The Family Business Excellence Awards is an initiative of Family Business Association to recognise and celebrate the achievements of families and individuals in respected and successful family businesses of all sizes and at all stages, acknowledging the significant contribution they make to the Australian and New Zealand social fabric and economy. Unlike many other business awards, the Family Business Excellence Awards specifically acknowledge and showcase excellence in family business.
The Family Business Excellence Awards are presented to an outstanding family business demonstrating excellence and achievement in the core business principles of Governance, Entrepreneurship and Stewardship, and exhibits how family ownership and involvement has helped the business to achieve a competitive advantage.
The Business Awards are made up of three categories; Founder’s Family Business, Established Family Business and Legacy Family Business.
The Family Business Excellence Awards 2024/25 were presented across South Australia / Northern Territory, New Zealand, Queensland, Victoria / Tasmania, New South Wales / ACT, and Western Australia as part of the Family Business Insight State Conferences throughout September and October. Congratulations to all our deserving winners, who will now be our finalists for the Family Business Excellence Awards held in May 2025.
Here are our New Zealand and Australian State Family Business Excellence Award Winners for 2024/2025:
Founder’s Family Business Award Winners
Founder’s Family Business: A business in its early stages of development, owned and operated by members of the same family, characterised by their relatively recent establishment and may still be in the process of formalising their structures, systems and governance processes.
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2024/25 Founder's Family Business Award for South Australia and Northern Territory
Blackman Recruitment
Black Recruitment demonstrates a well-defined strategy, clear family values, and a strong commitment to sustainability. Founded to move away from traditional corporate norms, their family business has built a reputation for integrity, honesty, and transparency. Their competitive advantages include client trust, effective family dynamics, and robust strategies for balancing family and business roles.
The award was accepted at the Family Business Insights SA/NT State Conference on 20 September 2024 by Joanne Blackman, Arielle Jennings and Lachlan Jennings.
"We connect talented people, each with their own unique stories and career goals with opportunities that have the potential to transform their lives. And that’s why it’s no surprise that our favourite part of the day is delivering the news with a call that starts with… ‘Congratulations, you have a new job’ and ‘Congratulations, your new team member has accepted the role’.”
“I’d like to thank FBA, my incredible team and to our families for their unwavering support. Here’s to many more years of working together and growing. Thank you.”
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2024/25 Founder's Family Business Award for New Zealand
New Creation
New Creation blends design expertise with traditional craftsmanship to create high-quality, bespoke products. Showcasing the family’s values, strategy, opportunities, and risks, its smaller size highlights its family ethos, and demonstrates a strong competitive advantage, core strengths, and commendable sustainability initiatives.
The award was accepted at the Family Business Insights New Zealand Conference on 25 September 2024 by Robin Davis.
Robin shared an anecdote about how life can throw you curve balls - large and small - but it is how you approach them that matters.
“We saw the ferry drive off without us this morning! But that's life, you can do business, you can do the work. It's life that can get in the way. It's not the mistakes or the problem though, it is about how you handle those mistakes or problems that make you a good business."
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2024/25 Founder's Family Business Award for Queensland
AthoGroup
AthoGroup started as a one-person operation working from home, specialising in the development and implementation of tailored operational compliance systems. When COVID-19 hit in March 2020, it heightened awareness of operational compliance, leading to a surge in demand for their services, enabling it to grow beyond the micro-business stage. AthoGroup demonstrates a strong understanding of its core strengths while effectively balancing family and business. Its core values—integrity, flexibility, and confidentiality—are closely tied to its strategy, and FBA membership is leveraged to emphasise its family-owned nature.
The award was accepted at the Family Business Insights QLD Conference on 2 October 2024 by Julie Russell.
“AthoGroup has been a member of FBA for 8 years and have witnessed great businesses recognised for awards. It is really humbling to now be included in their company."
"When I started the business, I had a key focus around life safety. I wanted lifesaving services within fire evacuation, emergency management and the work health and safety space. As with all micro businesses it was really hard at the start. Fast forward to now and we operate from a formal business premises and have 6 people working in the business. Collectively for the team, this award is for all of us. Thank you."
