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.

DOMINIQUE LAMB

Dominique Lamb assumed the role of Small Business Commissioner in December 2022. With a robust background in industrial relations and employment law, she brings a unique blend of legal expertise and advocacy skills to her position.

Dominique's primary objective is to enhance the operating environment for small businesses in Queensland and to reduce the time and costs associated with resolving disputes involving small business. In her capacity as Commissioner, Dominique has embarked on a proactive engagement strategy, collaborating closely with governmental bodies, industry organisations, and regional stakeholders. One of Dominique's notable achievements has been the significant expansion of the Small Business Friendly (SBF) Program, which now boasts participation from 51 Councils. Additionally, she has taken proactive steps to establish three new roundtables, providing platforms for industry representatives and regional stakeholders to voice their concerns and contribute to policy discussions.

Beyond her professional endeavours, Dominique is deeply committed to social causes, particularly those addressing domestic and family violence.

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 BOUGURE

Dress code: Smart casual

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