Successful Goondiwindi businesswoman new Queensland Chief Entrepreneur

Mrs Spicer will take over the voluntary position from Wayne Gerard from December 2022.

Mrs Spicer has had an extensive career supporting the viability and vibrancy of rural, regional and remote Australia, strengthening the sustainability of startups and more established businesses.

She has founded and grown several successful regional businesses and, with her own personal experience to draw from, she is well placed to support regional entrepreneurs and businesses to scaleup.

Mrs Spicer is the recipient of many awards and accolades for assisting communities to tell their stories, grow their own entrepreneurial capacity, support their regions and help solve the world’s challenges.

As Queensland’s Chief Entrepreneur, she will be pivotal in helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and jobs in the state to engage in the emerging global future economy.

Mrs Spicer said she would continue the great work of outgoing Chief Entrepreneur Wayne Gerard and focus on building a sustainable and resilient innovation ecosystem, helping businesses to grow and scale at a sustainable rate.

“I look forward to helping to ensure all Queenslanders have access to the innovation ecosystem, no matter where they are located or what their background is to drive the Queensland economy across all corners of the state,” she said.

“We have so much talent in Queensland, and I want to shine a spotlight on the quality people and products that Queensland produces to the world stage and also to traditional Queensland industries to build a culture of innovation and success, both locally and globally.”

Mr Gerard provided invaluable guidance to the Queensland Government including to the Innovation for a Future Economy 2022-2032 Roadmap which sets out our innovation priorities to drive good jobs in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond.

He also led the establishment of a diverse Innovation Advisory Council which champions innovation and entrepreneurship in Queensland and works to enable start-ups and scale-ups to engage with customers and investors to become leading global businesses.

Wayne Gerard said Queensland was well positioned to benefit from the investment in Advance Queensland and the world-class innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“I am excited to hand over the reins to Julia Spicer who brings a great regional innovation perspective and experience to the role. Julia’s collaboration skills will unlock numerous opportunities for Queensland’s entrepreneurs and innovators,” he said.