First Nations Telegraph

Not-for-profit remote store operator Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) proudly celebrated the official opening of its new Community Home and Hardware (CHH) store in Bamaga, providing the region with a wider range of goods and retail services.

 

Located next door to the organisation’s IBIS Bamaga Supermarket, the new CHH store is a groundbreaking addition to the Cape York region’s retail landscape.

 

Leveraging the buying power of leading groups like Mitre 10, Sportspower, and Betta Home Living, CEQ is able to offer locals and nearby remote communities access to a wide range of products at affordable prices. This includes hardware, outdoor (including Kings range) and sporting goods, furniture, whitegoods, electrical appliances, and much more. Afterpay is also available in store.

 

The CHH store was developed using the space from the previous IBIS Bamaga store and designed as a new concept store to enhance the retail experience for both residents and tourists. CEQ Chief Executive Officer Michael Dykes said CHH Bamaga’s extensive renovations featured vibrant new colours, updated signage, and a refreshed internal layout aimed at delivering a welcoming shopping environment.

 

"This new store is a testament to our commitment to supporting remote communities,” said Mr Dykes.

 

“By utilising our partnerships and buying power, we can offer a diverse range of products at competitive prices, reducing the costs typically associated with shipping goods to Cape York.

 

“We’ve also created space in the store for local enterprise to come and sell products they have produced, and we’ve positioned that space right at the front of the store. “We want local trades doing the deliveries, local trades building the furniture, and local people working in the store, with six new jobs already created for the store opening.

 

“We continue to want to be a partner in community and support local business.” Today’s official opening began with a Unity Prayer by Pastor Titom Tamwoy, followed by a Welcome to Country and opening remarks from CEQ executives and local leaders, including Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council Mayor Robert Poi Poi. Pastor Tamwoy also conducted a blessing of the new store, and guests were taken on a guided tour led by CEQ staff.

 

Community Home and Hardware is the newest addition to the CEQ group, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing high-quality goods at the most affordable prices possible.

 

“By utilising strategic partnerships and innovative shipping solutions, CEQ reduces the costs of delivering bulky items to remote areas, ensuring greater accessibility for the communities we serve”, said Mr Dykes.

 

"Our goal is to provide a convenient, one-stop shopping experience that not only serves Bamaga but also extends to surrounding communities.

 

“This new store complements the new concept IBIS supermarket we opened last year in Bamaga and represents CEQ's ongoing commitment to our vision of ‘Caring, every day, always’ across our remote Far North Queensland locations.

 

“This store is part of our broader vision to redefine retail in remote Queensland.”

 

CEQ is a not-for-profit organisation responsible for providing goods and essential services to the Torres Strait, Cape York Peninsula and on Palm Island through its 30 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 and Community Home and Hardware, and Mona’s Bazaar and Mitre 10 on Waibene.