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The Creators Story... so far

April Merrick and Belinda Morris started Creators of Community Ownership (Creators) in 2022 following the closure of a health service in their local community on the far South Coast of New South Wales. When April’s husband ‘suggested’ they stop complaining and do something, the idea was born for a not-for-profit social enterprise whose mission would be to keep vital local services operating.

Two days later they had put together a concept and initial business model and entered the Bega Valley Innovation Hub’s Circular Challenge. They won the Best Social Enterprise and Creators was off and running.

The need to keep health and other vital services operating in rural, regional and remote communities is self-evident. 

Many services struggle to survive in rural Australia due to market failures and the pressure placed on professionals having to juggle business obligations in addition to overwhelming community demand. It is simply too much. Many suffer from burnout and leave for the sake of their own wellbeing, despite a deep commitment to the community.

The magic of Creators is that we assume responsibility for working ‘on’ the business, so that skilled staff can focus on providing care ‘through’ the service. Our regenerative business model tackles the issue of thin markets to build sustainability and long-term viability.

Community-driven

Giving power back to rural communities is at the heart what we do and stand for.

We put power back in the hands of rural communities by listening to what they need for their health and wellbeing, while also exploring social and economic opportunities.

We are then guided by local Boards whose expertise and skill guides the work we do with communities to create the services they need.