What is the importance for me of the links with the international movement? 

Whilst Capricorn is a strong supporter of the various Co-operative State Peak bodies around Australia as well as New Zealand, Capricorn sought and was proud to achieve membership of the ICA and still remains the only Australian member.

Capricorn is committed to Co-operative values and principles and we seek to maintain our involvement in the wider international movement. Capricorn has also established a Mutual to allow its members to self insure and we have continued this philosophy by also becoming a member of the International Co-operative and Mutual Insurers (ICMIF) and it is pleasing to see a number of ICA members are also a member of ICMIF.

My belief is that the movement is well hidden from mainstream awareness and understanding and indeed from within its own sector.

Whether it is innovation through business development, learning experiences or simply sharing information, the only way Co-operators will learn is from one another and through networking and co-operating and this is why involvement in the wider movement is essential in my opinion. Participation in the biennial General Assemblies of the ICA is an important part of CSL remaining in touch with the international sector as well as keeping abreast of contemporary co-operative practices and learning of co-operative sector innovations from around the globe.

The Assemblies have delivered immeasurable value to Capricorn Directors and Executives over the years through the development of world class niche contacts from within the co-operative sector, and the academic and government institutions that align with our principles and it continually reinforces to us how the application of the co-operative values can contribute to improved business performance and the achievement of our co-operative ideals.