Lisarina Toby and Ronnie Guivarra pedal up some cycle shake smoothie fun to celebrate the opening of the Rugapayn Mapoon IBIS supermarket. Photo: Supplied.
Mapoon has celebrated its community store joining the Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) family after it was reopened as an IBIS supermarket on 29 February, 2024.
The Rugapayn Store was previously run by Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council, meaning it was limited in the product range and buying power it was able to provide for residents of the western Cape York community.
The rebranding as an IBIS supermarket is the result of a collaboration between the council, CEQ and the Mapoon community, and Mayor Aileen Addo described the transition as “a momentous occasion for our community”.
“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire CEQ team for their dedication to serving our community and ensuring the delivery and service of food to our residents,” Mayor Addo said following the opening ceremony.
“By working hand in hand with organisations like CEQ, we can build a stronger, more resilient community, where everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive.”
CEQ chief executive officer Michael Dykes said the council had expressed an interest for an IBIS store, which was sent directly to the CEQ board and State Government Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Leeanne Enoch.
“All stakeholders were very strong in their direction to support council’s request for CEQ to operate the store, and I’d like to acknowledge council, community, Minister Enoch, the CEQ board and the CEQ team for supporting and responding to the needs of the Mapoon community,” Mr Dykes said.
“We’re all about community empowerment, employing locals, and encouraging and supporting First Nations businesses to thrive alongside us.”
Mr Dykes added Mapoon residents would now have access to a reliable and consistent supply of fresh food.
“The CEQ IBIS store means accessibility and convenience for everyone, and we’d like to reassure the Mapoon community that we’re here for the long haul,” he said.
Current Rugapayn Store team members will be retained as part of the transition process.
Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council chief executive officer Thomas Smith, Councillor Janelle Ling, Mayor Aileen Addo, CEQ CEO Michael Dykes, Councillor Dawn Braun, CEQ general manager stakeholder engagement Fred Gela, and Councillor Cameron Hudson celebrate the community supermarket joining the CEQ stable on 1 March, 2024. Photo: Supplied.
