Queensland can solve global problems: Outgoing Qld Chief Entrepreneur Julia Spicer

Goondiwindi businesswoman Julia Spicer OAM has just wrapped up her final week as the fifth Queensland Chief Entrepreneur after 18 months in the role.

SmartCompany spoke with Spicer in late November 2022, days before she was due to take over the voluntary position from then-outgoing chief entrepreneur Wayne Gerard, with the businesswoman sitting down with SmartCompany again this week to reflect on the past 18 months.

Back in 2022, Spicer said she would focus on building a sustainable and resilient innovation ecosystem, helping businesses to grow and scale at a sustainable rate.

Spicer has founded and grown several successful regional businesses, including Engage & Create Consulting which she launched in 2012 in Goondiwindi in Queensland and was awarded the Order of Australia in 2022 for service to the community through a range of organisations. 

As well as an active member of Queensland’s Innovation Advisory Council (IAC), Spicer was elected as a Goondiwindi Regional Council councillor in 2024, with a water, sewage and local laws portfolio, and also sits on the board of Australia’s Economic Accelerator.