Sam Byrne, the secretary of Co-Ops NSW, was in the city on Monday to provide training for about 25 directors of co-operatives in the Wagga region.

Directors from businesses including Riverina Co-Op, the Junee District Co-Op supermarket, Yenda Producers and the Walbundrie IGA.

Mr Byrne said the biggest difference between this business model and others was that co-operatives were owned by members.

These member-owned businesses often brought valuable businesses to smaller communities.

“We’ve had a lot of requests for training in this part of the state for director training,” Mr Byrne said.

“Because theses businesses are community-based, they are about delivering back to the community.

“The importance of co-operatives to the community is often under-estimated.”

Mr Byrne said a gathering such as Monday’s seminar not only provided the co-operative directors with the chance to learn more about the roles, but also gave them a chance to get together with others and discuss relevant issues.

Co-operatives can operate a wide range of businesses from banks and supermarkets to childcare centres and schools, taxi companies and farm supply stores.

Kevin Salmon, the general manager of Riverina Co-op attended the seminar.

“It’s great we have the opportunity to hear from Sam and to meet the representatives of other co-ops from around the region," he said.