Sharni Foulkes is a nationally recognised leader, changemaker, and advocate. Raised in country Western Australia, she has lived and worked across the state, from Perth’s bustling suburbs, to the heart of the Goldfields and throughout Kimberley. This grounding in regional Australia has shaped her career and fuels her drive to deliver meaningful outcomes where they are needed most. Her career began in Western Australia’s largest mining town, where she championed small business capacity and regional economic resilience. Since then, Sharni has built a reputation as a strategic leader with influence well beyond local borders.
She is widely respected for forging high-impact collaborations, securing major investment, and advancing policy reforms that shape the future of Australia’s most important economies. As Chief Executive Officer of the Broome Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sharni has positioned Broome and the Kimberley as critical players in national conversations on international trade, infrastructure, defence, and workforce capability. Her leadership has delivered initiatives that remove barriers to investment, strengthen supply chains, and expand Australia’s presence in international markets. Sharni’s expertise spans government relations, economic development, industry engagement, and policy advocacy. She works directly with ministers, senior government agencies, and corporate leaders to align priorities with state and federal agendas. Her influence has underpinned billions in infrastructure commitments, championed First Nations economic participation, and shaped national development, future industries, and economic diversification.
A sought-after speaker on policy, innovation, investment attraction, leadership, and change management, Sharni brings a commercial focus and a future-oriented perspective to every conversation. Her collaborative mindset and ability to bridge industry, government, and community make her a powerful advocate for reforms that unlock opportunity and deliver long-term prosperity. Widely recognised as a future-focused leader, Sharni continues to champion her passions on the state, national, and global stage. Her commitment to building resilient economies, supporting women’s economic empowerment, advancing strategic policy reform, and driving diversity and inclusion across Australia ensures she remains a driving force for meaningful change and a stronger future for all.
