New board to spearhead IBIS stores

The Queensland Government has made four new appointments to the Islanders Board of Industry and Service to tighten the commercial focus and expand the corporate experience of the group which oversees operation of IBIS stores in the Torres Strait.

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs Glen Elmes said the new appointments to the eight-member board included a new Chair.

“The new Chair is Ross Rolfe, an experienced company director and former Director-General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet,” Mr Elmes said.

“Ross brings with him a wealth of corporate knowledge and organisational experience which will serve the board well as it charts a course forward in the changing world of retail and meeting the challenges of servicing a mostly-remote customer base.

“Other board members include David Stout, who has been re-appointed, and Colin Kane, senior executives from Coles and Woolworths respectively.

“Tom Hannaford, from national transport and logistics company Linfox, will also take up a position on the board.

“Mayor of Torres Shire Council, Pedro Stephen and the Mayor of Torres Strait Regional Council, Fred Gela, have been re-appointed for a further three years.

“The remaining two board members are Torres Strait woman, Vonda Moar-Malone who has been re-appointed, and accountant Jan Poole, who’s an experienced commercial manager and company director.

“Together, the board has the best mix of skills to ensure IBIS stores continue providing high quality service and products to Torres Strait Islanders.”

IBIS is the major food and grocery retailer in the Torres Strait, operating a supermarket and service station on Thursday Island, a supermarket in Bamaga and 16 other stores, including 13 stores in the outer Torres Strait Islands.

Mr Elmes said the new board appointments would take effect immediately.

[ENDS] 6 December 2013

Media Contact: Dick White 0408 444 231