FBA AU

FBA AU FBA is the peak body for family businesses in Australia and New Zealand, helping them to grow and thrive. Please read the following guidelines before posting.

Members are supported through tailored education and events, Forum Group Program, a community of like-minded peers and access to accredited advisors. Our purpose is to contribute to the long term success of family business. We do this by facilitating and engaging resources and channels that promote success and foster sustainability and longevity. Our programs and products are developed to build st

ronger families and healthier businesses. We provide access to specialist family, business and technical services and generate opportunities for families in business to learn and grow by networking and sharing with their peers. Community Guidelines

We take pride in keeping the FBA page respectful, pleasant, and enjoyable for members of all ages. You agree, through your use of the FBA page that you will not post any material which is knowingly false and / or defamatory, derogatory, inaccurate, abusive, vulgar, hateful, harassing, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, invasive of a person's privacy, or otherwise violative of any law. You agree not to post any copyrighted material unless the copyright is owned by you or permission for use has been obtained. The messages express the views of the author of the message, not necessarily the views of FBA. Any user who feels that a posted message does not comply with the rules or the spirit as mentioned above may report the post to the administrator at [email protected]. The Administrator has the ability to remove messages from public view and we will make every effort to do so within a reasonable time frame if we determine that removal is necessary. This is a manual process however so please realise that we may not be able to remove or edit particular messages immediately. Self-Promotion is Spam. Our administrator will endeavor to try and read all posts on the page. If we catch questionable content, it will immediately be removed. Any post that is considered advertising for one's self-interests, including the promotion of a product or any site one is affiliated with will be removed. We request that you don’t post links to sites you run or are in any way affiliated with. Repeat violators who post promotional content will be permanently banned. Our community is an open resource for all ages. Language should be kept respectful at all times. Vulgar language is not allowed. This constitutes the use of any kind of offensive, discriminatory, or otherwise inappropriate material deemed distasteful and unsafe for younger members. Inappropriate language will potentially be removed and users will be warned. Do not post provocative, outrageous, or pointless messages only to get a response from others, i.e. "trolling." Repeat violators will be permanently banned. In order to maintain a positive atmosphere, no personal attacks or insults will be tolerated. While discussions may become heated, it is not an excuse to result to attacks or insults. There is a difference between a passionate, respectful discussion and one that delves into personal matters. Think of it as debating issues, not individuals. When the line is crossed, the discussion may be deleted by administrators and the users will be warned and potentially banned. Feel free to add a member to the page who is involved in any aspect of your Business, Family or Both. Show your support for the positive future of the Family Business in Western Australia here. pages have a search function at the top right hand side of the page in the shape of a magnifying glass. It is an easy way to search back on past threads for a particular topic and avoid duplicate topics. Lastly, if it is abundantly clear that a user has no intention of positively contributing to discussions, combined with an abrasive, combative attitude, they will be banned. Users must demonstrate an interest in contributing to discussions. We encourage you to think before you type as your actions may be quoted at a later date and outside of the page. This could potentially disadvantage the user and collaterally punish other users. If you have a problem or a complaint, direct it to the administrators, not on the page wall. We reserve the right to ban flagrant offenders when deemed necessary, with or without prior warning. The page rules, policies and disclaimers are enforced by FBA staff. You agree not to, in any form, abuse, harass, threaten, or descend upon administrators of FBA over issues relating to their duties. If you would like to discuss any aspect of the page rules or how moderation is conducted, please contact FBA at [email protected].

Yesterday at Hort Connections in Adelaide, our CEO Catherine Sayer facilitated two sessions on succession in family busi...
04/06/2026

Yesterday at Hort Connections in Adelaide, our CEO Catherine Sayer facilitated two sessions on succession in family businesses.

Roots, Roles and Realities: Succession in Horticulture Family Business featured Andrew Andreyev from ADLV Law, Marisa Riccio from Hood Sweeney and Catherine Sanders from Bower Place.

The family business panel featured Daniel O’Sullivan from ABBE, Andrew Muir from Muirs and Renee Pye from Zerella Fresh.

It was such a practical and honest conversation. The audience was completely engaged across the 2 panel discussions, particularly when members shared their own stories and experiences of succession.

There were great questions around how families start the conversation, how the next generation steps up, what it looks like when roles begin to shift and how family hierarchy and cultural background can shape the process. A great blend of technical and practical information merging with real life experience.

If you would like to know more about FBA and how we support families in business, please check out our website or get in touch: https://bit.ly/3TXjN5d

Help us make family businesses impossible to ignore.With new budget announcements now shaping the business landscape, it...
04/06/2026

Help us make family businesses impossible to ignore.

With new budget announcements now shaping the business landscape, it is more important than ever that we have the data to advocate strongly for the family business sector.

This is your last chance to complete the Family Business Barometer Survey, in partnership with Pronto Software.

Family businesses are different from the broader business community, and as one of the largest sectors in the country, their story needs to be clearly understood and heard. Your insights will help us identify the strengths, barriers and needs of family businesses, giving us the evidence we need to advocate with confidence and push for real change.

The survey closes tomorrow, Friday, 5 June.

Complete the Family Business Barometer Survey today: https://bit.ly/4w3sj43

Be an authentic storyteller.This was one of the key lessons our NSW Emerging Leader Forum Group took away from their rec...
03/06/2026

Be an authentic storyteller.

This was one of the key lessons our NSW Emerging Leader Forum Group took away from their recent meeting with Lachie Smart from The End Game.

Lachie shared his phenomenal story with the group, offering powerful insights into narrative, storytelling and resilience, and how these skills can be applied to business leadership and communication.

