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Our Story
Cooinda is truly a community owned organisation and was borne from a group of likeminded locals whose vision was to establish comfortable, affordable, self contained accommodation for residents to thrive in their senior years.
What started with 24 units in 1971 has now grown into a village of 37 units. Below is a timeline of Cooinda's story.

Cooinda Volunteers

The Inverell Churches Retirement Community (Cooinda) was established on 6 November, 1970. On that date, Elwyn Hopper was appointed Company Secretary, a role he performed until 2007. Mr Hopper's contribution to Cooinda was commemorated with the opening of the Elwyn Hopper Units in 2011.

Cooinda acknowledges and appreciates the dedicated service of our many volunteers. Below is a list of volunteer board members who have served Cooinda since 1970.

Chairpersons

Current Chairperson:

  • Don Le Cudennec 2016- 


  • Wendy Heagney 2012-2016 

  • Keri Brown 2006-2012 

  • Peter Swan 2004-2006 

  • Warner Dafter 1999-2004 

  • Mavis Tozer 1997-1999 

  • Kerry White 1996-1997 

  • Mavis Tozer 1983-1996 

  • Bill Ryan 1976-1983 

  • Charles Fuller 1970-1976 

Board Members

Current Board:

  • Val Harris

  • Michael Penberthy

  • Fiona Adams

  • Don McRae

  • Gloria Kirk

Previous Board Members:

  • David Sommerlad

  • Bill Pugh

  • Dr Gentile

  • Dr Keith Whish

  • Dom Durkin

  • Edna Finlen

  • Nola Bradley

  • Bob McLachlan

  • Margaret Allan


  • John Jack

  • John Jackson

  • Leo Durkin

  • Bill Roodenburg

  • Ken Middleton

  • Bob Kneipp

  • Bob Bensley

  • Nola Hamilton

  • Brian Gould

  • Gary McLachlan

  • Bill Vincent

  • Sue Pryor

  • Bill Newnham

  • Cedric Smith

  • Elwyn Hopper

  • Peter Caddey

Contact Cooinda

15-21 Ross Street, Inverell NSW 2360
PO Box 20, Inverell NSW 2360 

02 6722 5053

admin@cooindacommunity.com.au