La’shauna Nathaniel (left) offers a tasting sample to a CEQ team member. Photo Central Enterprise Queensland.
Remote store operator Central Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) has appointed a new Indigenous Nutrition Cadet to help encourage healthier eating in remote Cape York and Torres Strait Islander communities.
La’shauna Nathaniel was recently promoted from a casual cashier assistant position and will work closely with CEQ Health, Wellbeing and Nutrition Manager Melinda Hammond and Store Nutritionist Georgia Day.
Ms Nathaniel said she was “honoured to contribute to the Health, Wellbeing and Nutrition team at CEQ”.
“I believe this role presents a unique opportunity for me to make a positive impact on the health of my people, and I am eager to explore further study and professional development,” she said.
She will be undertaking further study through TAFE and university in a “learn-and-earn style arrangement”.
“We are thrilled to welcome La’Shauna to our team,” Ms Hammond said.
“In her new developmental role in our Health, Wellbeing and Nutrition team, she has the opportunity to explore and potentially develop a career in the health and wellbeing field,” she said.
In her new role, Ms Nathaniel will work alongside Ms Hammond and Ms Day in several tasks such as in-store promotion (including cooking demonstrations, taste-testing, healthy menu development), conducting store environment assessments and developing store team knowledge of healthy foods and drinks.
She will also contribute to the development of health promotion materials, as well as engage with the community to establish partnerships with local agencies and health organisations.
“La’Shauna’s commitment also extends to working in a cross-cultural team environment, providing cultural guidance and peer support to the Health, Wellbeing and Nutrition team, while also ensuring workplace health and safety,” Ms Hammond explained.
She said her appointment tied in with the CEQ’s commitment to healthy living in the recently released 2023-27 Health, Wellbeing and Nutrition Strategy.
“Her passion for promoting health aligns seamlessly with our vision of ‘Caring, every day, always’, and we look forward to the positive impact she will bring to Far North Queensland’s remote communities.”