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2024/25 Founder's Family Business Award for New South Wales / ACT
Eather Group
Eather Group was founded in 2010 and has grown remarkably over 14 years to a fleet of 22 trucks, 20 heavy machines, and a team of nearly 40. ISO accredited and Supply Nation certified, this Indigenous family business is committed to creating and maintaining a ‘Circular Economy’ in the infrastructure sector. Their mission focuses on re-purposing materials to care for country while promoting workforce equity and diversity. Over 14 years, they have diverted more than 4 million tonnes of waste material — enough to produce bricks for around 250,000 houses! By leading the NSW construction industry with sustainable solutions, they’re not just building a company, they also preserving a family legacy.
The award was accepted at the Family Business Insights NSW/ACT Conference on 18 October 2024 by Sally-Ann, Peter and Divinia Eather.
“Peter and I started Eather Group 14 years ago, with big dreams to provide opportunities for our family and community. Boy has it been a wild ride. FBA has been integral in our journey and so to be the recipient of this award, it means so much to us,” said Sally-Ann.
Peter added, “I’m blessed to work with these two guys, my best friends. Behind every good man is a good woman, so I’m very blessed… We implement the three C’s – caring for country, caring for culture and caring for community. Putting those concepts in place, we are able to do the things we do. I’m very blessed to be here today and accept this award. Thank you.”
Established Family Business Award Winners
Established Family Business: A business that has solidified its position within its industry and community, which has undergone phases of growth, maturation, and succession planning, often has formalised structures, systems, and governance processes in place, as well as clear roles and responsibilities among family members and non-family employees, with protocols for decision-making and conflict resolution.
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2024/25 Established Family Business Award for South Australia and Northern Territory
Metro Fresh Findon
Metro Fresh Findon is a family business that has flourished over the past 35 years, growing from a small retail store into a key player in the community's food scene, highlighting the best of South Australia and Australia. Metro Fresh Findon excels in innovation and growth, with strong governance and clear family values. They prioritise local growers and producers, offering top-quality produce at affordable prices, paired with exceptional customer service.
The award was accepted at the Family Business Insights SA/NT State Conference on 20 September 2024 by Michael, Jessica and Enza Manov.
"I want to express my gratitude to our loyal customers, suppliers and staff, whose support has been essential to our success. Your trust in us motives us to continue striving for excellence. I also want to acknowledge my family and amazing team who are the backbone to our success."
"This award reflects our shared dedication to quality, community, and innovation. We are truly honoured to receive such a prestigious award. We want to thank FBA for bringing South Australian businesses together and creating a supportive network to support each other."
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2024/25 Established Family Business Award for New Zealand
Tuatara Structures
Tuatara Structures' core strengths —Outperform, Outlast, Outplan, and Outwork—have driven remarkable progress in just 10 years. Fueled by their passion and commitment of the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, the business upholds strong family values. It excels in quality and customer satisfaction and demonstrates a strategic focus that sets a high standard for future initiatives and global Sustainable Development Goals.
The award was accepted at the Family Business Insights New Zealand Conference on 25 September 2024 by Jordan Frizzell.
"I want to give a shout out to the Tuatara team. There are only 3 of us here today but there are 25 of us back in Christchurch as well. I couldn't have done it without the hardwork and support of everyone who has helped us to get to where we are now. Thank you very much."
“I want to thank Family Business Association, it's a wonderful association and I think it is awesome what everyone is doing in family business. Family businesses have that heart, they have that culture that you can't buy. That's what is so strong about family business."
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2024/25 Established Family Business Award for Queensland
Queensland Gaskets
Established in 1953, Queensland Gaskets, a 70-year-old family business, began in a humble South Brisbane worker's cottage, where it built a reputation for honest, reliable service and quality products. Now in its third generation, the business has grown and diversified, supplying various industries, including export. Having successfully transitioned through three generations, family harmony remains a priority. The core values of Relationships, Teamwork, Accountability, and Quality have been the foundation of the business’s success and continue to guide staff behaviour and strategic decision-making.
