Not-for-profit remote store provider Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) and the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) have signed a transformative Heads of Agreement (HoA), reaffirming their shared commitment to improving social (including nutritional health), economic, and environmental outcomes for Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) people.
The historic four-year agreement outlines a collaborative framework for addressing key challenges, including employment opportunities, renewable energy transitions, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. It also prioritises the cultural protection and preservation essential to these special places.
The agreement underscores a joint obligation to Close the Gap through innovative strategies, engagement with First Nations peoples, and sustainable community development initiatives.
Key objectives of the HoA include:
- Strategic collaboration: Jointly addressing challenges across cultural, environmental, social, economic and governance guidelines to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
- Employment and career opportunities: Developing pathways to create sustainable careers for local people, supported by strategic investments and partnerships.
- Renewable energy and sustainability: Reducing reliance on diesel power, improving water use efficiency, and supporting the transition to renewable energy.
- Healthy lifestyle promotion: Leveraging combined resources to deliver equitable access to nutritious food, community health education, and preventive health initiatives.
CEQ Chairperson Joann Schmider said the agreement was a significant milestone for the organisation’s vision of Caring, Every Day, Always.
“This new partnership reflects a Board to Board strategic commitment for the organisations to collaborate on the matters that matter most to the people who live here,” Ms Schmider said.
“Sharing our effort on where we align on cultural preservation, economic development, and sustainable practices enables us to together better deliver impactful outcomes that benefit communities now and into the future.
“Together, we can take bolder steps to ensure equitable access to opportunities and resources for all.”
TSRA Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen AM highlighted this potential from the agreement to better foster long-term community benefits.
“This partnership is a vital step towards closing the gap in outcomes for Torres Strait and NPA communities,” Mr Stephen said.
“TSRA aims to ensure our communities thrive by creating new economic opportunities, promoting healthier living, and preserving our cultural heritage. CEQ shares this vision, and by working together in partnership where our goals align, we are building even stronger foundations for our Torres Strait and children, families, and Elders.”
The HoA outlines a robust framework for monitoring and reviewing joint initiatives, ensuring alignment with the overarching goal of fostering healthier and more prosperous communities.
The agreement complements key strategic plans, including the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area Regional Plan (2009–2029), TSRA’s Torres Strait Development Plan (2023–2028) and the CEQ Strategic Plan 2023-2027.
The initial term of the HoA runs until 30 June 2027, with provisions for review and extension.
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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 31 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 Waibene.
For more information on CEQ, visit www.ceqld.org.au
About TSRA
The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) is a Commonwealth statutory authority established under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2005. TSRA aims to improve the economic, social, environmental, and cultural well-being of the Torres Strait region, including the 17 inhabited islands and the communities of Bamaga and Seisia on the Northern Peninsula Area of mainland Australia.
Guided by its vision Empowering Our People, in Our Decision, in Our Culture, for Our Future, TSRA works in partnership with communities and stakeholders to deliver sustainable outcomes. TSRA’s programs focus on environmental management, economic development, cultural heritage, healthy and safe communities, and governance. For more information, visit www.tsra.gov.au
