Founding opportunity

What is a ‘founding member’?

Founding members establish the co-op before later members join. They help decide:

• The business model and first projects.
• Rules, financial commitments and surplus sharing.
• Roles, skills, probation periods and criteria for future members.

Joining early brings more influence over the setup – and more uncertainty.

What’s expected of founding members

Early participation will be flexible, but founding membership is a commitment to building the business. Expect to:

• Contribute time, skills and practical setup work.
• Take responsibility for problems and solutions.
• Attend formation and general meetings.
• Participate in democratic decisions and accept that you won’t always get your way.
• Make a financial commitment, with amounts decided by the founding group.

What you’ll get out of this

• Ownership and a vote on work arrangements, business systems and surplus sharing.
• Market-rate pay on jobs, plus available surplus based on agreed contribution rules.
• Input into designs, methods, sequencing, safety and quality.
• A say in how the business handles downturns, with the aim of retaining the crew where possible.

Who we’re looking for

You don’t need co-op experience. We’re looking for reliable, honest people in greater Darwin who:

• Have useful construction or related skills.
• Work well with others and want a say in the business.
• Support democratic decisions and sharing surplus with the people doing the work.
• Accept early uncertainty and extra responsibility in return for ownership.

How the process will work

The process is flexible. You’ll have time to ask questions, seek independent advice and assess the commitment before joining.

1. Contact: Share your trade, experience and interest.
2. Intro chat: Have a 15–30 minute call or meet-up.
3. Group session: Discuss the model and meet other potential founders.
4. Expression of interest: Provide your skills, availability and proposed contribution.
5. Formation meetings: Develop the rules, roles, surplus-sharing model and initial business plan.
6. Commitment: Agree to the rules, buy your membership share and take on setup tasks.
7. Registration and trading: Register the co-op before operating under its name.

Risks and uncertainties

This is not an offer of guaranteed immediate full-time work. Establishing the business may take years, and success is not assured.

• Slow work and cash-flow pressure may reduce hours or distributions.
• Roles, rules, and surplus-sharing arrangements are still being developed.
• Members share responsibility for difficult business decisions.