Julia Spicer OAM is a nationally recognised leader in regional community development. Since founding Engage & Create Consulting in 2012 and the Goondiwindi Business Hub in 2013, Spicer has delivered strategic planning and workforce initiatives across rural and regional Australia.
In 2022 she received the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for her service to regional business and community organisations. From 2022 to 2024 she served as Queensland’s Chief Entrepreneur – becoming the first based outside a capital city – with a focus on equitable and sustainable innovation.
Spicer is Deputy Chair of the Advisory Board for Australia’s Economic Accelerator. Elected as a councillor for the Goondiwindi Regional Council in 2024, she holds the water and sewerage portfolio. Known for her empathy and impact–led leadership, Spicer exemplifies the power of
regional entrepreneurship.
"My UQ education opened doors for me by connecting me with lifelong friends who are all working on what is important to them! Many of us might not exactly be working in the field of our original study, but we all started our path together at Gatton – such a great campus for us all to meet each other and know each other, regardless of degree or subjects."
