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.
These awards underscore the vital role family-run enterprises play across Australia and New Zealand, highlighting their significant innovation, economic, social, and cultural impacts.
With family businesses representing 70% of all businesses and providing approximately 50% of the nation’s workforce, 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.
“They deserve this recognition as they are a key part of our economy and way of life,” said Sayer.
On behalf of the FBA team we congratulate all our winners, for their successes in business, leadership and greater contribution to the family business sector!
DECO Australia named Family Business of the Year
Sustainability, family values and a customer-first approach led DECO to the win amongst strong competition
DECO Australia, a second-generation family business operating in the building industry was awarded the coveted prize, the Family Business of the Year 2025 and the Established Family Business Award.
Meika Doonan, Director Strategy & Governance of DECO accepted the awards saying the company had tripled its size in only six years and made it through many ups and downs over its history.
“My dad, Ross, started the business 21 years ago, his vision was simple and powerful, ‘imagine what a business could achieve because it actually cared about its customers’ and that's the philosophy that we live by.
“We've built something that we're all incredibly proud of, and like all family businesses, the blood, sweat and tears is real.
“This award means so much to us, not just as a moment of recognition, but reassurance that we're on the right path,” said Meika Doonan.
South Australian Emerging Leader, Jordana Ashcroft O’Sullivan wins Emerging Leader in Family Business Award
Jordana Ashcroft O’Sullivan, General Manager of Fore Design + Flex Planning a second-generation family business operating in commercial and residential design and town planning was awarded the Emerging Leader in Family Business Award on Thursday 22 May 2025 in Western Sydney.
Ashcroft O’Sullivan has spearheaded strategic growth, modernised operations and has a focus on strong organisational culture. Under her leadership the company has grown its market presence and embraced cutting-edge technology.
“We’ve recently become Fore Design and launched Flex Planning as a standalone planning practice. This growth is made possible with our strong framework that allows us to be competitive in our industry and remain ready for the next stage of growth.” Ashcroft O’Sullivan
Pioneer of Women Leadership in Construction, Amanda Challen, wins Leading Woman in Family Business Award
Amanda Challen, Director and Company Secretary of Advance Civil Engineering and trailblazer for women in construction was awarded the Leading Woman in Family Business Award on Thursday 22 May 2025 in Western Sydney.
As the first woman on the Civil Contractors Federation NT board and a founding member of the Women in Civil Committee, she has championed gender diversity and industry change. Her contributions have been widely recognised and has earned her a place among Australia’s Top 100 Women in Construction.
“This award says that women in family business matter. Our voices matter, and our work, often behind the scenes, keeps the wheels turning and the books balanced.” Amanda Challen
Discover Advance Civil Engineering
It started with one man and a truck, and a big dream – Eather Group wins Founder’s Family Business Award
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 on Thursday 22 May 2025 in Western Sydney.
Peter Eather spoke of the early days when the couple had $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 Eather
Wine makers Yalumba, headed up by the Hill-Smith family, wins Legacy Family Business Award
Yalumba the South Australian winery from the Barossa which has been a family business for 175 years won the Legacy Family Business Award on Thursday 22 May 2025 in Western Sydney.
For six generations, the Hill-Smith family has nurtured Yalumba into one of Australia’s most revered fine wine producers. This exceptional business is recognised for its remarkable history and steadfast family values.
The award was accepted by Robert Hill-Smith.
He said they have always had long-term vision which has enabled them to make strategic decisions that balance tradition with sustainability, accreditation and environmental responsibility.
“We feel very lucky that each generation of our family has been pioneering in spirit and innovative with the business. We get to bring people together, to open a bottle of wine, and tell a story about why that means something to us. And that is worth holding on to." Robert Hill-Smith
Submissions for the 2025/2026 Family Business Excellence Awards are now open.
Closing July 13!
