Register a co-operative

Introduction

There are 3 steps to registering a new co-operative:

Get approval of the name, draft rules and disclosure statement.
Hold a formation meeting to formally adopt the rules and present the disclosure statement (if applicable) to prospective members.
Within 2 months of the formation meeting, submit an application to register the co-operative.

You can lodge the completed forms and supporting documents by email, mail, or in person at a service centre.

For detailed information on the documentation you need to complete this transaction visit About co-operatives on the NSW Fair Trading website.

To be eligible for registration, a proposed co-operative must have:

two-thirds of prospective members vote to adopt the rules at the formation meeting
a membership of
- 2 or more co-operatives (if a co-operative group), or
- 5 or more active members (in the case of any other co-operative).

Step 1: Approval of name, rules and formation disclosure statement

You'll need the:

form 'Application to approve co-operative name, rules and formation disclosure statement'
name of the proposed co-operative
draft rules
draft formation disclosure statement (if applicable).

Step 2: At the formation meeting

You'll need:

at least 5 prospective members in attendance, and
for signing:
- 2 copies of rules (approved by the Registrar)
- 1 copy of the disclosure if a distributing co-operative (approved by the Registrar)
- the form 'Application to Register a Co-operative'.

Step 3: Registering the co-operative

You'll need:

the completed 'Application to Register a Co-operative' form
registered office and postal addresses of the co-operative
estimated financial details including share numbers and value, revenue, gross assets, and number of employees
details of co-operative board members elected at the formation meeting
2 signed and certified copies of the rules
1 copy of signed and certified formation disclosure statement (if applicable).

Gather your supporting documents and the completed 'Application to approve co-operative name, rules and formation disclosure statement'.
Submit the documents and completed form either:
- in person at a service centre, or
- by email or post (you'll find address details on the form).
When approval from the Registrar has been received:
- prepare the documents
- hold the formation meeting to approve the rules
- elect the directors, and
- authorise the application for registration of the co-operative.
Submit the signed 'Application to Register a Co-operative' form, rules and disclosure statement (if applicable), and application fee to Registry Services.

Last updated: 28 November 2023