One of the region's most impressive, and far reaching, homegrown success stories, Hastings Co-op, has stolen the spotlight this week as it launches into 100-year celebrations.
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From humble beginnings as a dairy factory 99 years ago, the thriving co-operative employs 275 people across 13 diverse businesses.
Celebrations started with cooking demonstrations with Australia's only hatted indigenous chef, Clayton Donovan at The Department Store on Saturday.
That night, a black tie dinner was held at Sails Resort by Rydges for a glittering crowd of 130 dignitaries, shareholders, suppliers, business people and past and present employees.
Special guest speakers included NSW Farmers Association CEO Matt Brand and NRMA deputy president Wendy Machin.
True to the organisation's reputation for evolving with the times, Hastings Co-op used the occasion to launch a special 100 year celebratory champagne which is a "handcrafted blanc de blanc specially made by Cassegrain Wines".
The 99th birthday festivities continue next week with a shareholder shopping sale on Friday and Saturday and a CEO cook-off at The Department Store at 11am Friday.
At the Wauchope and Hinterland Community Christmas on December 5, one lucky shopper will drive away in a $24,000 Renault Clio Expression.
The Co-op has been at the heart of the Hastings for the past 99 years.
What sets it apart is the fact that it is a locally operated co-operative owned by more than 8900 local shareholders.
Hastings Co-op is now one of the longest-serving independent co-operatives in Australia - originally established in 1916 by a group of local dairy farmers who saw the benefits of working together as a community.
Since then, the business has grown from strength to strength, both in size and in the diversity of products and services offered, while never losing sight of its community spirit.
Chief executive officer Allan Gordon reinforced that "through it all there has been an understanding of the changing times and the need to change with them".
At Saturday's dinner, Mr Gordon paid special tribute to the backbone of the business - their staff.
"This Co-operative and its members are a tenacious bunch, fiercely proud of its history, of its place in the community and the prosperity it gives," he said.
"A Co-operative destined to grow and expand for many, many years to come.
"Whilst we may be approaching 100, we are young in our thinking, enthusiastic in what we do every day and proud of what we have achieved."
