This week, the Western Australian family business community came together for the Family Business Insights WA Conference. Attendees from a wide range of industries took time away from their businesses to come together, share experiences, celebrate achievements, and reconnect with peers. The event was as much about learning as it was about being part of a supportive, thriving community that understands the unique challenges and rewards of running a family business.
The conference opened with the Hon. Jackie Jarvis MLC, Minister for Small Business, who reflected on her own family’s experience in business and highlighted the critical role family enterprises play in WA’s economy. With more than 255,000 small businesses in the state, she emphasised that WA continues to lead the nation in retail growth and offers the best environment for small business. She also acknowledged the differences between small and family businesses and spoke about her continued efforts in the conversation around a family business presence in government.
Catherine Sayer, CEO of the Family Business Association, spoke about FBA’s advocacy work and highlighted the organisation’s core values: being authentic, one family, supporting members to thrive, and embracing a learning mindset. She also shared key statistics about the family business sector, reinforcing the importance of these values in guiding and connecting businesses across the state.
The first keynote set an inspiring and energetic tone for the day. Olympic Gold Medallist and Managing Director of Statewide Oil, Todd Pearson, shared his extraordinary journey from the Olympic podium to leading a family business. The audience watched a highlight video of his gold medal and world-record-breaking performance in the 4×200-metre relay at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, and the room was captivated as if seeing it live. Todd spoke about the discipline and focus required to succeed at the highest level in sport, and how those same principles shape his approach to business. He reflected on stepping into leadership when his father stepped back, emphasising trust, accountability, and leading by example. Todd also shared insights into managing staff, describing how he notices when someone is struggling, provides support, and fosters a workplace where people feel safe and valued. His message, “Manage with genuine care,” resonated deeply with the audience. He explained that leadership is not just about making decisions or driving results, but about truly investing in the people around you, understanding their needs, supporting them through challenges, and recognising their achievements. Todd shared that when leaders show empathy and foster trust, it creates a workplace where people feel valued and motivated to do their best. The audience left with a clear takeaway: leadership is most effective when care for people is at the heart of every decision.
Following Todd, Harvey Stephenson spoke candidly about his experience as a fifth-generation family business leader, sharing honest reflections on the challenges and lessons of stepping into a long-standing family enterprise. He highlighted the value of self-awareness, collaboration, and celebrating achievements, and spoke openly about how recognition and support can strengthen confidence, relationships, and business performance. Facilitator Franco Lombardo reinforced these insights, emphasising the importance of open communication and positive feedback, particularly for family members in leadership roles.
The next session, led by family business advisor John Broons, focused on creating a thriving family business. Drawing on decades of experience, John reminded participants that success comes from progress, not perfection. He encouraged families to embrace shared purpose, continuous learning, and the opportunities that come with overcoming challenges.
Download: Content Slides from John Broons
The final session featured Bob and Rona Biernat, along with their General Manager Grant Craig, sharing the 51-year journey of Freedom Pools. From a small manufacturing operation in Narrogin to a globally recognised brand, the family spoke about prioritising values, sustainability, and professionalisation to build a lasting legacy. They shared candid insights into succession planning and the deliberate choice to preserve the business’s culture and values, rather than expecting family members to take over. Their story was a testament to the long-term thinking, adaptability, and care that underpin successful family businesses.
Throughout the day, the sense of community was tangible. Attendees shared stories, caught up with old friends, and made new connections, all while taking time out of their busy business lives to learn, reflect, and be inspired. The event provided a space for connection, encouragement, and growth, reinforcing the strength and vibrancy of WA’s family business community.
Family Business Excellence Awards Winners – Western Australia
Striker was awarded the Established Family Business Award for Western Australia
The Established Family Business Award is given to a business that has solidified its position within its industry and community, undergone phases of growth, maturation and succession planning, and 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.
Striker began in 1998 in a shed with a big idea and has grown into the second-generation, Australian owned and operated company it is today. Founded by tradesmen who know machinery inside and out, it has earned a reputation for producing tough, reliable, mobile, and modular equipment, built specifically for Australian conditions. Trusted by miners, contractors, and operators across Australia and overseas, the business remains steadfast in its values of hard work, honesty, loyalty, and backing its people. Always prioritising long-term relationships over transactions, it was built from the ground up and continues to improve and support the mining and quarrying industry with real, practical solutions.
Jordan Pedley, accepted the award, saying “I’m really, really proud and honoured to be here. Dad worked in the industry for a fair few years as an operator, maintaining crushing and screening equipment, and then he came home to Mum and said, “I want to start something on my own.” He went into manufacturing, and now we’ve got global manufacturing facilities around the world. It’s awesome to reflect on what we’ve done. We’re always looking forward and at the goals we’ve got going forward. I think it’s really important to reflect on what everyone’s done, and we’re all here because we’re family businesses, so be proud of what you’ve done.”
Thank you to all our speakers, facilitators, and attendees for making the day such a success, and to our partners for their generous support:
Thank you to our Partners:
National Gold Partners: EWM Group, KPMG, Gallagher
National Banking Partner: ANZ
National Technology Partner: Pronto Software
National Workplace Compliance Partner: Citation Group
Printing Sponsor: Quick Mail
Photo Credit: Stefan Gosatti
Download: Access Photo Gallery Here
