Family Business Insights - State Conference SA/NT 2025

Michael Stillwell  Director Stillwell Family Investments

The Stillwell Motor Group was founded in 1949 by legendary racing driver Bib Stillwell, whose success on the track helped fuel the growth of one of Australia’s most iconic automotive businesses. With the early backing of his mother Marion and the deep involvement of all five of his children, the business was a true family enterprise from the outset.

When Bib passed away unexpectedly in 1999, the second generation faced the challenge of leading through grief and transition. Michael Stillwell and his siblings stepped up to professionalise the company, introducing robust systems and a governance structure that laid the foundation for long-term success. Ultimately, the family made the difficult but strategic decision to sell the business—ensuring its continuity while preserving their legacy.

 In this session, Michael shares candid reflections on the generational lessons learned, the challenges of navigating an unexpected succession, and the emotional journey of letting go. He’ll explore the strategies the family implemented to professionalise the business, how they approached the eventual sale, and how they continue to uphold the family’s values and entrepreneurial spirit beyond ownership.

Session 2: Family Governance in Action: What Works, What Doesn’t & Why It Matters

Emma Daly Chief Strategy and Risk Officer Van Schaik's Bio Gro	Peter Siebels Non Executive Director and Adviser

Effective governance is the cornerstone of long-term success in family business, but what does it look like when it actually works—and what happens when it doesn’t? This session will explore the lived experiences of family businesses that have implemented structured governance frameworks, including family constitutions, councils, and regular family meetings. It will also examine the role of the business board—whether advisory or governed by corporate law—and how its composition, including the presence of non-family members, can shape decision-making and support business strategy.

Through the stories of two experienced family enterprises, we’ll delve into the realities of balancing family dynamics with business performance, managing the relationship between the family and the board, and finding the right external voices to complement internal leadership. Facilitated by Peter Siebels, this conversation will provide practical insights into what contributes to strong governance, what pitfalls to avoid, and what success really looks like when family and business are aligned.

Session 3: Dangerous Discussions

Patrycja Slawuta  Founder, Unlab

Navigating taboo topics like money, sex, and power can feel daunting, especially within family and professional circles. Yet, these conversations hold the potential to spark vitality, creativity, and authentic self-expression—essential ingredients for thriving relationships and resilient businesses.
  
Join Patrycja Slawuta as she guides us through the art of restoring love and affinity in the conversations that matter most. A psychologist who specialises in complexity, nonlinearity, and the messiness of human nature, Patrycja has spoken on topics such as generational wealth transfer, the psychology of purpose, and family dynamics on stages around the world. She has led an Australia-wide study on the psychology of money for one of the major banks and has taught the neuroscience of scarcity and abundance to several family office associations.

In this session, Patrycja will share practical insights into breaking down shame, guilt, and limiting beliefs that often hold us back. Discover how embracing these “dangerous discussions” can transform your family dynamics and unlock new levels of trust and connection.

Randal Tomich CEO and Winemaker Tomich Wines	Anastasia Tomich Tomich Wines	Jack Tomich Tomich Wines	James McGill Chatham Capital

In this compelling conversation, James McGill sits down with the Tomich family—Randall, Jack, and Anastasia—to explore the story behind their acclaimed family winery nestled in the Adelaide Hills. From devastating bushfires in 2019 and the upheaval of COVID to shifting international trade conditions and changing consumer habits, the Tomichs have faced a series of defining challenges in recent years. Through it all, they’ve shown remarkable resilience and adaptability—qualities that have helped preserve both their vines and their vision for a sustainable, premium wine business.

But the real richness lies in the intergenerational conversations now unfolding within the family. As Jack steps into a leadership role, keen to shape the future of the business, Anastasia reflects on how her career in corporate, marketing and the not-for-profit world might support the winery’s next evolution—while also nurturing the next-next generation in her and Randall’s young son. This discussion offers an intimate look at a family business in transition, where heritage meets innovation, and where shared purpose is being reimagined across generations.

Program Outline

Please note: full program may be 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.

Conference and Family Business Excellence Award Lunch Registration 

Venue
Sanctuary Adelaide Zoo is a state-of-the-art function venue offering breathtaking views of the parklands, the city and the zoo.

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.