Family Business Australia Limited (FBA) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, 28 October 2025, at 4:30pm AEDT at Kennards Museum, in Artarmon NSW and online via Zoom. The meeting welcomed both in-person and online attendees, with a quorum present to reflect on the last year, review financial performance, appoint new directors to the Board and attend to any additional business.
Chair's Report
FBA Australia Chair, Angus Kennard, opened the meeting with his Chair’s Report, celebrating the achievements and growth over the past year. He highlighted the organisation’s continued "financial improvement" over the last 12 months and gave a special mention to the success of the Family Business Conference: Asia-Pacific held in Penrith, New South Wales as "the highlight of the calendar". He thanked and acknowledged FBA's CEO, Catherine Sayer and the entire FBA team, "I would like to recognise and say thanks for the efforts of FBA’s dedicated team, who along with Catherine’s continued support, have yielded great results over the last year."
Angus explained that FBA's 2024 - 2027 Strategic Plan is "under way and on track", delivering our strategic goals of membership growth, branding and advocacy for the sector, as well as our internal goals in business sustainabilty and our people. He also referenced the updated Code of Conduct for FBA members which was finalised and distributed this year.
He reinforced FBA's values, which are lived by staff every day: One Family, Supporting Members to Thrive, Be Authentic and A Learning Mindset.
Angus highlighted the increase in advocacy work over the last 12 months, with the recent positive outcome in the proposed Unrealised Gains Tax changes.
Angus also thanked FBA's Partners "whose continuous support has been instrumental and delivered added value to our members." Thank you to ANZ, EWM Group, Gallagher, KPMG and Pronto Software, and also to our newest partner Citation Group. He also thanked our State Partners, ADLV Law, Hood Sweeney, Majestic Computer Technology and Sparke Helmore.
CEO's Report
FBA CEO Catherine Sayer, shared that FBA membership continues to grow, with a record number of members this year. She also highlighted the 2024 - 2027 Strategy, noting it provides the team and Board with a "clear direction and robust plan".
Catherine acknowledged our recent National Family Business Day campaign, which saw strong participation and engagement across the membership and growing media coverage year-on-year.
A new initiative in 2025, the annual calendar of events, programs and education was highlighted. Catherine confirmed that work is underway for the 2026 calendar, which will be launched to members before the end of the year.
Catherine spoke about the impact of the 2025 Family Business Barometer Report, developed in partnership with Pronto Software, describing it as a valuable tool and well received by Government in advocacy efforts for the sector.
Catherine also mentioned the impact of the Family Business Conference: Asia-Pacific held in Penrith, New South Wales, as well as the continued growth of participation in the Family Business Excellence Awards.
Financial Performance
Director and Chair of Finance, Audit and Risk Committee, Ken Matthews presented the financial report, noting the organisation's "significant growth" over the past year, and that FBA's "financial position has improved, establishing a stronger foundation for the future".
Ken shared that FBA recorded a consolidated surplus of $173,718 across Australia and New Zealand, highlighting the effectiveness of the teams efforts. FBA's total equity also increased from $129,325 to $300,011, "this progress keeps us aligned with our strategic goal of achieving $500,000 in cash reserves (after depreciation and prepaid income), ensuring FBA is resilient and prepared for unforeseen challenges".
Ken acknowledged some major contributors to this surplus, including the success of the Family Business Conference: Asia-Pacific held in Penrith, New South Wales, FBA's Education program participation exceeding expectations, and New Zealand making remarkable progress in growth.
Download: FBA Annual Report 2025
Director Appointments and Board Updates
During the AGM, the following Directors were formally appointed:
- Pamela Jabbour was elected as NSW/ACT State Director, unopposed.
- Lea Boyce was reappointed to the Board as an Independent Director.
- Ken Matthews was reappointed to the Board as an Independent Director.
- Welcomed Val Montagnana-Wallace as an Alternate Director for Vic/Tas.
- Welcomed Ellen Bain as an Alternate Director for Qld.
The FBA Board, FBA CEO, Catherine Sayer, the entire FBA team, Partners and members were thanked for a fantastic year.
The AGM marked the close of a successful year of growth for FBA, with the organisation well-positioned for continued future growth, financial sustainability and continued support of family businesses across Australia and New Zealand.
