Celebrating the International Year of the Cooperatives

CEHL is collecting stories from across our network to celebrate the International Year of Cooperatives and showcase the strength, diversity, and spirit of co-op living.

These stories will be shared throughout the year — on our website, in Co-operatively Speaking, and through other channels — to tell our collective story better and celebrate what makes co-operative housing unique.

We’d love to hear from you whether your co-op is long-established or newly formed.

Every story is a valuable part of the bigger picture.
2025 International Year of Cooperatives - Commemorative Book Form

Mel Abrams

Co-op Elected Director

Melanie, a CEHL co-operative member since 2021, is an experienced executive support professional with a background in government, Aboriginal affairs, and the not-for-profit sector. With over 20 years of experience in administration, stakeholder coordination, and cooperative governance, she has supported leaders across sectors and is passionate about community-led housing, inclusion, and social justice.