It started with one man and a truck, and a big dream

The Family Business Excellence Awards celebrated its most outstanding contributors at the 2025 Family Business Conference: Asia-Pacific last week hosted by Family Business Association.

And Peter and Sally-Ann Eather, founders of Eather Group, an ISO-accredited and Supply Nation-certified Indigenous family business, dedicated to driving a Circular Economy in the infrastructure sector, won the Founder’s Family Business Award.

Peter Eather spoke of the early days when the couple had just $10,000 and big aspirations.

“About 15 years ago we had big dreams to provide opportunities for our family and community. Boy has it been a wild ride,” Peter said.

“We implemented the three C’s: Caring for Country, Caring for Culture and Caring for Community. Putting these concepts in place, has meant we are able to do the things we do.

“We are building a sustainable future for us and our beautiful daughter.”

The awards underscore the vital role that family-run enterprises play across Australia and New Zealand, highlighting their significant innovation, economic, social, and cultural impacts.

With family businesses representing 70 per cent of all businesses in Australia and providing approximately 50% of the nation’s workforce with a job, they span the spectrum from small local shops to large multinational operations, demonstrating the diversity and strength of family entrepreneurship in the region.

Catherine Sayer, CEO of the Family Business Association (FBA), the peak body behind the awards, said the organisation is committed to championing the achievements of these vital organisations and their leaders from across Australia and New Zealand.

“Family businesses are the heart of Australia’s economy and social fabric. These awards celebrate not only their achievements but also the enduring spirit of entrepreneurship, resilience, and community that family businesses embody.” Ms Sayer said.

“They deserve this recognition as they are a key part of our economy and way of life.”

Other winners of the evening include:

• Leading Woman in Family Business Award winner: Amanda Challen, Advance Civil Engineering (Northern Territory)
• Emerging Leader in Family Business winner: Jordana Ashcroft O’Sullivan, Fore Design + Flex Planning (SA)
• Established Family Business Award winner: DECO Australia (NSW)
• Legacy Family Business Award winner: Yalumba (South Australia)
• Family Business of the Year winner: DECO Australia (NSW)

Submissions for the 2025/2026 Family Business Excellence Awards are now open.

For more, visit: www.familybusinessassociation.org