Thanks, one and all, for your continuing comments.

Maleny, in Queensland, NE Australia, already has more "Co-Operatives" than most other places (I think second only to Mondragon, in Spain???)

Sadly, having strong alternative practices in place already, doesn't keep out the Big Bullies when they decide they want IN ...

And as I've said before, we already have a Woollies about 20minutes away in the next town (where many small businesses have NOW gone to the wall) - and there are any amount of super stores down on the coast, less than a half-hour's drive away.

However, Woolworths' aim is to monopolise every small town's economy, whether or not they're welcome OR needed!!! (i.e. greed)

I can't believe that "good business" ONLY = more money ... thankfully some businesses today are becoming more ethical and incorporating the "triple bottom line" into their philosophy instead ...

Cheers!
R-J