About us.
Creating change by connecting the regions to the conversation.
Why The Connection Table?
The Gap
Nearly 40% of Australians live outside major cities, yet many decision-making tables in government, industry and policy are still dominated by metro voices. Too often, rural leaders miss out on high-profile opportunities that would elevate their expertise and influence national conversations. At the same time, organisations shaping strategy and policy are left without lived understanding of the complexity, innovation and realities of rural Australia.
What It Costs
When rural perspectives are missing, decisions are made without the full picture. That leads to missed opportunities, weaker policy outcomes and untapped economic and social potential for both rural communities and the organisations trying to engage with them.
What We Do About It
The Connection Table builds the infrastructure to bridge this gap. We connect regional, rural and remote leaders with the networks, visibility and opportunities they need to contribute where it matters most, from board positions and speaking opportunities to strategic partnerships and national influence.
Our story
Co-founders Julia Spicer OAM and Jo Palmer created The Connection Table to bring rural Australia to the decision-making table. Well-connected and respected across Australia, Jo and Julia are trusted rural advocates with sophisticated networks across industry, government and community.
It’s our mission to showcase the vast untapped potential of Australia’s rural leaders for the growth and prosperity of all. We’re motivated and energised by the impact of nurturing and bringing together trailblazers, thinkers and experts from diverse industries and locations across rural Australia.
By developing leaders and bridging the gap between rural and metro, we can influence change, advocate for our communities and ensure our voices are heard.
Jo Palmer
Co-founder
Jo is passionate about working across ventures that open doors for people in overlooked places and circumstances. Whether it’s employment, investment or leadership, Jo helps individuals and communities access opportunities that shouldn’t depend on geography for connection.
Winner of Australian Rural Woman of the Year 2019, Jo co-founded The Connection Table in October 2024. Through ellora., Jo works with global companies to support the spouses of relocating talent, helping them find connection, identity and opportunity in new places.
Jo was the founder of Pointer Remote, a platform that connected job seekers with remote jobs from across Australia. They helped channel over $25 million in salaries into rural communities while supporting individuals and employers with tools and strategies for inclusive workforce development.
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Julia Spicer OAM
Co-founder
With a background in rural entrepreneurship, a passion for community and a drive for positive outcomes for the regions, Julia works with like-minded organisations, industry and governments to create change. She’s a seasoned facilitator, passionate speaker, experienced MC and delivers high-quality training, events and workshops.
As a community leader, Julia is a dedicated mentor, working with rural people who are on the journey to discover their leadership capabilities. She was appointed as Queensland’s Chief Entrepreneur and has been on the boards of the Global Entrepreneur Network Australia and Motherland, amongst others.
Julia is co-founder of The Connection Table, Deputy Chair of Australia’s Economic Accelerator, an Advisory Board Member of Humans of Agriculture, Director of the Goondiwindi Business Hub and a Councillor for Goondiwindi Regional Council.