The Association to Resource Co-operative Housing (ARCH) was established in June 1989, signifying the emergence of an important tenant-led body of member co-ops. ARCH is a Statewide federating peak, representing co-ops and advocating on behalf of co-ops in NSW.

6 part-time and full-time staff provide services to 46 co-op members and developing groups. We provide training and development, deliver resourcing and education services; provide advocacy and representation; to clients throughout the State.

We participate in planning and policy development for the co-op sector in NSW and we provide information and administrative services, and regional development services to our constituents. ARCH's services have been developed to encourage greater tenant control through the viable self managed co-operative housing model.

ARCH sees itself as a dynamic agent for the vigorous growth of the Co-operative Housing in NSW. ARCH's mission is to ensure the long term viability of self managed housing co-operatives by providing leadership, direction and support through:

• representing members
• resourcing present and future members
• promoting and advocating, and lobbying on behalf of the co-operative housing sector
• establishing partnerships and linkages with other housing agents

About our members

At the end of the 99/2000 financial year, ARCH had 47 members, mostly co-ops and a small minority of other housing organisations.

Some 30% of ARCH's membership consists of people from co-ops of non-English speaking background and representing a rich diversity of cultures.

The great majority of our members are from the Sydney metropolitan region, with a strong interest and commitment from country areas, particularly the Hunter, Northern and Western regions of NSW, who comprise 20% of the sector.

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