The NSW government began regulating and registering co-operative enterprises in NSW in 1874 when the Registrar of Friendly Societies was established. It was eventually named the Registry of Co-operative Societies, which oversaw friendly societies, permanent building societies and credit unions in addition to co-operatives. Credit unions appear to have had their own registry from 1970 until it ceased operations in 1987.

Our extensive collection of Registry of Co-operative Societies/Credit Unions (NSW) material includes annual reports, governance documents, financial papers, surveys, reports, correspondence and newsletters.