Are You Our Next Treasurer?

Southern NSW Harvest Cooperative is seeking a new Treasurer.

Join a growing movement that's working to strengthen regional food systems, support regenerative agriculture, and build thriving local economies.

In this voluntary role, you'll contribute your financial expertise to one of the largest farmer- and producer-led co-operatives in the ACT and Southern NSW region. You'll work alongside a dedicated Board and collaborate with our experienced Operations Manager to help guide the cooperative's financial sustainability and impact.

We'd love to welcome you if you share our commitment to sustainability, equity, and regional resilience.

About Us

Southern NSW Harvest Cooperative exists to foster the sustainable growth and availability of local produce within the Southern Harvest region (ACT and NSW).

We work to:

  • Support healthy relationships between growers, producers, consumers, and the wider community.

  • Partner with like-minded organisations, local government, and community groups to help increase uptake of local produce.

  • Facilitate access to education supporting sustainable food and agriculture systems.

  • Build a strong regional identity around regenerative agriculture, enterprise diversity, and adding value to local produce.

  • Advocate for equitable access to local food, fair sales opportunities, and scale-appropriate regulation for producers.

As Treasurer, you'll help ensure the financial foundations of these goals remain strong.

About the Role

With the support of an Accountant, you'll:

  • Guide the Board, Operations Manager, and Bookkeeper in the strategic and operational aspects of financial management.

  • Provide oversight and communicate effective advice on budgets, planning, risk management, and sustainable financial practices.

  • Support compliance with cooperative governance standards and relevant reporting

  • Participate in governance and strategic activities and advise working groups.

We estimate the effort to be approx. 1–3 hours/month.

Essential Skills & Experience

  • Financial management or accounting experience.

  • Ability to interpret financial reports and advise non-financial stakeholders.

  • Understanding of governance in non-distributing cooperatives, or community organisations.

  • Familiarity with financial strategies for small community-based enterprises.

  • Strong communication and influencing skills.

Preferred Experience

  • Prior involvement with a Board or regular reporting to one.

  • Experience with grant funding and managing multiple income streams.

  • Familiarity with insurance, payroll, superannuation, and GST (all managed in-house by the Operations Manager).

  • Experience with Xero.

  • Willingness to participate in other Board and Cooperative activities as able.

Why Join Us?

By being our next Treasurer, you'll help:

  • Support small-scale agroecological farming and local food systems.

  • Ensure healthy and sustainable relationships between food producers and consumers.

  • Strengthen a cooperative that's driving real food system change.

If this is the role for you  –
Send a 1-page summary explaining your interest and relevant experience to: hello@southernharvest.org.au

For questions about the role and the Cooperative, contact Lizzy Smith, Southern NSW Harvest Cooperative Board Director, on 0448 363 989.