History
In September 1946, a special meeting was held by the people of Goondiwindi to discuss the launch of the Co-operative supermarket. The idea was to open a one-stop shop for all household needs from groceries, produce (stock feed), and hardware, through to haberdashery, mens and boys wear.
To assist in the launch, special speakers representing the Co-operative Union of Queensland came to Goondiwindi at their own expense to address the meeting – Mr. S. Lloyd, President of the Co-operative Union of Queensland, Mr A. Small, Commercial Administrator of the Co-operative Federation of Australia, and Mr. W. Kidston, assistant Secretary of the Co-operative Union. At this meeting it was announced by Mr E. Dwan that members of the Goondiwindi Provincial Committee, have obtained an option over premises occupied by the Hong Yee & Company.
The idea for the Co-op was inspired by the development of Co-operative trading in England well over a century ago. While the original launch date was planned for the end of March 1946, it wasn't until the 2nd June 1947 that theCo-op was offically opened. The first Board of Directors comprised of Messrs. E. Dwan, G.V. Evans, W. Filewood, A. G. Scudmore, D. McIntyre and W. Gilbert.
The Co-op joined the I.G. (Independent Grocers) Group in November 1978.
In November 1986 the Goondiwindi Co-op moved to a much larger premises, at 6 Herbert Street where the store is situated today. In the same year, the store joined the Foodmaster group before changing to the Foodstore Supermarket group in 1991, which later became known as AUR (Australian United Retailers). In 2005 AUR changed their brand name to Foodworks.
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