About US
Voices of Cooper Inc. is an incorporated association inspired by the Community Independents Project. We are attempting to bring a better democratic process to the Federal electoral division of Cooper; the colocated state seats of Northcote and Preston; and the local governance of the City of Darebin.
The purposes of the association are to
- articulate an independent voice for the community of Cooper, and overlapping state and local government electorates, on the issues that matter most to the community;
- to promote active community participation in democratic processes;
- to engage with and hold accountable our elected representatives so that community views and needs are genuinely represented; and,
- where the community determines it, to identify, support and help elect independent candidates who reflect these values.
Goals
Our short term goal is to grow the number of active people in the group to the point where it can maintain and sustain itself. Between 10 and 30 people are probably needed to cover all the functions of a viable community organisation.
Our medium term goal is to listen to the people who live in the electorate and analyse desires and concerns so we can advocate on their behalf to our existing elected representatives.
Our long term goal is to support representatives who have as their primary mission to represent the community. We have no intention to ever become political party or a lobbyist whose interests are not aligned with the community who elected them.
Values
The values of Cooper Listening post at present are taken from the Community Independents Project because we are not yet big enough to truly refine a set of values informed by our community. These will be refined during the medium term.
At present, we value collaboration, integrity, inclusiveness, truth, transparency, empathy, trust, equality, respect and generosity.
Legal
Voices of Cooper Inc. was formed on 24 August 2026 in the State of Victoria. Its association number is A0129446N, and its ABN 30 548 363 598.