The award was accepted at the Family Business Insights QLD State Conference on 2 October 2024 by Carl Quarterman.
“Thank you for this award, it's very humbling. We only joined FBA quite recently, about a year ago and it was great to come into a room with a bunch of like-minded people, families and businesses that have the same challenges or struggles, but we are also all unique and all different at the same time which is great."
"We are a manufacturing business, manufacturing in Australia - I am very proud to be manufacturing in Australia and a big supporter of manufacturing in Australia."
"Quentin my grandfather started the business in 1953. Dad took over the business after he passed, and mum became an equal partner in the business after they married. I'm a little bit after that. It wasn't until 2012 that I took over the business and dad has been there mentoring me and supporting me since then. Dad was there for both transitions of the generations we have had. His steady hand and guidance on the business is a key part of the success that we have today. Each generation has brought something new to the business and its a steady growth in capability and diversity in our customers over the years that really enables us to be successful today."
"I want to thank the families and the employees over the life of the company, and our customers and suppliers who have supported us.”
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2024/25 Established Family Business Award for Victoria / Tasmania
Sunrise2Sunrise
Dynamic NDIS provider, Sunrise2Sunrise began in 2018 as a small family startup, awarded a 'Boosting the Local Care Workforce Program' grant in 2020, they have grown into an organisation with 750 employees in just six years. They’ve demonstrated a deep commitment to their community with their personalised care approach and unwavering dedication to reducing inequality and enhancing the lives of the people they support. Their family values of care, inclusion, and compassion are at the heart of their operations, treating people as an extension of their own family. This personalised approach, combined with innovative therapies and engaging community programmes, empowers individuals to reach their full potential, creating a sense of belonging and fulfilment.
The award was accepted at the Family Business Insights VIC/TAS State Conference on 11 October 2024 by Rhavi Bhatt, alongside his wife and two children.
“What a day! Firstly, I want to thank you for this recognition today. I’m deeply honoured to be standing here on behalf of my family and the team.”
“Sunrise2Sunrise, as the name says, is a 24/7 service. My wife came up with the name. I started the business after seeing the big gap, where problems get bigger before they make it to the decision-makers, which affects the vulnerable people out in the community. My initial goal was to continuously educate people to understand the NDIS scheme and child protection.”
“I can’t do things on my own. I have the privilege of working with a dedicated team. They work day in and day out to provide support. We call them life-changers. This award goes to all of our life-changers for doing all the work required to provide that support.”
Rhavi’s daughter, Rhythm, added a few words about her father:
“His dedication and hard work has made the business a success but has also shaped me into a better person over the last 11 years.”
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2024/25 Established Family Business Award for New South Wales / ACT
DECO Australia
Founded as a startup in 2004 introducing innovative European technology to the Australian building industry, DECO has grown to employ 120 people and is now in its 2nd generation. Built on a commitment to high-value products, the business' core strengths include a tight-knit family structure, a culture of quality with a customer-first approach, and a “best person for the job” philosophy. The strong alignment between family values and business strategy, coupled with active family involvement, provides a competitive edge and ensures a balance between family and business goals.
The award was accepted at the Family Business Insights NSW/ACT State Conference on 18 October 2024 by Ross Doonan, Founder and Director at DECO.
“To the family and the team, thank you very much. Since the start of our business 20 years ago, we’ve been through somewhat of a rollercoaster. The family has always stuck with me and never doubted the commitment to get to where we are today.”
“DECO in the last 6 years has grown to almost triple in size. The growth has stemmed from our fundamental philosophy, that the customer never complains about price, they only ever complain about value. So, at DECO, we work very hard every day to create as much value as we can for our customers.”
“Thank you very much to Family Business Association. We’re massive fans of FBA, we think it is a wonderful association. We certainly get a lot of value out of it and it’s a real privilege to receive an award like this from FBA.”
