The Killarney Co-op has been a cornerstone of the Killarney community for decades, fostering local decision-making, supporting community organisations, and ensuring economic sustainability through its cooperative business model.
General Manager Marissa Costello highlighted how the Co-op’s local focus has enabled it to become a key player in the town’s economic and social vitality.
“The structure of the Co-op fosters local decision-making, making the business truly for the people of the town,“ Ms Costello said.
“Because our profits are returned to members and reinvested in the cooperative, the wealth we generate stays in the town rather than being extracted by corporate owners. This builds a more sustainable and resilient local economy.“
The Killarney Co-op plays a pivotal role in supporting local organisations, partnering with schools, community groups, and healthcare facilities to meet local needs.
One of the Co-op’s initiatives is a community support program that allows customers to select which local group they wish to support, directing funding to areas with the greatest demand.
“We are keen supporters of Killarney Memorial, Killarney School, and various community groups,“ Ms Costello said.
“Our customers directly influence who we support, and we’re always involved in local events, making sure the Co-op is a partner in community growth.“
In addition to its economic contributions, the Co-op also undertakes several initiatives to give back to the community. Recently, they introduced a community book exchange, adding over 3,000 books for local residents to share.
With over 80 locals employed by the Co-op, including offering work experience, apprenticeships, and after-school jobs, the business is a significant contributor to local employment.
As a member-owned cooperative, with over 2,000 local members, the Killarney Co-op operates differently from traditional businesses. Profits are returned to members through dividends and rebates, ensuring that wealth remains within the community. Decision-making is also kept local, with members electing a board of directors and playing an active role in the Co-op’s operations.
With a diverse product range that includes a supermarket, hardware store, rural store, coffee shop, post office, and even a service station, the Killarney Co-op caters to every aspect of local life. “We prioritise sourcing products locally wherever possible,“ Ms Costello said, emphasising the importance of keeping money within the town.
“Supporting local farmers and businesses is at the heart of what we do.“