For emerging leaders, the right support crew and learning can make all the difference. Through the Emerging Leader Forum Group Program, you have the opportunity to connect with peers, learn from incredible speakers like Lachie, and build the confidence and capability to thrive within your family business.

This two-year program is designed to support you as you grow and step into your future.

We are currently taking expressions of interest for a Queensland group.

Live in another state or territory and interested in the Emerging Leader Forum Group Program? Reach out to our team today.

Learn more and apply today: https://bit.ly/3UH21Uy

The sun was shining at our Coffee Connect in Perth last week.Our WA members gathered at The Rowing Pavilion for coffee a...
02/06/2026

The sun was shining at our Coffee Connect in Perth last week.

Our WA members gathered at The Rowing Pavilion for coffee and casual conversation, enjoying the opportunity to connect and network with one another.

It was great to see so many people come along and be part of the event.


This could be your moment.Many of you experienced the celebrations at this year's Family Business Excellence Awards, and...
01/06/2026

This could be your moment.

Many of you experienced the celebrations at this year's Family Business Excellence Awards, and now it could be your turn. Submissions are open for the 2026/27 Family Business Excellence Awards. It is a chance to reflect, recognise your achievements, receive constructive feedback, and hopefully have your moment in the spotlight.

Submit an entry OR nominate a deserving business or individual.
https://bit.ly/43mjMg1

We spoke with Linda and Craig Wellington from Waterford Security, founded in 1994 as a small startup.Waterford Security ...
01/06/2026

We spoke with Linda and Craig Wellington from Waterford Security, founded in 1994 as a small startup.

Waterford Security specialises in the installation, maintenance and repair of electronic security systems, including access control and camera systems. For more than three decades, the business has built a strong reputation in the high end commercial security sector, guided by honesty, professionalism and open communication.

Their solutions focused approach means taking the time to understand each client’s needs and deliver tailored security services where precision, discretion and trust are essential.

One of Linda and Craig’s greatest successes has been building long term relationships and earning the trust of clients with some of the highest security requirements, including government departments and well known international companies.

Today, they are proud to be working alongside the next generation of their family, bringing fresh thinking and renewed energy while continuing the Waterford Security legacy.

Learn more about Waterford Security and read Linda and Craig’s advice to other family businesses: https://bit.ly/4ednTAu

- What's On at FBA in June -Check out what’s happening near you this month.We have all your favourite networking events ...
29/05/2026

- What's On at FBA in June -

Check out what’s happening near you this month.

We have all your favourite networking events for June, Advisor Connects, Coffee Connects, After 5 Connects, and our final Family Business Dynamics workshop.

Scroll through the tiles below to see what’s coming up and secure your spot: https://bit.ly/3uPa4Em

We look forward to seeing you there!

Want to plan ahead? Explore the full 2026 events calendar: https://bit.ly/48t6Zdc

Next week, the fresh produce industry heads to Adelaide for Hort Connections 2026, and our CEO, Catherine Sayer, will be...
28/05/2026

Next week, the fresh produce industry heads to Adelaide for Hort Connections 2026, and our CEO, Catherine Sayer, will be part of the conversation.

Catherine will first facilitate the panel Roots, Roles and Realities: Succession in Horticulture Family Business, alongside:

Andrew Andreyev, ADLV Law
Marisa Riccio, Hood Sweeney
Catherine Sanders, Bower Place

3 June | Session 4 | 10:20am to 10:45am

She will then facilitate a family business panel featuring:

Andrew Muir, Muirs
Daniel O’Sullivan, ABBE
Renee Pye, Zerella Fresh

3 June | Session 5 | 10:45am to 11:15am

With succession, family business dynamics and the future of horticulture on the agenda, these sessions are not to be missed.

Register now: https://bit.ly/3sVXoaH

27/05/2026

Relive all the highlights from your Family Business Conference 2026: Asia-Pacific.

The video speaks for itself!

The energy, the camaraderie and the openness of everyone throughout the conference was palpable. It was a fantastic week with our special 'magic dust' on full display. A very big thank you to all our incredible family business community who spent the week with us in Hobart.

Thank you to all our sponsors and a special thank you to our Conference Gold Sponsors: Pronto Software and Citation Group


Until next year in Darwin...


Video Credit: Shon Productions

We spoke with Karl Schwantes, Managing Director and second-generation leader at Xennox Diamonds, a jewellery business fo...
26/05/2026

We spoke with Karl Schwantes, Managing Director and second-generation leader at Xennox Diamonds, a jewellery business founded by Karl’s parents more than 50 years ago.

Karl’s father completed his goldsmith apprenticeship in Berlin in 1959 before earning his title as Master Jeweller. Karl’s mother was an award-winning sculptor who studied Fine Arts and Sculpture in London. Together, they established Brisbane’s first premier diamond jewellery store.

Today, Xennox Diamonds is known for balancing precision and beauty, with award-winning designers guiding couples through the creation of engagement rings, wedding bands and unique pieces that celebrate life’s most meaningful moments. Each design is thoughtfully developed with clients before being crafted onsite by skilled Master Jewellers.

One of Karl’s greatest successes is being able to serve three generations of clients, with long-term relationships and the personal stories behind each.

Karl joined FBA to learn from other families who have successfully navigated generational transition. “The insights from third and fourth-generation businesses are invaluable. The calibre of speakers, the relevance of the discussions, and the quality of the events are at a level that genuinely reflects the unique dynamics of family enterprise.”

Learn more about Xennox Diamonds and read Karl’s advice to other family businesses: https://bit.ly/4dInGUn

Address

Level 8, 5 Queens Road
Melbourne, VIC
3004

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+611800249357

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