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2024/25 Established Family Business Award for Western Australia
Bestbar Reinforcements
Founded in 1995, Bestbar Reinforcements began as a small local operation and has grown into a thriving national enterprise. From its humble origins in a Subiaco panel beating shop, the family identified a unique opportunity to support the local construction industry by supplying reinforcement steel. Overcoming significant challenges in its early years, the business now employs over 850 skilled workers and is renowned as Australia’s most reliable supplier of steel reinforcement mesh and bars. Their success is built on hard work, a commitment to innovation, and a deep-rooted family culture that prioritises sustainable growth and customer satisfaction. As they continue to support the nation’s largest builders and infrastructure projects, the company remains dedicated to challenging industry norms and seeking innovative solutions.
The award was accepted at the Family Business Insights WA State Conference on 24 October 2024 by Grant Johnston, Co-Founder and Managing Director.
“I’m very happy to be here today and very proud of what we’ve achieved. It means a lot to be recognised today, especially alongside many other incredible family businesses in the room.”
“Our journey has been built on hard work, resilience and a bit of luck. I still remember stories from the early days, like my brother working 18 hours a day manually bending steel, while mum hand wrote thousands of production tags.”
“I’m extremely proud of the 11 family members who have come through the business including our children Aaron, Courtney, Ethan and Karl, and not just from our family but from many other family units that are part of our business today and our success.”
“A special thank you to our executive team for your leadership, and mentoring the next generation. Your patience, guidance and willingness to let our children learn and the freedom to fail has been invaluable. It’s because of your mentorship that they have developed the skills and confidence to lead us into the next chapter.”
“Today recognises not just our family, it’s for our whole team, who have worked beside us over the past 30 years. They believed in our vision, rolled up their sleeves and have been part of this journey with us. The hard work doesn’t stop here. Next year we are starting construction in Australia on the first low carbon steel mill in Queensland and I couldn’t be prouder of the legacy that we are building together.”
Legacy Family Business Award Winners
Legacy Family Business: A business that has been established by a family and has been passed down through multiple generations. These businesses often have a rich history and tradition, with family members playing key roles in both ownership and management. A business that demonstrates the intention to sustain the business over the long term, with a focus on preserving the family's values, culture, and heritage. Legacy family businesses often face unique challenges related to succession planning, governance, and maintaining family harmony alongside business success.
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2024/25 Legacy Family Business Award for South Australia and Northern Territory
Yalumba
Established in 1849, Yalumba has flourished under six generations of family ownership. This exceptional family business is recognised for its remarkable history and steadfast family values. With 175 years of success, it has seamlessly integrated these values into its strategy, demonstrating resilience and strategic foresight. The business’s commitment to sustainability and effective storytelling highlights its enduring legacy and competitive edge.
The award was accepted at the Family Business Insights SA/NT State Conference on 20 September 2024 by Jessica Hill-Smith and Annabel Hill-Smith.
“I feel very very lucky that each generation of our family has been pioneering and innovative.”
“We get to bring people together with what we do, to open a bottle of wine and tell a story about why that means something to us. And that’s worth holding onto,” Jessica said.
“It’s been 175 years of surviving the highs and lows, we absolutely love it, and we’re not going anywhere. Thank you for recognising Yalumba today.”
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2024/25 Legacy Family Business Award for New Zealand
Partridge Jewellers
Established in 1864, this sixth-generation business continues to excel under fifth-generation leadership with a robust succession plan for future success. Their motto, 'Where we have come from plays as big of a part as where we are going' emphasises the importance of their history. Partridge Jewellers effectively pass down skills, knowledge, and values, fostering a people-focused environment. Their family ownership provides a competitive edge through stable relationships and a long-term perspective, supported by strong sustainability and ESG commitments, including industry accreditation, all aligning with the long-term legacy of the business.
The award was accepted at the Family Business Insights New Zealand Conference on 25 September 2024 by new CEO, Nicola Owbridge on behalf of the Partridge family.
"The business has been carried through six generations so far, the growth has been steady and that is something to really marvel. Grant's work, his wife Heather, the three boys and their daughter make up the sixth generation. Really humbled to be here, thank you."
"It makes you feel proud to be a New Zealander when you look around this room at all the family businesses that really keep our economy going."
