Future of Women in Business - Toowoomba
Future of Women in Business Report Launch
Queensland women’s working lives, career pathways, and workforce participation are evolving – and maximising their contribution to the state’s business community is critical to building a productive, inclusive, and resilient economy for the future.
The inaugural Future of Women in Business Report, supported by Australian Retirement Trust, examines the pathways, barriers, and systemic changes needed unlock women’s economic potential across Queensland.
Join us for Lunch in Toowoomba as we discuss this valuable resource for businesses, industry leaders and government decision makers, featuring meaningful insights and practical actions to accelerate growth, build stronger businesses, and create lasting social impacts.
Why attend?
Businesses across Queensland consistently tell us that workforce challenges are among their biggest constraints on growth. At the launch of the Future of Women in Business Report, hear from the experts on the pathways, barriers, and systemic changes needed to shape Queensland’s future.
Event details:
Date: Tuesday, 17 November 2026
Time: 12:00pm to 2:00pm
Venue: Burke & Wills Hotel, Allan Cunningham room
Address: 554 Ruthven St, Toowoomba City QLD 4350
Lunch will be served.
Tickets:
Business Chamber Queensland member | Non-member | |
|---|---|---|
Single ticket | $29 +gst | $39 +gst |
Group of 4 | $100 +gst | $140 +gst |
Terms and conditions apply. See here
Speakers
Kylie Dallas, Corporate & Institutional Relationship Manager, Australian Retirement Trust
Kylie Dallas started at ART in 2022 and is a Corporate & Institutional Relationship Manager with more than 17 years' experience in the superannuation industry. Kylie previously served on the Queensland Women in Super committee, helping raise awareness of the challenges women face in superannuation and supporting the delivery of networking, education and community initiatives. She is committed to making complex topics easier to understand and is passionate about promoting inclusion, connection and financial confidence through education and advocacy. Kylie holds a Bachelor of Business and a Diploma in Financial Planning.
Julia Spicer OAM, Founder, Engage & Create Consulting
Julia founded her business, Engage & Create Consulting in December 2012, from Goondiwindi, South West Queensland. The focus of Engage & Create Consulting is to support the viability and vibrancy of businesses and community organisations across regional Australia. With two decades of experience in agricultural extension, Landcare and catchment management - she now works with regional communities and industry across the country on a range of projects, with the focus on identifying needs in business and implementing creative solutions to address them. She also founded The Goondiwindi Business Hub, (The Hub — Goondiwindi Business Hub (gdibushub.com)) a venture she entered with business partners in November 2013. “The Hub” is home to 8 businesses who have long-term tenancy, as well as providing hot desking and short-term accommodation for other businesses, at The Spot (The Spot — Goondiwindi Business Hub (gdibushub.com). In May 2021, Julia and her husband Tony opened The House4390, (The House — Goondiwindi Business Hub (gdibushub.com). Goondiwindi’s newest and most exciting retail hub! The House is home to 5 female-led homewares and service businesses, that were home-based prior to The House existing. This has been a valuable addition to the Goondiwindi business community.
Stephen O'Brien, CEO, Mort & Co
Stephen joined Mort & Co in early 2020, becoming only the second CEO in the company’s history. Over the past six years, he has helped guide the business through significant growth and change, playing a key role in its expansion and subsequent restructuring, including the sale of feedlot assets and a realignment of operations. Alongside this, Stephen has led a shift in Mort & Co’s culture, supporting its people through change and building a shared understanding of the company’s direction. His leadership draws on extensive experience managing businesses through growth and transition, balancing commercial priorities with the needs of employees, customers and stakeholders. His leadership has drawn on extensive experience managing businesses through growth and transition, balancing commercial priorities with the needs of employees, customers and stakeholders. A fourth-generation flour miller and baker, Stephen’s connection to the food industry began at an early age as an apprentice with Defiance Milling in Toowoomba. He complemented this practical foundation with a degree in Commerce at the University of Southern Queensland, and further study with the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Bonnie McCoy, General Manager, Memberships and Business Advisory, Business Chamber Queensland
Bonnie McCoy brings close to a decade of experience in customer-focused strategy, business development, and operational excellence. Bonnie holds a Master of Business Analytics from Deakin University, enhancing her ability to lead data-driven strategy and decision-making. Her expertise in data and market insights enables her to develop tailored advisory solutions that create sustainable growth opportunities for Queensland businesses. Bonnie is passionate about fostering a strong and dynamic business ecosystem in Queensland. With experience across industries including insurance, banking, retail, hospitality, and health. Her expertise in strategy, digital transformation, and team leadership ensures she is well-positioned to support the Chamber’s mission of empowering businesses through connection, advocacy, and advisory services.
Supported by Australian Retirement Trust
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Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
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