Community & Business
11 March, 2026
IGA picks up more awards
ATHERTON’s Fresh Street Market IGA is charging on as a supermarket powerhouse and community champion after picking up two gongs at a state award ceremony.
The recent 2026 Queensland and Northern New South Wales (QNN) State IGA Awards of Excellence showcased some of the best independent supermarkets and their achievements throughout last year.
Atherton’s famous IGA has yet again picked up multiple awards at the annual event, taking home the Large Meat Department of the Year and Community awards.
The store has shown exceptional dedication to the community, donating over $100,000 in the last year and providing a $10,000 scholarship annually to support local Atherton State High students in pursuing higher education.
Store director Matt Bowles said the team were incredibly proud to receive these awards.
“At Fresh St Market IGA, this recognition belongs to our customers and the wider community who support and trust us every day,” he said.
“As a locally owned family business, we proudly support our community through sponsorships, scholarships, fundraising, and local partnerships.
“This award is also especially meaningful as we remember our grants coordinator, Darren Hughes, who passed away recently. Darren was deeply passionate about backing local organisations and helping community projects come to life.”
The store actively champions food rescue initiatives, ensuring resources reach those in need, and consistently supports local schools and sporting groups.
Fresh St Market IGAs meat department offers a wide variety of produce for local shoppers. From its cut-and-packed range, premium cuts and innovative flavours – including fresh, handcrafted sausages made in-store daily, through to a fully serviced butchery counter delivering old fashioned expertise and personalised service.
A total of 22 awards were presented during the evening which celebrated the incredible work that many IGA stores across the east coast do every single day.
The Atherton store will now go on to represent QNN at the National IGA Awards of Excellence in July, where they will be up against their interstate counterparts across Australia in both categories.
