Not-for-profit remote store operator Community Enterprise Queensland’s Board recently embarked on a historic visit to the Torres Strait, underlining the organisation’s commitment to supporting local remote First Nations communities.
The visit had several key activities, including the launch of the Elders Lounge at the IBIS Waibene store and a Board meeting on Masig Island, as well as the presentation of care packs to Torres Strait boarding hostel Kaziw Meta.
Elders Lounge
CEQ proudly unveiled the new Elders Lounge at IBIS Waibene, a community-centric initiative developed to assist local Waibene Elders and visiting community Elders to refresh and hydrate while shopping or visiting friends and family in town.
The Elders Lounge, which is available during store trading hours, features:
- refreshments to support healthy hydration, including tea, coffee, and water
- airconditioned comfort, providing a quiet place to rest out of the heat
- culturally sensitive space with art and artifacts from the region
- amenities access for convenience.
CEQ Chief Executive Officer Michael Dykes said the Elders Lounge demonstrates CEQ’s dedication to be a community partner.
“Our Elders Lounge reflects our commitment to caring for those who are the foundation of our communities,” said Mr Dykes.
“It provides a welcoming and comfortable space where Elders can refresh, rest, and connect with others.”
Board meeting on Masig Island
The CEQ Board held its meeting on Masig Island, using the opportunity to engage with local stakeholders and community leaders to discuss community priorities and strengthen collaborative relationships.
“Hosting our Board meeting on Masig reflected our Board’s dedication to work closely with the communities we serve, and ensured that their voices were heard by our Chairperson and Board of Management,” said Mr Dykes.
Board members also held individual meetings with stakeholders across the region, including Torres Shire Council and Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA), deepening connections and gaining first-hand insights into local challenges and opportunities.
This included CEQ and TSRA signing 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.
“CEQ remains steadfast in our mission of ‘Caring, Every Day, Always,’ as we continue to support and empower remote First Nations communities across Far North Queensland,” added Mr Dykes.
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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
