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Retail store Island and Cape nominated for Reconciliation Awards
by Gavin Broomhead 11 May 2014
I
sland & Cape has been nominated for a prestigious gong at the 2014 Queensland Reconciliation Awards in Townsville later this month. The Far North Queensland retail store operator has been recognised by the Queensland Government for its innovative “Unity Through Enterprise” model by being nominated in the award’s Business category. Island & Cape Retail Enterprises Director John Smith said the model is a successful alternative to
the way in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait community stores have traditionally operated in Queensland. “Island & Cape prides itself on becoming a vital part of the local communities and their economies that we service, through investment in infrastructure, employment and social contribution,” said Mr Smith. “We are not just community stores – we are much more than that. We believe this nomination is a reflection of the desire we have to be part of and support remote communities. “We make a positive contribution to the social and economic
development of our community members, while leading the way by providing quality retail services. “Our mission is to conduct an efficient retail business emphasising customer service, nutrition, staff development, training and education. “We’re very passionate about ensuring this approach in our remote stores across Far North Queensland, and enhancing positive economies in Indigenous communities. “We’re thrilled to have been nominated for this prestigious award.” Over the past 12 months,
Island & Cape and Apunipima Cape York Health Council teamed up recently to deliver a Healthy Choice program nutrition event in the Cape York remote Indigenous community of Aurukun.
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Island & Cape initiatives which have helped improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Far North Queensland’s remote communities include: • Weekly fruit and vegetable specials leading to increased healthy food sales • Expansion of Indigenous traineeships and in-job training program • Installation of healthy ovens and removal of deep fat fryers for takeaways • Development of new highfibre healthier bread for Indigenous stores • Appointment of full-time nutritionist • Ongoing success of Healthy Choice nutrition program • Sugar awareness displays in remote stores leading to positive result • Reduction in cost of bottled water
• Partnership with Menzies School of Health Research to evaluate nutrition in stores • Use of local Indigenous farmers on Horn Island and in Hopevale for locally grown fruit & veg, encouraging local enterprise and economy stimulus • Construction of Napranum supermarket • Opening of Yarrabah service station • Secured funding via council for training and development of local people to staff new Napranum supermarket • Opening of Horn Island post office, servicing all Torres Strait Islands. Mr Smith said Island & Cape has a proud history of working closely with remote communities across the region. “Island & Cape always plays an active role in the communities where we operate,” he said.
“We continue to invest in our communities, through infrastructure, employment and social contribution. Giving back is a core value of Island & Cape.” The Island & Cape retail division provides Indigenous communities across Far North Queensland with food and goods through retail stores, supermarkets and takeaways. Island & Cape stores in the region are located on Badu Island, Dauan Island, Horn Island and Yorke Island in the Torres Strait, and in Aurukun, Wujal Wujal, Hopevale and Yarrabah. The company employs more than 140 staff, more than 70 per cent of which are Indigenous, with more than 20 traineeships currently in place. This year’s Queensland Reconciliation Award winners will be announced on Tuesday 27 May at a ceremony in Townsville.
Seeking Expressions of Interest for Indigenous Business Providers Queensland South Native Title Services (QSNTS) is the Native Title Service Provider for the southern and western region of Queensland. We aim to assist Traditional Owners in realising their aspirations to native title through statutory services, capacity development and system reform. Through Native Title, we drive the achievement of Indigenous self determination to redress the past, strengthen the present and empower the future. As a part of this vision and to ensure we continue to provide a professional service we are seeking to support and engage Indigenous business service providers. We are seeking expressions of interest from Indigenous businesses for a variety of services which include, but are not limited to: venue hire, catering, printing, transport, security, office cleaning and maintenance, as well as consultancy services such as law, anthropology, facilitation, mediation. QSNTS has offices in Brisbane, Rockhampton and Mount Isa, and regularly holds meetings in those areas, as well as Toowoomba and south western Queensland. If you would like to work with QSNTS, please contact Sharon McAvoy, Manager of Client and Community Relations to discuss opportunities: Email: Phone: Fax: Mail:
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sharon.mcavoy@qsnts.com.au (07) 3224 1200 (Brisbane Office) or 1800 663 693 (free call) (07) 3229 9800 Queensland South Native Title Services PO Box 10832, Adelaide Street BRISBANE QLD 4000