Young tourism star on the rise
Published on 17 April 2026
Scenic Rim Regional Council is celebrating the success of an employee who was recently named a 2026 Queensland Young Tourism Leader.
In just over a year since Sophie Joyce, 23, began working with Council, as a trainee in Regional Events, she has progressed to becoming Council's Regional Events Officer assisting in the organising of Scenic Rim Eat Local Month and the Winter Harvest Festival at Kalbar in June.
"It takes almost a whole year to develop, plan and deliver and tickets to all 2026 Eat Local Month events go on sale next Tuesday on 21 April,” she said.
“It's all hands-on deck to get ready for the tickets to open and then planning for the big month of June for Eat Local Month. The Winter Harvest festival is the big finale.
"I've really enjoyed working with the team and feel like I've learnt so much.
“What I enjoy about the work is making connections with all the businesses and producers and helping them create experiences to attract people to the region."
Prior to joining Council, Sophie worked in her family business Heritage Poultry from Harrisville where she developed practical knowledge of agritourism and developing farm experiences for visitors.
In 2023, she completed a degree in Agribusiness from the University of Queensland.
"Understanding it from both perspectives, I think, gives me a good foundation in how to help local businesses," she said.
The Young Tourism Leaders Program, through the Queensland Tourism Industry Council, brings together inspiring role models able to spark interest and confidence in young people to consider a future in tourism.
By sharing their experiences at schools and career events, leaders highlight the industry’s diverse pathways and provide practical guidance on starting a meaningful tourism career, helping to build Queensland’s future workforce and support a thriving tourism sector.
Sophie is looking forward to being part the Young Tourism Leader team and attending career expos and schools to talk to young people about the diverse careers available in the industry.
"I didn't know what to do at the end of school but there's so many different opportunities in tourism,” she said.
“I'm really excited about being a young tourism leader and having the opportunity to encourage young people to work in tourism, especially in a regional area like the Scenic Rim supporting the local community.”
Scenic Rim's Tourism and Regional Events Portfolio Councillor Jennifer Sanders congratulated Sophie on her achievement.
"We are very excited that Sophie has been recognised as a Young Tourism Leader for Queensland,” Cr Sanders said.
“Council is immensely proud of her and her efforts in the past year to help promote the region.
"It's wonderful that our trainees can progress their careers at Council and gain industry recognition. This benefits the whole region and hopefully will encourage others to follow her in her footsteps."
Tickets to 2026 Scenic Rim Eat Local Month events can be purchased at www.eatlocalmonth.com.au from Tuesday 21 April 2026.