2024 Local First Nation's Women in Business

TSBE is proud to host the inaugural Local First Nation’s Women in Business event in Toowoomba on Friday, 19 July 2024 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.

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. 

Crystal Wagner brings over 15 years experience to her role as Chief Operating Officer of NRG Services. With a multi-faceted background in Accounting, Finance & Human Resources, Crystal has predominantly held roles in the Construction & Accounting public practice. Crystal holds degrees in Accounting and Human Resources Management, is a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) and graduate of Australian Institute of Company Directors. She is passionate about supporting women, both at NRG and in the wider industry and is a board member of National Association of Women in Construction (QLD) and the Australian Rail Association - Women in Rail advisory board.

Melanie Waters a Gomeroi from the Gamilaraay Nation in South-West Queensland, is a PhD candidate at the University of Southern Queensland. Her research examines the experiences of professionals in community development sectors, focusing on integrating Indigenist knowledge within a 'Third Space' where First Nations and non-First Nations societies coexist. With over 25 years of experience and a Master’s thesis on lateral violence, Mel aims to complete her PhD and expand her consultancy, Bariyan Ngama Consultancy, to share her insights on cultural frameworks across industries.

Lizzie Adams a proud Aboriginal woman of the Mardigan and Budjiti Tribes from South West Queensland, is the CEO of Goolburri Aboriginal Health Advancement Co Ltd and the Executive Director of the Jaydon Adams Memorial Foundation (JAMF). Her career began in nursing, driven by a passion for improving healthcare outcomes for her people, and she now leads a significant Aboriginal Community Controlled Health and Social Care Organisation providing a wide range of services across several regions. Over the past 19 years, Lizzie has expanded Goolburri from a four-person operation to an organization with over 80 employees, and she has also held numerous leadership roles in Aboriginal Affairs at various levels, including chairing the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council and participating in the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

Emily Robinson is a proud Aboriginal woman from the Barunggum and Murrawarri tribes. She discovered her passion for art in 2020 and has since established a successful independent business, selling her art on phone cases and water bottles, conducting workshops, painting community murals, and creating commissioned digital artwork for larger companies. Her art has reached audiences across Australia and New Zealand, and she was a finalist for the National Self-Employment Association's "Best New Business" award, with a primary goal of inspiring the younger generation to connect with their heritage and preserve their culture.

Rebecca Balfour is the director of REMBIZ, Rebecca commenced her business in 2008 after gaining experience whilst working for local accountants. She has had 25 years of accounting, bookkeeping and administration experience. She is a qualified accountant and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Southern Queensland. She is also a registered BAS Agent with the Australian Taxation Office and a Fellow member of the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT). Born and bred in Warwick, Rebecca is a working mum who enjoys the flexibility of meeting her clients needs around her own family life. She enjoys cooking, gardening, camping and being outdoors with her family.