Community Enterprise Queensland is now seeking applications for its next First Nations Nutrition Cadet, following the success of the program's first participant.

The paid cadetship is designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with an interest in health, nutrition, and community. It offers practical experience in remote locations including the Torres Strait, Cape York, the Lower Gulf, and Palm Island.

Torres Strait Islander student and the program's inaugural cadet, La'shauna Nathaniel, said the experience gave her a strong foundation for her current university studies.

"The cadetship helped build my confidence and made the university experience feel less daunting," she said.

"It gave me a strong understanding of cultural food systems, which has been incredibly useful in my studies - especially in units that emphasise cultural consciousness when working with patients or clients.

"Working in a professional setting, meeting community members, and observing nutrition in practice in community retail settings really brought everything to life. The support I've received from CEQ, especially during the transition to university, was overwhelming and meant so much to me."

La'shauna is now studying a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours) at Queensland University of Technology and has returned to CEQ this July through its Vacationer Program.

She is supporting NAIDOC events on Masig (Yorke Island), assisting with health promotion at junior league events in Bamaga and Waibene (Thursday Island), and contributing to nutrition data projects.

CEQ chief executive Michael Dykes said the program offers a valuable opportunity for emerging health professionals.

"This is a great opportunity for someone passionate about community and nutrition to gain hands-on experience in remote health promotion while earning and learning," Mr Dykes said.

He said CEQ's Vacationer Program allows cadets to return during university breaks and continue contributing to community work.

"This initiative allows cadets to return to us during university breaks to work on short-term projects and maintain their connection to CEQ and the communities we serve," he said.

"Semester one at university is always tough, so we are incredibly proud of her achievements," he said.

Applications for the 2025 Nutrition Cadet position close Saturday 12 July via SEEK.

CEQ is a not-for-profit organisation that operates 31 stores across the Torres Strait, Cape York, Doomadgee and Palm Island. These include IBIS and ABIS stores, Col Jones, Community Home and Hardware, Mona's Bazaar and Mitre 10 on Waibene.

More information is available on the CEQ website.