Not-for-profit remote store operator Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) has held the official grand opening of its new IBIS store in Mapoon on the western coast of Cape York Peninsula.
As a previously Council-run convenience store, Mapoon’s Rugapayn Store was limited in the product range and buying power it was able to deliver to Mapoon residents.
Now after a collaborative effort between Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council, CEQ and the local community, the supermarket has officially joined CEQ’s extensive 29-store network throughout the Cape, Torres Strait, lower Gulf of Carpentaria, and on Palm Island.
“The opening of the IBIS store celebrates the partnership between CEQ and Council, and marks a momentous occasion for our community,” said Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Mayor Aileen Addo.
“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire CEQ team for their dedication to serving our community and ensuring the delivery and service of food to our residents.
“By working hand in hand with organisations like CEQ, we can build a stronger, more resilient community where everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive.”
CEQ Chief Executive Officer Michael Dykes said Council had expressed an interest for an IBIS store, which was sent directly to the CEQ Board and to Leeanne Enoch MP, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships.
“This change shows how much we care about communities,” he said.
“All stakeholders were very strong in their direction to support Council’s request for CEQ to operate the store, and I’d like to acknowledge Council, community, Minister Enoch, the CEQ Board and the CEQ team for supporting and responding to the needs of the Mapoon community.
“CEQ is not just a retail business. We’re a people business embedded into community, here to listen and serve and invest into community by supporting residents with enterprise development which brings local jobs.
“We’re all about community empowerment, employing locals, and encouraging and supporting First Nations businesses to thrive alongside us.”
Mr Dykes said Mapoon residents will now have access to a reliable and consistent supply of fresh food.
“The CEQ IBIS store means accessibility and convenience for everyone, and we’d like to reassure the Mapoon community that we’re here for the long haul,” he said.
“It’s a big step towards making sure everyone in the community is taken care of and is another example of CEQ delivering on our vision of caring, every day, always.”
Mr Dykes said current Rugapayn Store team members will be retained as part of the seamless transition.
Main Image Features – (Thomas Smith, CEO (left), Cr Janelle Ling, Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Mayor Aileen Addo, Michael Dykes, Cr Dawn Braun, Fred Gela, Cr Cameron Hudson.)
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CEQ is a not-for-profit organisation responsible for providing goods and essential services to the Torres Strait, Northern Peninsula Area (NPA), mainland Aboriginal remote communities, and Palm Island through its now 29 stores.
CEQ manages Islanders Board of Industry and Service (IBIS) and Aboriginal Business, Industry and Service (ABIS) stores, as well as other stores including Col Jones, Mona’s Bazaar and Mitre 10 on Thursday Island.
For more information on CEQ, visit www.ceqld.org.au
