Community
12 December, 2025
New top role for journo
FORMER experienced newspaper and online editor Jennifer Spilsbury is the new chief executive officer of Advance Cairns.
Cairns-born and North Queensland raised, Ms Spilsbury had an extensive career in the media industry for almost 30 years, including eight as editor of The Cairns Post (2015-2023). She is currently partnerships and marketing manager at COUCH Cancer Hub NQ, where she has played an instrumental role in the charity almost doubling funds raised year on year.
Advance Cairns chairman Nick Trompf said Ms Spilsbury would replace former CEO Jacinta Reddan (also a journalist).
“Jen is super-passionate about Cairns and FNQ and has long been a fierce advocate for increased resources for the region, with the health sector being one key area,” he said.
“She knows the challenges and opportunities for our industries and the broader communities of the Far North.”
Mr Trompf said Ms Spilsbury also had considerable experience in stakeholder engagement and interaction with government.
Mr Trompf said Ms Spilsbury was directly responsible for managing multimillion-dollar budgets – so was well equipped to continue the leading advocacy role played by Advance Cairns.
Ms Spilsbury has also held leadership roles, including a member of News Corp Australia editorial board and deputy chairwoman of the Mackay Hospital Foundation and is a current board member of Queensland Golf.
She said she was looking forward to joining Advance Cairns and “playing my part in advocating for what’s important to those who live, work and invest here”.
“It’s an exciting and important time for the region because it’s not only growing in population but also in terms of state and national significance.
“For someone who was born in Cairns – and now raising my own family here – I will relish the opportunity to work alongside Advance Cairns members, stakeholders and regional leaders to promote the best interests of this beautiful part of the world.”
