About us.
Creating change by connecting the regions to the conversation.
Why The Connection Table?
Rural Australia faces a critical visibility gap. Nearly 40% of the nation's population lives outside major cities, yet decision making tables in government, business and policy remain dominated by metro voices. This creates a vicious cycle: rural leaders miss the high profile opportunities that would elevate their expertise onto national stages, while organisations designing policy and strategy are left working blind to the complex realities of rural Australia.
The result is decisions that don't account for rural complexity, opportunities squandered on both sides and billions in economic and social potential left on the table. The Connection Table solves this by creating the infrastructure that bridges this gap – connecting regional, rural and remote leaders with board positions, speaking opportunities, strategic networks and the visibility they need to contribute their expertise where it matters most.
Our story
Co-founders Julia Spicer OAM and Jo Palmer created The Connection Table to bring regional, rural and remote Australia to the decision-making table. Astonishingly 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
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
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.