2025 Local First Nation's Women in Business - Chinchilla

TSBE is proud to host the Local First Nation’s Women in Business event in Chinchilla on Wednesday, 29 October 2025 as we highlight local First Nation businesses leading the way, as well as other enterprises with programs supporting women and First Nations people.

Join us in celebrating the remarkable First Nation women in small businesses and their vital contributions to Queensland's economy and communities. With over 482,000 small businesses representing 97% of the business sector and contributing approximately $117 billion to the state's economy, their impact is immense.

INTRODUCING OUR SPEAKERS

Julia Spicer

Former Chief Entrepreneur and founder co-founder of The Connection Table, Julia grew up on Mandandanji country north of Roma and now lives on Bigambul country at Goondiwindi.  She is always looking to solve problems by creating value for others, whether that is by supporting projects, strategic planning or creating new businesses.  Her latest adventure is The Connection Table which is all about making sure regional leaders have a seat at decision making tables.

MEET THE PANEL

Hear from our panel of First Nations women as they share their experiences and expertise while providing a platform for locals to network and engage.

Mikaela French

Mikaela French is a proud Wagadagam women with cultural connections to Mabuiag Island in the Torres Strait Islands. Mikaela has a legal and consulting background in the areas of native title, cultural heritage and Indigenous estate matters. Her role at Shell is Indigenous Engagement Advisor East where she works closely with Traditional Owner Groups to deliver First Nations employment, education and training initiatives, create meaningful social and economic outcomes and build respectful relationships with communities. Outside of work, Mikaela is also involved in First Nations boards across the health and STEM sector to strengthen their legal and governance compliance and obligations. 

Nerinda Warner

Nerinda Warner is a proud First Nations woman and founder of Yindyamarra Innovations, a growing business based in the Western Downs, Queensland. Through Yindyamarra Innovations, she delivers bookkeeping services, community programs, and workshops. Future plans are in play for cultural capability training to empower small businesses, Indigenous enterprises, and community organisations. Nerinda is passionate about supporting small businesses and supporting them through their growth, building financial confidence, and embedding cultural strength into business practices. With a vision to expand into e-learning and employ more staff to deliver community support services, she is dedicated to driving both economic empowerment and cultural awareness across regional Australia.

Sophie Bougoure

Councillor Sophie Bougoure is a first-term Councillor with four years' service to the Royal Australian Navy as an Officers Steward and later as Contractor to Defence. Cr Bougoure also brings vital infrastructure knowledge to the elected member team from her tenure as a community engagement officer for a large water pipeline project in SEQ.

A graduate of the QUT Pathways to Politics for Women Program and a six generation Tara resident, Cr Bougoure is heavily involved in community-driven local initiatives aimed at rural and regional development.

Cr Bougoure spent two transformative years in England before returning to the Western Downs in 2021 with a passion for delivering infrastructure improvements and Council facilities that will serve residents of the region for the generations to come.

Dress code: Smart casual

View the TSBE General Attendance Terms and Conditions.