A brand new supermarket will greet residents as they begin returning to Wujal Wujal over the coming weeks. Photo: Facebook.
Before the devasting flood event that displaced the Wujal Wujal community in December 2023, Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) was preparing to take over the local store.
While the initial takeover plan had to be scrapped after the community was evacuated, a brand new store – Wujal Bayan Mayiji – is now awaiting residents as they begin to return home after four months.
CEQ general manager of enterprise and engagement Fred Gela said the organisation was keen to get involved in the Wujal Wujal community.
“This is the first time CEQ is making its way into Wujal, so we’re really excited about it, and we want to thank council and community for giving us a go,” Mr Gela said.
“We operate in communities that no other operator would in a commercial sense.
“We’ve got some stores that don’t even break even, however, we do it because it’s a part of our community service obligation.”
Mr Gela said CEQ would be rolling out several initiatives over the coming weeks to ease cost-of-living pressures on families getting back on their feet after living in Cairns, Cooktown and a number of other locations since the end of 2023.
In addition to the 5.2 per cent Queensland Government freight subsidy discount available at all CEQ stores, the Wujal Wujal store will also offer the Savvy Seniors card, something Mr Gela said would provide a 10 per cent discount arrangement for all Elders in the community.
“We’re looking at bringing some exciting, innovative initiatives that the community never had at the time when their stores were operating,” he said.
CEQ was a significant part of Wujal Wujal’s recovery efforts when they donated $20,000 to Cape York Weekly’s fundraiser for the community last year.
