With the Victorian government’s Small Business Festival and FBA’s National Conference behind us I am looking to Spring with enthusiasm. Wrapping up a project means getting my teeth into new ones which is always exciting. For the Small Business Festival I travelled to Wangaratta and Sale and discovered terrific family businesses and, not surprisingly, the same challenges and stories that I hear in Melbourne. This makes me realise there’s masses of work to be done sharing information and raising awareness of those family business challenges so that the support and advice is easy to find. The other side of the coin is that the community is also full of family business leaders who have risen to the challenge and carved out solutions and inspirations that need to be shared. It’s these common stories that represent the real value in the family business community and sharing these will be the basis of my new projects. 

Family Business Regional Roadshow
The Family Business Roadshow kicks off in Victoria’s southwest in October. Two fantastically successful family business leaders; David Haymes and Keith Fagg, will be the keynote speakers leading a panel for a discussion on family business. The roadshow will visit Warrnambool, Geelong, Colac and Ballarat. These sessions will be a valuable opportunity to introduce businesses in your supply chain or local network to a conversation on family business. Check out our website for more details. 

National Family Business Day
Don’t forget to check out our website for events to celebrate National Family Business Day. As part of the celebrations Victoria is holding Conversation Series 5 discussing what the business environment will look like in 2025 with Bernard Salt. To find out more visit the website. 

Credit Suisse and David Murray AO
On the 18th August 25 FBA members gathered in the boardroom of Credit Suisse for a presentation by David Murray. The gorgeous views were only surpassed by the exquisite lunch, and the absolute highlight was the chance to share some insights by the former CEO of CBA and Chair of the Future Fund. It was great to hear the intelligent and relevant questions put to Murray and his big picture thinking on matters ranging from international markets, forecasting and investment to the implications for family businesses of interest and currency rate changes and Australia’s Reform Program.  I’m looking forward to bringing more opportunities like this to members as part of our mandate to start the conversation on topics that supports growth and profitability.

Nicola McKay
State Manager – VIC/ TAS