The Launch, on February 2, of Dr Elizabeth Cheong's research into how to create new housing co-operatives outside the Department of Housing ownership model, was enthusiastically received. Dozens turned up to the evening event at the stunning 6-star environmentally sustainable Grove Library and Community Centre in Peppermint Grove. Hon Lynn MacLaren MLC, Greens Housing Minister, opened the evening with her vibrant speech of solid support. The research document is available for download, and we are keen to hear your feedback and thoughts.
 
This is FOHCOL's first event celebrating the International Year of Co-operatives, and the housing co-operative sector is hugely grateful to Dr Cheong for her selfless work in bringing this research to us.  "Unlocking Housing Co-operatives: An Exploratory Study of Financial, Incorporation and Ownership Issues Influencing the Development of Housing Co-operatives in Western Australia" is a fascinating read for anyone interested in answers to the current affordable housing issues in WA.
 
 
Prior to this research, Dr Cheong compiled a response document entitled "Benefits of Housing Cooperatives and the Present Barriers to Growth in Western Australia" which provides a broader background to the issue. Other documents prepared for the evening include information and background on "Why Do Co-operatives Form?", "Advantages and Disadvantages of Housing Co-operatives", and "The Housing Co-operative Sector in Western Australia". (Click on the links to view these)
 
 
We hope you enjoy these and all our available information. Check out our Facebook page to keep up to date with our news.
 
 
News from the housing co-op sector in WA - last year

• Latest newsletter: Winter 2011 (881 KB)
• FOHCOL again hosted the best gathering to celebrate the International day of Co-operatives (July 2nd). As you will see from our review paper (930 KB) with many colour photos, the event was well attended and showcased not only the beauty of the housing co-ops (with tours of four nearby co-ops), but the solidity and resilience of the sector. Talks from Lynn MacLaren MLC, SHAC, Co-operation Housing, and FOHCOL.
• The FOHCOL presentation to the Department of Commerce Co-operatives Unit when hosting their training days for Cocos Islander co-op members (in July) was a strong statement for the benefits and resilience and adaptability of WA housing co-ops.
• The FOHCOL Coordinator and Convenor have been accepted as delegates to the Commonwealth People's Forum being held in Perth at the end of October. This will be a chance to mix with 52 nations and show them our housing co-ops during the Learning Journey session on October 25 as well as making valuable links during the forums.
• The Glyde-In Community Centre is promoting a talk on housing co-ops on December 2 to be held in Fremantle at a co-op. Contact us or Glyde-In (www.glydein.org.au) for more information.

Past news
These FOHCOL documents from 2010 provide more of a background to the focus of the work we are doing now:

• Newsletter: Spring/September 2010 (673 KB)
• Newsletter: Summer/February 2010 (487 KB)
• Review: FOHCOL International Day of Co-operatives 2010 (389 KB)

Please contact us for any further information.