Breathing new life into Gnowangerup: a co-op led transformation
A bold community-led project is gaining momentum in Gnowangerup, where local co-operative GNP360 is transforming the town’s historic hotel into a vibrant accommodation and family precinct.
With just under $25,000 in support from CBH Group through the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals’ Bunya Fund, GNP360 was able to develop a business plan that unlocked over $400,000 in funding, which will enable them to kickstart stage one of the redevelopment.
Meet the locals driving Gnowangerup’s transformation—including CBH Growers’ Richard House and Cassy Beeck—and discover how the inspiring project is set to create jobs, tourism, and a vital community hub.
Building a stronger social fabric
The revitalisation is set to create lasting social impact by creating a much-needed hub where people can gather, with the precinct set to play a vital role in reducing social isolation, fostering community pride, and strengthening the town's social fabric.
GNP360 Project Lead Cassandra Beeck said the project is about more than bricks and mortar—it’s about connection.
“It’s quite important for rural people’s mental health,” Mrs Beeck explained.
“Sometimes just to get together with your mates and to be able to talk about how your day was or how you’re going makes a very big difference to how it feels to live in a regional community.”
Driving local economic growth
Beyond the project’s social benefits, the hotel is also designed to act as a self-sustaining economic engine for Gnowangerup by creating local employment opportunities and providing much-needed tourist accommodation.
Backing community-led initiatives
The co-operative model has emerged as powerful model for regional development, enabling locals to come together to take ownership of vital services and foster communities where people want to live and work. CBH is proud to support regional co-operatives that are working to establish or retain essential services in Western Australian grain-growing communities, helping locals shape their own futures and create long-term value for grain-growing regions.
GNP360 is one of several regional co-operatives CBH has backed through the BCCM Bunya Fund, which provides expert advice, training and infrastructure support designed to support early-stage co-operatives and mutuals.
This support is funded through CBH’s Community Investment Fund, reflecting our shared commitment to building vibrant, resilient, and sustainable communities across the grain-growing region.
To learn more about the BCCM Bunya Fund or to express your interest, visit: BCCM Website
