We spoke with Sally, Peter and Divinia Eather from Eather Group to learn more about their family business and discuss their recent Family Business Excellence Award win for NSW/ACT.
Tell us about your family business.
Eather Group is a transport and earthmoving company based in Western Sydney that has become recognised in our industry for providing sustainable solutions to traditional construction issues, especially our waste-to-resource initiatives which divert construction waste from landfill and have saved projects up to $1,000,000.
My husband Peter found his way into construction through his father Albert (Hoss) who taught him more than just how to operate, but what he calls the ‘old ways’ of work and business – building relationships, earning respect, and never compromising your integrity.
In June of 2010, five years after Hoss passing, we founded Eather Group by gathering all our resources together and purchasing one old pink truck. 14 years later our fleet consists of more than 22 heavy vehicles, 20 machines, and 40 staff.
Back then, our goal was that our family would ever have to worry about work – there would always be a job for them. Today this has extended to provide pathways and opportunities for all people in our community, and we have become an employer of choice, with our team being 28% training and up skilling, 28% First Nations, and 38% Women (compared to the industry average of 13%).
Like many family businesses, we are set apart by our strong family values and unwavering ethics, and by our commitment to leaving a positive legacy.
Congratulations on your recent Family Business Excellence Award! What did winning the award mean to you and your family?
To be recognised amongst our peers of family businesses that we know and respect is truly an honour. The award validates our commitment to the path that we are on, striving for best practice and leading with our family’s values & ethics and a sustainability mindset.
What has been your greatest success?
Creating a sustainable business that supports local jobs for local people, including our own family.
What do you value about FBA?
We had been in business for approximately a decade before we came across FBA and instantly knew that we had found our tribe. FBA helped us to distinguish that the complexities of family business are not specific to us and the organisation provides relevant support, education, and networks that value add to our business experience.
The Forum Group in particular provides a psychologically safe environment which is a refuge to the grind. It’s been an amazing experience getting to know and bonding with the other forum group members on a very deep level, evaporating that sense that business is a lonely place.
What advice would you give to other family businesses?
Become an active member in your FBA membership. Invest in yourself and your business to navigate through the complex world of family business. You can only get out of it what you put in. You just may find your tribe.
Support family business.
