Not-for-profit remote store operator Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) has demonstrated its commitment to listening and responding to community needs by expanding the product range at its new Community Home and Hardware (CHH) store in Bamaga to include a dedicated hardware section.
The inclusion of hardware products comes after CEQ received valuable feedback from local customers expressing the need for greater access to high-quality battery-operated tools and other items that support small DIY home improvement projects.
The store also offers boating, fishing, camping, and useful 4WD items (rescue gear, oils, off-grid solutions), as well as white goods, furniture, gym equipment, air-conditioning, and electrical appliances.
CEQ Chief Executive Officer Michael Dykes said the decision to incorporate a hardware range in the Cape York store highlights the organisation’s ongoing focus on serving the needs of the communities it operates in.
“We’re proud that our team have responded to community feedback by introducing a basic hardware range at our Bamaga store within weeks of receiving the request,” Mr Dykes said.
“This addition not only enhances the shopping experience for locals and surrounding remote communities, but by responding to customer feedback also aligns with our vision of ‘Caring, Every day, Always.’
“We know how important access to hardware is for supporting local projects and trades.
“By leveraging our partnerships with suppliers and brands such as Mitre 10, King’s, and Makita, we’re ensuring that Bamaga and nearby communities have access to high-quality tools and materials at competitive prices.
“This is yet another way we are committed to making life in remote Queensland more convenient and affordable.”
Located next to the IBIS Bamaga Supermarket, the Home and Hardware store opened in November 2024 and has quickly become a popular retail service for the Bamaga community.
Designed as a new concept store, it offers a wide range of products, including furniture, whitegoods, outdoor and sporting equipment, and now a full hardware section.
Six new jobs were created with the opening of the CHH store, further supporting local employment and economic development.
“We are proud to support local trades and businesses, whether that’s through creating jobs, sourcing products, or ensuring they have the tools and materials they need to succeed,” Mr Dykes added.
“From reducing the costs associated with shipping bulky goods to ensuring greater accessibility for our communities, we are always looking for ways to better serve our customers.”
The expansion of the hardware range is part of CEQ’s broader commitment to redefining retail in remote Queensland.
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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 and Community Home & Hardware in Bamaga.
For more information on CEQ, visit www.ceqld.org.au
