The Registry’s role is to develop and regulate the co-operative sector under the Co-operatives Act 1992; the co-operative housing and Starr-Bowkett societies sector under the Co-operative Housing and Starr-Bowkett Societies Act 1998; incorporate and regulate the associations sector under the Associations Incorporation Act 1984 and to register and oversee the operation of the funeral funds sector under the Funeral Funds Act 1979.

The Registry’s functions are to:

• supervise and regulate co-operatives, including co-operative housing societies and Starr-Bowkett societies, incorporated associations and funeral funds in accordance with the applicable legislation
• advise the Registrar of Co-operatives and manage legislation in relation to the operation and development of co-operatives in New South Wales
• assist the establishment and growth of new and existing co-operatives and encourage the use of co-operative solutions for business and community development
• incorporate associations under the Associations Incorporation Act 1984
• register contributory and pre-paid funeral funds under the Funeral Funds Act 1979
• monitor and analyse performance and viability of co-operatives, co-operative housing societies, Starr-Bowkett societies and funeral funds
• maintain public registers of corporate entities regulated by the Registry
• maintain a register of the rules of the Country Women’s Association of New South Wales in accordance with the Country Women’s Association of New South Wales Incorporation Act 1931
• provide financial assistance under the Co-operatives Development Grants Program for feasibility studies or business plans to foster development of the co-operative sector, and
• assist the public through responding to queries and complaints in relation to the legislative requirements of entities regulated by the Registry.

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Registry of Co-operatives & Associations
PO Box 22
154 Russell Street
BATHURST NSW 2795

DX 3123 BATHURST

Telephone: 6333 1400
FreeCall: 1800 502 042
Fax: 6333 1444
Email: registryinquiries@oft.commerce.nsw.gov.au