FINALIST: Sparrowly Group Driving Real Change- Australia ' s First Accessibility Tourism Indicator One in five Australians live with disability, making access and participation a critical economic and social issue. According to Monash University research, every dollar invested in accessibility generates a $ 13 return on investment and the cost of nonparticipation is significant.
Sparrowly Group recognises that resilient, self-sustaining communities must be inclusive. They champion solutions that improve access, drive employment opportunities, strengthen participation and engagement, and enhance health and wellbeing outcomes for all. To advance advocacy and action, Sparrowly Group published a landmark Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Research Paper, delivered accessible business training, and launched Accessible Communication Reports to support businesses and destinations nationwide.
Because engaging people with disability isn’ t just about economic impact, it’ s about creating stronger, fairer, and more connected communities.
Australia Darling Downs and South West, where he strengthened employment pathways and led initiatives like the Youth Employment Success Program. His ability to drive collaboration and systematise complex programs led to a leadership role in local government at Western Downs Regional Council, where he focused on investment attraction, housing, and regional migration strategies.
Now a Senior Project Officer with Brisbane City Council’ s 2032 Host City team, Prince works on global partnerships aligned with Brisbane’ s long-term economic vision. An Australian Certified Economic Developer, he is also one of the youngest members( and a fantastic contributor) to Economic Development Australia’ s Queensland State Practitioner Network Committee.
Fluent in three languages, Prince is redefining inclusive economic development with integrity, empathy, and impact.
THE PETER CHAFFEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LEADERSHIP AWARD
FINALIST: Silver Lining Strategy Turning an Idea for a Film Festival into a New Engine for Economic Development Silver Lining Strategy was commissioned by Logan City Council to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study for the proposed Underdog Film Festival.
Among its key recommendations, the study advised that the festival should be community-owned, and that Council’ s objective should shift from simply driving visitation to fostering capacity building and community cohesion. Acting on this advice, Council partnered with local not-for-profit Assorted Grains, who nurture Logan’ s artists and creatives. Silver Lining Strategy’ s report became the guiding“ north star”, informing decisions, steering implementation, and helping bring doubting stakeholders on board.
The results speak for themselves. In its very first year, the Underdog Film Festival exceeded expectations, achieving 34 % higher attendance than projected, an audience satisfaction rating of 4.66 out of 5, and a remarkable 100 % of attendees pledging to return. By implementing Silver Lining Strategy’ s recommendations, the Underdog Film Festival has grown into more than just an event, it is now a cornerstone of Logan’ s approach to economic development.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RISING STAR LEADERSHIP AWARD
RECIPIENT: Prince Lo ACEcD Prince is a rising leader in economic development, known for delivering real outcomes through peoplecentred, place-based approaches across regional and metropolitan Queensland.
RECIPIENT: Virginia Miller ACEcD Virginia Miller is a nationally recognised economic development leader with over 30 years’ experience spanning business advisory, strategic innovation, and local economic transformation. She has led major initiatives across South Australia and Victoria, including manufacturing revitalisation, place activation, and sustainability, delivering lasting community and industry impact.
As Business Development Partner at the City of Holdfast Bay, Virginia drives investment, supports core industries, and champions business ecosystem growth. Her leadership blends policy innovation with practical, real-world outcomes.
Virginia’ s career highlights include founding the Northern Adelaide Women in Business Network, co-leading Melbourne’ s Urban Manufacturing Project, and shaping creative industries policy. She is also an entrepreneur, having founded Face Wand Pty Ltd, gaining first-hand experience in commercialisation.
As a national leader, she has served on the Economic Development Australia Board from 2015 to 2021, contributing to the recruitment of EDA’ s first full time CEO, the development of the Australian Certified Economic Developer Program and significant membership growth. Virginia has held positions on the South Australian and Victorian State Practitioner Networks, including as the former Vice Chair in Victoria SPN.
She now leads the economic development activity for the Transforming Jetty Road Glenelg revitalisation.
He began his career with Regional Development
VOL 18 NO 3 2025 44 www. edaustralia. com. au