Not-for-profit remote store operator Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting remote First Nations communities with the decision to invest a further $500,000 in price reductions from now until 1 July to help customers with cost-of-living pressures.
All CEQ stores across the Torres Strait, Cape York Peninsula, in Doomadgee and on Palm Island will mirror or better major supermarket online prices on essential grocery items, ensuring greater affordability for families and individuals living in remote Queensland communities.
The price reductions, after current discounts have been applied at CEQ checkouts, will cover a wide range of staple items, including:
- Women’s hygiene products
- Baby food
- Mince
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Milk
- Flour
- Rice
- Bread
New reduced prices for essential items in CEQ stores which match or better major supermarket prices include $6 for a dozen eggs, $4.48 for a 2 litre bottle of fresh milk, $8.96 for 500 grams of 4-star beef mince, $2.64 for a 2 kilogram bag of flour and $8.56 for a 2 kilogram bag of rice.
CEQ Chairperson Joann Schmider says this initiative reinforces CEQ’s role in caring for the communities it serves.
“This significant investment further demonstrates CEQ’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that people in remote North Queensland have access to affordable and essential groceries,” Ms Schmider said.
“We understand the financial pressures that many families face, and this initiative aligns with CEQ’s vision of ‘Caring, every day, always’ by making a real difference in the cost-of-living for our customers.”
CEQ Chief Executive Officer Michael Dykes says the organisation is proud to be setting new standards in price competitiveness for remote communities, and applauded the efforts of State and Federal Governments in doing likewise.
“Matching or beating major supermarket prices on key grocery items is a major achievement for CEQ, and it highlights our commitment to reducing the financial strain on our customers,” Mr Dykes said.
“Our investment of up to half a million dollars will ensure that families can access essential items at the best possible prices, making everyday living more affordable in remote communities.
“I also want to recognise our Board and Chairperson for keeping customer issues close to their hearts and taking positive action.”
Customers are encouraged to visit their local CEQ store to take advantage of these price reductions.
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.