Care Together featured in the National Mutual Economy Report 2026

22 June 2026

The Care Together program has been recognised in the National Mutual Economy Report 2026 (page 32), highlighting the growing role of co-operatives and mutuals in strengthening communities and delivering essential services across Australia.

Published annually by the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals (BCCM), the National Mutual Economy Report provides a snapshot of Australia’s co-operative and mutual sector and its contribution to the economy and society.

This year’s report highlights Care Together as an example of innovation in social care, recognising the program’s work supporting community-led, member-owned approaches to care in regional and rural Australia.

Delivered by the BCCM and funded by the Australian Government, Care Together was established to explore how co-operative and mutual models can help address some of the most significant challenges facing the care sector, including workforce shortages, service sustainability and access to care in regional communities.

The report notes that Care Together has helped communities establish sustainable, member-owned solutions to long-standing access and workforce challenges through co-design, shared services and peer learning.

Since its launch, the program has supported the development of new care co-operatives and mutuals, strengthened existing organisations and created practical resources to help communities explore co-operative approaches to care.

The inclusion of Care Together in the National Mutual Economy Report reflects growing recognition of the role that co-operatives and mutuals can play in building more responsive, resilient and community-led care services.

As Australia continues to navigate significant reform across aged care, disability and community services, member-owned models offer an alternative approach that places people, participation and long-term community benefit at the centre of decision-making.

Read the National Mutual Economy Report 2026 to learn more about the contribution of co-operatives and mutuals across Australia and the role of Care Together in supporting innovation in social care.

Download the National Mutual Economy Report 2026