By Dominique Tassell
Killarney Co-op celebrated 100 years of business on 22 October. A string of centenary events wereheld, culminating in a Gala Dinner on Saturday night compered by Ray Martin.
The centenary events, including a high tea, farmer’s breakfast and trade show were very well supported by the community.
At the gala dinner co-op chairman Andrew Peterson announced that a bursary was being launched in memory of the founding general manager Christie Peterson.
The $2500 Christie Peterson Bursary will provide assistance to one student or apprentice to support further studies which assist in their pursuit of a career in agriculture, or that services the needs of the rural community.
Interested applicants should contact Killarney Co-op via email at info@killarneycoop.com or visit their office at 32-42 Ivy Street Killarney.
General manager Marissa Costello 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 services 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.
