First Nations Telegraph

Not-for-profit remote store operator Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) has celebrated the passion, dedication, and achievements of its store leaders at its inaugural CEQ Managers Gathering, held on Nurupai (Horn Island) and in Bamaga recently.

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With the theme ‘Thrive Together’, the event brought together store managers and leadership from across the Torres Strait and Cape York for two days of connection, creativity, and cultural immersion.

 

CEQ Chief Executive Officer Michael Dykes said the gathering was an opportunity to recognise the hard work of store teams and create a shared vision for the future.

 

“Our people are the heartbeat of CEQ – their leadership in remote communities is vital to local wellbeing, resilience and prosperity,” Mr Dykes said.

 

“This gathering was about celebrating our teams, sharing ideas, and continuing to build a culture where we care – every day, always.”

 

The event featured expert sessions on customer engagement, innovation, nutrition, and safety, as well as immersive in-store experiences in Bamaga.

 

A key highlight was the CEQ Awards Dinner, which recognised standout contributions across the business. 2

 

025 CEQ Award Winners

• Store of the Year: Doomadgee Store

• Manager of the Year: Janardan (Jay) Panta – Doomadgee

• Outstanding Customer Service: Bamaga Store

• Training Award: Konio Lovai – Saibai • Workplace Health & Safety Award: Daisy Ketchell – Erub

• Store Audit Award: Genevieve Fauid – Poruma

• Team Values Award: Soum Saha – Lockhart River

• Caring, every day, always Award: Tina Asela – Dauan

 

CEQ also acknowledged its platinum sponsors – Australian Grocery Wholesalers (AGW), Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), Peters, Sim Connect, Telstra, Simon George Sons and The Distributors – for supporting the gathering and awards program, and also its event sponsors: Bega Group, G&R Wills, JC Nuts, Mrs Macs, Pacific Optics, Smiths, TECO, Total Food Network and Warwick Meats.

 

The event culminated with a cultural performance and local engagement experience in Bamaga, highlighting the connection between CEQ stores and the communities they serve.

 

“We are proud to walk alongside our store managers in delivering services that strengthen food security, economic development, and community wellbeing across Northern Australia,” Mr Dykes said.

 

CEQ is a not-for-profit organisation responsible for providing goods and essential services to the Torres Strait, Cape York Peninsula and in Doomadgee and on Palm Island through its 31 stores. CEQ manages the Islanders Board of Industry and Service (IBIS) and Aboriginal Business, Industry and Service (ABIS) stores, as well as other stores including Col Jones and Community Home and Hardware, and Mona’s Bazaar and Mitre 10 on Waibene.