About HOPE Co-op
History/origins
HOPE Co-Op has grown out of grass roots responses to the denial of educational access for asylum seeking students since 2014.
We began with the Maree Program at St Joseph’s Flexible Learning Centre in North Melbourne and the Asylum Seeker Pilot Pathways Project funded by the Victorian State Government in collaboration with the YouthPlus Foundation. As these initiatives drew to a close in 2018, we established a new entity - HOPE Co-Op.
We’re an organisation driven by progressive ideas, bold actions, and a strong foundation of support. Dealing with the challenges of today requires problem-solvers who bring different perspectives and are willing to engage directly. HOPE emerged out of a pursuit to inspire and support the community, and a desire for actions to speak louder than words.
Aims/values
At HOPE Co-Op, we are driven by a single goal: to do our part in making our community a better place for those who need to belong. Human wellbeing is at the forefront. Individual support, community cohesion and cross-culture connectedness are the core of everything we’re working for.
Our decision-making process is based on experience, research and connections. Our programs and activities aim to be a catalyst for community members to reach their goals and fulfil their potential. Our vision is for full social and economic inclusion for people of asylum-seeking background in Australia.
Partners
From the beginning, HOPE Co-Op has built strong connections with a wide range of individuals and organisations. They have guided and encouraged our development, championed our cause, increased our effectiveness and expanded the work we have been able to do. They share our commitment to equal access and inclusion for all, and we greatly appreciate their support. We could not do it without them.
EarthWorker Cooperative
EarthWorker is a network of co-operatives with a commitment to dignified jobs, local community empowerment and a healthy environment. HOPE Co-Op is proud to be an EarthWorker member co-operative.
West Melbourne Baptist Church
email: geoffpound@gmail.com
Refugee Education Special Interest Group (RESIG)
Aireys Inlet Rural Australians for Refugees
Anne Brown
Arnold Zable
Asylum Seeker Pathways Program steering group
Carmel Hempenstall
CFMEU Western Australia - Mick Buchan
Christine Cummins
Cygnet Anglican Church - refugee fund
Dave Fullerton
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (Vic)
The Department of Premier and Cabinet (Vic)
Di Cummins
Edmund Rice Education Australia
Farhad Ganje
Federation University - Dr Tim Harrison
Geoff and Lyn Pound
Hassan Zada
Hope Co-Op members and board
Hotham Mission
The John Cummins Memorial Fund
John McMahon
Life Saving Victoria
Living Support Fund contributors
Maree Program students and staff
Megan Hall
Mercy Schools’ Academy of Mary Immaculate - Fitzroy
Michael Naismith
Mick Hodder
Monash University Faculty of Education
Nelson Estrella
North Melbourne Football Club
Project Dignity (Temple Beth Israel)
Red Cross
The R.E.Ross Trust
Sharon Unthank
St Joseph’s Flexible Learning Centre - leadership and staff
Suha Alikhan
VicSuper board, CEO and HR
Victorian Multicultural Commission - community grants
Victoria University - Marita Reynolds, Julie Madden
Wollangarra Outdoor Education Centre - all staff
YouthPlus Foundation board
Zahra Daghagheleh