricultural chemical users to assist them meet the requirements of government regulations.

Avenel. Co-op Ltd, formed in 2004 to provide broadband Internet services to a small rural community north of Melbourne.

CDS Director, and ACCORD Associate, Tony Gill is enthusiastic about the role the co-operative is playing. “We are delighted to have been able to fulfill a real need in the community.” he said. Over the past 25 years, Tony has assisted over 60 co-operatives to form in Victoria alone.

CDS also conducts co-operative related projects, director training, and produces publications on co-operative issues. In 2000, they conducted a feasibility study into a rural fuel co-operative for the Ararat Rural City Council. This was followed by a report on fuel co-operatives in Victoria prepared for the Department of State and Regional Development.

In 2002, CDS initiated Australian Co-operative Links, a directory of website links to over 280 Australian co-operatives. ACL has proved to be very popular within Australia and abroad, with the number of visits averaging over 1,000 per month.

For all enquiries please contact Tony Gill, Director, CDS.
Email: cds@netconnect.com.au
Website: www.coopdevelopment.org.au