By Dominique Tassell
Killarney Co-op is celebrating its 100th birthday in style, with plenty on offer for locals wanting to help mark a century of the local institution.
From now until 19 October, when you purchase $50 or more at the Co-op you’ll go into the draw to win a MG3 Core 1.5L 4spd Automatic Hatchback valued at $20,990.
You can also win minor prizes valued at $900, with a total prize pool of $21,890.
The winner will be announced at the Trade Show on 22 October.
You can read the full terms and conditions on the Co-op website.
The Co-op will also be hosting a Gala Dinner on Saturday 22 October. All are welcome.
The dinner will be held at Killarney Recreation Club on Willow Street.
Pre-dinner drinks start at 5 pm, followed by a three-course dinner by Alastair McLeod’s Al’Freshco Catering.
The dinner will feature special guest Ray Martin OA.
Tickets cost $150pp and include a drink package. They will be available for purchase until the end of August.
Other highlights of the celebration include the Centenary High Tea, Farmer’s Breakfast, and Trade Show to be held on Thursday 20 October, Friday 21 October, and Saturday 22 October respectively.
The High Tea will be held at the Co-op Centenary Marquee on Ivy St from 10 am and costs $10pp. Rebel Black of The Rural Woman Co-operative will be the guest speaker.
The Farmer’s Breakfast will also be held at the Co-op Centenary Marquee, from 8 am at a cost of $10pp. Dr John Kirkegaard will be the guest speaker, with entertainment from Cr Marco Gliori.
Entry to the Trade Show is free, and attendees can see historical displays, supplier product displays, join in on promotions and giveaways, and enjoy a BBQ lunch. The cake will be cut at 10 am.
Marissa Costello, General Manager at the Killarney Co-op, said the Co-op started when a group of cream suppliers agreed to form a co-operative and purchase a small dairy factory in Killarney.
“When the Co-op was registered on 22 October 1922 it had 41 suppliers and the staff consisted of a working manager (Mr Christie Petersen), an engine driver, a lad, and a part time clerk.
“The business has seen many changes over a century,” Marissa said.
“As dairying reduced in the area over the years the butter factory was closed down and eventually sold.
“Our retail arm started out as some spare parts for milking machines and has now grown and evolved into the retail stores that we see today.”
Marissa said currently the Co-op employs 80 staff members and service 2100 shareholder members.
Right now the Co-op has CRT Rural Merchandise, a service station, Home Timber and Hardware, Betta Electrical, Foodworks Supermarket, Coffee Shop, Killarney Post Office, Bulk Fuel Delivery service, Bulk Stockfeed manufacture and delivery.
To join in on the celebrations, phone 07 4664 1188 or book online at www.killarneycoop.com
