Each year the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) assesses community based stores throughout the NT. In October it was our turn, and we passed with flying colours (again) which proves the success of our store management model of supporting community through better nutrition, local job opportunities and working with store owners for better long term governance.
Under the Stronger Futures in the NT Act, NIAA is required to check each community store thoroughly and issue Community Store Licences to stores that pass. AIG Stores Area Manager Christine Jones said the compliance visits are a big deal, and the officers check the entire store. “They are looking at the quality and nutritional value of stock on the shelves, how healthy the takeaway is, promotion of health foods within the store, pricing transparency, financial health of the business, Indigenous employment and governance”.
Hard work is done on an ongoing basis
AIG manages two community stores: Bagala Community Store in Barunga and Wirib Store in Timber Creek, and we work with the store managers to make sure both stores are well run. Christine explained that while there is a little bit of rushing around before the compliance checks to make the stores look spick and span, most of the work is done throughout the year to ensure stores are serving the community.
When asked how she felt about the recent report card, Christine said she was pleased, but not all that surprised. “I was really proud of the team for doing such a good job, but to be honest, I wasn’t surprised. Our teams run their stores by the book anyway, so there really wasn’t a lot that they needed to do to be ready for the compliance checks”.
Food security a priority for AIG managed stores
Food security are well used words within AIG because we understand the important role store prices and the availability of fresh fruit and vegetables has to play in building stronger communities. We welcome compliance checks that help to strengthen our stores and other stores in the NT to promote healthy choices for people living in community.
Read more about our store management modelling in our latest Annual Report in the core business chapter. Well done to all the stores teams for your glowing report cards!
