Youth say YES! to entrepreneurship in the Western Downs

Published on 05 January 2026

Western Downs Regional Council will host the 2026 Youth Entrepreneur Summit (YES!) in Chinchilla on Wednesday 4 March, inviting Western Downs students to step confidently into their future.

Presented in partnership with the Australian School of Entrepreneurship, the one-day summit will bring together Western Downs students from years nine to 12 for an inspiring program of workshops, keynote speakers and hands-on learning.

A panel of inspiring young people have been assembled for keynote presentations including Chinchilla State High School student Sophie Scutchings who holds the Australian record for the most take-offs and landings in one day.

"Presenting at this summit is an opportunity to encourage other young people to pursue their passions and their dreams and hopefully show them that they can do whatever they put their minds to," Ms Scutchings said.

The 17-year-old Chinchilla student had been flying for eight months at the Kangawallafox Flight School when she attempted the Australian flight record.

Flying a Bristell NG5 plane at the Chinchilla Aerodrome, Ms Scutching was able to complete 150 take offs and landings during daylight hours and in doing so raised over $16,000 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

" I chose to support the Royal Flying Doctors because it’s a cause close to my heart and it made sense to support something that involved flying for a flying record," she said.

"My younger cousin was camping in a remote location and had an emergency for which the Royal Flying Doctors were there to help her.

"It feels good to be able to give back to a cause that helps so many Australians in need," she said.

Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Andrew Smith said Council was proud to be offering year nine to 12 students 250 free tickets to the 2026 Young Entrepreneur Summit, ensuring every Western Downs high school student has the chance to be part of an event that sparks ambition in young people.

“Opportunities like this can genuinely change the trajectory of a young person’s life,” Mayor Smith said.

“When students get to hear from extraordinary speakers like Sophie Scutchings they see firsthand what determination, resilience, and big thinking can achieve.

"YES! 2026 is about showing young people that great ideas can grow right here in the Western Downs.

"We want our students to be inspired, to dream boldly, and to understand that world-class ambition can grow right here on the Western Downs."

The Youth Entrepreneur Summit will take place at the Chinchilla Cultural Centre on Wednesday 4 March 2026 from 9am to 2pm with a total of 25 free tickets allocated to each high school within the Western Downs region.

For more information on tickets to YES! 2026 please visit www.events.humanitix.com/yeschinchilla.

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Media Contact:

Western Downs Regional Council Media Office                                                                07 4679 4265