Former Cairns Post editor Jennifer Spilsbury named new chief executive of Advance Cairns
Former Cairns Post editor Jennifer Spilsbury has been appointed CEO of Advance Cairns, bringing three decades of media experience to the regional advocacy role.
Advance Cairns has announced former Cairns Post editor Jennifer Spilsbury as its new chief executive.
Ms Spilsbury, who is Cairns-born and North Queensland raised, will begin as CEO in early January next year.
Currently partnerships and marketing manager at COUCH Cancer Hub NQ, Ms Spilsbury has had a 30-year career in media, including eight as editor of The Cairns Post (2015-2023).
She has also held leadership roles including member of News Corp Australia editorial board and deputy chair of the Mackay Hospital Foundation and is a current board member of Queensland Golf.
“I’m looking forward to joining Advance Cairns and playing my part in advocating for what’s important to those who live, work and invest here,” Ms Spilsbury said.
“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.”
Ms Spilsbury will replace outgoing chief executive Jacinta Reddan who will finish at the end of the year after accepting a new role as chief executive officer at Cancer Council Australia.
Ms Reddan was in the top job since 2022.
Advance Cairns chairman Nick Trompf said Ms Spilsbury would bring considerable experience in stakeholder engagement and managing mulit-million-dollar budgets.
“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.”
Originally published as Former Cairns Post editor Jennifer Spilsbury named new chief executive of Advance Cairns
How $9m upgrade is plugging a region’s water leaks
