Can you believe we are almost done and dusted with another year? It has been one of major turmoil throughout the world but mostly Australian Family businesses have done what they do best – working on and in their business quietly.

Family businesses are known to outperform public enterprise, particularly in volatile  times. Queensland is a perfect example of this in the aftermath of the mining boom here. Take the Wellcamp airport in Toowomba built and operated by the Wagner Family. In typical family business style, they backed themselves when most others thought they had gone crazy. Built an international airport in a relatively small city in record time and after 5 months it turned a profit.

Our inductee into the hall of fame this year has a similar story. The Winson group have been taking risks their entire history and it has kept them ahead of the pack and continuing to flourish. I wish them the best for their entry into the National Family Business of the Year awards. I’m sure all Queensland members will want to be there to see if they win as it is being held on Hamilton Island. Get in early as I am predicting a sell-out!

Lastly, I would like to wish everyone the best for Christmas and the New Year and thank you to our great Queensland Members, sponsors and advisors.

I am looking forward to 2017 at FBA being one of the best with fantastic functions, great forum group growth and important education events.

Roz Shaw
QLD Committee Chair
Family Business Australia