New co-operative in Wagin receives CBH Grass Roots Grant

In the media

15 April 2025, CBH Group

A new community driven co-operative in Wagin is one of dozens of organisations that has received funding through CBH Group’s 2025 Grass Roots Community Grants program.

The recently formed not-for-profit co-operative will use the funding to help establish a shopfront in the town centre. The space will support locals to navigate health and aged care systems and provide a connection point for social support and services.

Chair for Co-operative Care Wagin Ltd (CCW), Wendy Pederick, said the grant would make a significant difference in helping the co-operative get off the ground.

“We are Wagin people helping Wagin people. This support from CBH means we can bring our vision to life – providing a trusted local presence where residents can seek advice, find connection, and feel valued in their own community,” Ms Pederick said.

CCW is open to all residents in the Shire of Wagin and is founded on the values of kindness, inclusion, and integrity. It was established to improve access to aged and social care services locally and to foster a deeper sense of belonging for all community members, especially older residents.

CBH Community Relations Manager Cassidy Bennett said supporting grassroots initiatives like CCW reflects CBH’s commitment to strengthening rural communities.

“Through our Grass Roots Community Grants program, we support events and projects that play a vital role in sustaining grain-growing communities,” Ms Bennett said.

“It’s fantastic to see a brand new co-operative using the model of community-led care to meet local needs.”

In this round, CBH awarded a record $250,000 in funding to support a wide range of community initiatives, making it the largest round to date. Successful events included an all-abilities eisteddfod, agricultural shows, art workshops, and small-scale infrastructure projects such as sporting facility upgrades, art club refurbishments, and the development of community gardens.

This was the first round to offer increased funding, with grants of up to $10,000 available for events and up to $20,000 for infrastructure projects. This increase has empowered local groups to deliver more ambitious and impactful projects.

The next round of funding will open on 1 August 2025. Further information can be found on the CBH website.