Family Business Association proudly presents the Family Business Insights State Conference hosted in New South Wales on Thursday, 30 October 2025.
Immerse yourself in this half-day premier event as you connect, share and grow with your New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory family business peers.
Throughout this unrivalled conference program you will be inspired by high calibre speakers and a keynote presentation. You’ll gain valuable insights as they delve into a range of impactful topics designed to support and elevate the family business journey.
Family Business Excellence Awards
This year we will also be announcing and celebrating your local Family Business Excellence Awards winners over lunch before the program begins.
MC: Leona Watson
Speaker / Advisor / CEO Coach
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Session 1: Behind the Brew: Insights from Glenn Cooper AM
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| Glenn Cooper AM Former Chairman, Coopers Brewery |
Join us for an engaging session with Glenn Cooper AM, former Chairman and fifth generation member of Australia’s iconic Coopers Brewery, as he shares lessons from decades of leadership at the helm of one of the country’s most successful family-owned businesses.
With deep expertise in marketing and governance, Glenn will explore how Coopers has maintained its independence and values while navigating market shifts, generational change, and growth. He’ll share insights into building a brand that resonates across generations, managing the delicate balance between family and business, and implementing governance structures that support both continuity and innovation.
Whether you're a next-gen leader or a long-standing family business owner, Glenn’s storytelling and experience offer practical strategies and inspiration for sustaining success in a competitive and ever-changing landscape.
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Session 2: Business vs Family Governance: Which Comes First?
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| Brad Chan CEO, Banna Property Group |
Robert Powell Managing Director, Family Boards |
This panel session will explore a critical question facing family businesses: should business governance or family governance come first? Featuring two board members from separate family enterprises, the session will unpack how each has approached this dilemma and what informed their priorities.
Attendees will gain insight into the unique challenges directors face in family companies—such as navigating legacy, loyalty, and leadership—while balancing commercial performance with family expectations. Key takeaways include how to assess governance maturity, why alignment on purpose is foundational, and practical strategies for sequencing governance efforts to support both business resilience and family cohesion.
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Session 3: Next Gen Voices: Inheriting Legacy, Shaping the Future
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| Josh Kerfoot General Manager, Kerfoot |
Celina Pereira Managing Director, Sunshine Meats |
Bruce Cousins Director, Pilecom |
Kim Venter Director, JBWere |
Stepping into ownership of a family enterprise you didn’t build—but are now entrusted to lead—is a complex and deeply personal journey. In this candid session, a group of next-generation leaders will share what it’s really like to inherit not just a business, but a legacy.
We’ll explore the emotional and practical realities of taking the reins: from grappling with the "gift" of wealth and responsibility, to redefining success beyond net worth—towards net impact and purpose. Together, we’ll unpack how to honour the values of past generations while finding the courage to evolve them, what it takes to lead authentically, and how to navigate the delicate shift as the older generation begins to step back.
Facilitated by Kim Venter, this is a conversation about ownership, identity, and the future of family enterprise—told through the eyes of those who are shaping it now.
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Session 4: Resilience & Leadership in Family Hospitality
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| Laura Goldberg Chief Operating Officer, Hurricane's Grill |
From humble beginnings to becoming one of Australia’s most recognised dining brands, Hurricane’s Grill has navigated the complexities of running a family-owned restaurant. With an international presence spanning multiple locations and licences overseas, Laura Goldberg, co-owner of Hurricane’s Grill and founder of Women in Cafes and Restaurants, will share the story of how the business was built and the innovations that have driven its growth.
Laura will also explore the realities of leading a family business—from balancing family dynamics and managing brand reputation to rebuilding after the Circular Quay fire. She will share her insights on resilience, leadership, championing women in hospitality, and the importance of mental health, offering a powerful perspective on turning challenges into opportunities.
Program Outline
Please note: Program is subject to change.
Networking Drinks
Networking drinks will round off the celebrations, so we hope you will stay for this wonderful opportunity to connect with other members.
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Conference and Family Business Excellence Award Lunch Registration
Registration includes the seated two-course lunch, afternoon tea and post-event networking drinks and canapes.
Early bird pricing ends on Thursday 18 September.
* Prices include GST.
Venue
The Winx Stand is a state-of-the-art function centre named after the legendary mare who captivated the racing world
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For more information on travel and parking at Royal Randwick, please click here.
With Sincere Thanks to our Sponsors:
Event Table
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Printing
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Please contact our office on 1800 249 357 or at events@familybusiness.org.au if you have any questions or require assistance with your registration.
For information regarding cancellation and substitutions, please click here.
