Three Queensland ‘chiefs’ at the forefront of the State’s $23 billion ag sector will share their personal journeys, perspectives and insights into leadership at a special Rural Press Club of Queensland lunch on Thursday, October 19.

The club’s October lunch celebrates United Nations International Day for Rural Women, a global initiative which highlights the essential role that rural women play in the food systems of the world.

A panel session to be led by RPC committee member and ABC Queensland Country Hour host Arlie Felton-Taylor will shine the spotlight on the stories and experiences of three inspiring women with influential roles of fundamental importance to rural and regional Queensland.

Queensland Chief Biosecurity Officer Dr Rachel Chay, who also serves as Deputy Director-General of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, has worked in animal health, regulatory and Government leadership roles for 25 years, and is an advocate of lifelong learning, building organisational capability and creating collaborative partnerships.

Queensland Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Allison Crook was raised on a beef and grain property near Warwick and worked in the veterinary pharmaceutical sector and then as a senior veterinary officer for the Department of Primary Industries before being appointed to the role of General Manager, Animal Biosecurity and Welfare for Biosecurity Queensland within the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and Chief Qld Veterinary Officer in 2014.

Queensland Chief Entrepreneur Julia Spicer OAM is the founder of multiple regional businesses based in Goondiwindi, and has a strong focus on creating connections throughout the Queensland innovation ecosystem to unlock tangible, practical solutions. She was appointed as Queensland’s fifth Chief Entrepreneur in late 2022, taking on the responsibility of flag bearer for innovation and entrepreneurship in Queensland.

The event will provide a unique opportunity for guests to engage in thought-provoking discussions with three leaders on the challenges and opportunities for rural women and the agricultural sector in Queensland.

To secure individual tickets or a table of 10 this event click ‘register to attend’ below: