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Island & Cape nominated for prestigious Reconciliation award by Gavin Broomhead
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sland & Cape has been nominated for a prestigious gong at the 2013 Queensland Reconciliation Awards in Brisbane next month. The Far North Queensland retail store operator and warehouse distributor has been recognised by the Queensland Government for its innovative Community Store Partnership model. Island & Cape Retail Operations Manager Craig Oxlade said the model has been gaining momentum and recognition as a successful alternative to the way in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait community stores have traditionally operated. “Through the Community Store Partnership model and the In Job Training initiative, Island & Cape is committed to training Indigenous people into real jobs,” said Mr Oxlade. “We ensure all tertiary training is aligned with practical training,
Aurukun youngster Bret Wolmby enjoys an apple at the Healthy Choices launch and Health Expo.
Above: More than 600 Aurukun residents had a fun and healthy time as they celebrated the launch of Island & Cape’s new healthy eating project last month (May 2013). Images supplied
and we achieve this in partnership with various government and non government stakeholders.” Island & Cape’s co-nomination in the Partnership category is with Aurukun Shire Council, where the company operates one of its seven stores in Far North Queensland. Since Island & Cape began operations in Aurukun in 2004, this has brought immediate and positive changes to the Aurukun supermarket and the community in general. Some examples of this include: • Community pride and ownership of the Aurukun supermarket • On-going employment opportunities for locals • Health benefits to customers by providing fresher produce • Cheaper products. The company currently retails in three stores in Cape York communities (Aurukun, Wujal Wujal and Hopevale) and four in the Torres Strait (Badu Island, Dauan Island, Horn Island and Yorke Island), and currently has almost 20 traineeships in retail stores.
Island & Cape employs over 140 staff, more than 70 per cent of which are Indigenous, and the company is an integral link in the supply chain of providing vital goods and services, including food and clothing, to these Indigenous communities across Far North Queensland. Mr Oxlade 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 continually invest in the 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. This year’s Queensland Reconciliation Award winners will be announced on 11 July at a ceremony in Brisbane during NAIDOC Week.
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