~~~ your $ is your vote ~~~ ... find out more at ethical.org.au

The ‘Food Co-op’, as WOC is commonly known, was developed in February 2001 by a number of friends living in Melbourne’s Inner West, as an affordable way of purchasing organic fruit and vegies. Since that time, about 50 different households have participated in the ‘Food Co-op’ (the Co-op) at some stage.
During these 8 years, there have been numerous changes to the way the Co-op has operated. However, within this there have been some constant values; shared voluntary work, relational connections between local people, the ability to buy good food at an affordable price and the importance of celebrating the gift of good food and friends.

In February 2004 the decision was taken by the group to become an incorporated association. This was done with the primary purpose of allowing the Co-op to buy for ourselves at the Melbourne Wholesale Markets. In so doing, the name ‘WOC’ or ‘ Western Organic Collective Inc.’ was adopted by the Co-op.

In mid 2008 with a large waiting list, a second co-op was created by waiting list members. It is now known as the SOC, 'Seddon Organic Collective'. NOC (Newport Organic Collective) evolved from a Newport-residing SOC member in May 2009, and KOG (Kingsville Organic Group) was seeded late 2009. A YOC (Yarraville Organic Coop) meeting was held mid-2010 and we hope to hear from them soon …

[Please note that this document is a 'work in progress'. It reflects some of the views, opinions and mutterings of some of the people involved in WOC, SOC & KOG].