Not-for-profit remote store operator Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) was proud to support the Torres Strait All Stars as a major sponsor of the International Legends of League event held recently on Waibene (Thursday Island).
The four-day community program brought some of the biggest names in rugby league to the Torres Strait, including Sam Thaiday, Cliff Lyons, Michael Bani, Antonio Winterstein, Ben Hannant, James Tamou and Neville Costigan, who visited schools, met Elders, and took part in community events across several islands before the feature match on Saturday.
CEQ Chief Executive Officer Michael Dykes said the organisation was proud to help bring such a significant and positive event to the region.
“This event was all about community – connecting islands, inspiring young people, and celebrating the region,” Mr Dykes said.
“CEQ is committed to supporting opportunities that strengthen wellbeing, pride and participation across the Torres Strait, and Legends of League delivered exactly that.”
As part of CEQ’s sponsorship, the organisation supported game-day activities, joined community events including the bowls afternoon and Legends Dinner, and helped ensure the entire weekend remained free and family-friendly for Torres Strait communities.
Mr Dykes said seeing NRL greats engaging so closely with local students, families and Elders was one of the highlights.
“To have former NRL and Origin stars here on Waibene, spending real time in our schools and communities, was incredibly powerful,” he said.
“Our very own Rex Burke (CEQ Engagement Manager) ran out for the Legends which made us particularly proud. Events like this inspire the next generation and reinforce the importance of health, connection and culture.”
The event also featured visits to Ngurupai, Badu, Mabuiag, Erub and Waibene, along with hospital and Elders’ Village visits, coaching clinics, and community engagement activities.
CEQ’s sponsorship reflects its long-standing commitment to supporting strong, healthy and connected communities throughout the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area.
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Images featured; Thank-you to the Legends of League and all of our collaboration partners and community participants for joining in to create such a meaningful event for our local Waibene and Torres Strait communities.
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About CEQ
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. Of all the remote team members employed at CEQ, 90 per cent identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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, Mona’s Bazaar and Mitre 10 on Waibene and Community Home & Hardware in Bamaga.
For more information on CEQ, visit www.ceqld.org.au
