Rockhampton to host Rabobank business transition and succession planning information session

Primary producers in central Queensland have the opportunity to develop skills to assist with family farm succession and business transition at a complimentary information session.

Hosted by the Southern Queensland Rabo Client Council, the practical Business Transition and Succession Planning information session will be held in Rockhampton in mid September.

The initiative has been led and funded by food and agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank’s Rabo Client Councils, a group of innovative, forward-thinking clients who are passionate about making a difference in their communities and support a range of activities designed to make a meaningful impact on the vibrancy and resilience of rural Australia.

The interactive session – which is free of charge – offers practical information, such as why family and business communication can be difficult and how to improve it, what makes a meeting work and how to take account of differing family goals.

The information session – which will be limited to 30 participants and is not restricted to the bank’s clients – will be presented by content and facilitator partner, Transition Partners director Jim Benson.
 

Rabo Client Council member Sue Marshall

Rabo Client Council member and Coalstoun Lakes-based grain, beef and hay producer Sue Marshall said the session encourages proactive planning among farming families as they prepare for generational transitions within their agricultural enterprises.

Mrs Marshall said the Rabobank session will be “thought provoking and equip attendees with skills to facilitate ongoing communication to help support farming families through the intricacies of business change and succession”.

“By providing access to information and fostering open communication, families can establish plans and strategies that uphold the essential values of the family farm and promote long-term business sustainability,” Mrs Marshall said. “A successful transition of a farm business encompasses more than just the legal and financial considerations.”

The session content includes how to start the conversation about business succession, Mrs Marshall said. “During the session, participants will delve into key aspects of organising their initial meeting to discuss next steps in management, business, property and wealth transition. Additionally, practical tools will be offered to aid in the planning process, assist in settling family and business conflicts, and address family-related issues,” she said.

The information session provides couples and families with a collaborative environment for shared learning. Additionally, it allows producers to briefly step away from their day-to-day farming activities and participate in a group educational experience.

Mrs Marshall said starting “pre-emptive” planning is important for ensuring an effective business transition. “Beginning succession planning early can help avoid potential conflicts resulting from differing individual expectations if the process and discussions are postponed,” she said.

Mrs Marshall, who has experience working through succession planning in her own family farming business, said it is important families also revisit their plans regularly. “It’s important to instigate conversations where you discuss any changes that may have occurred in the last 12 months and talk about plans for the future – business expansion, retirement etc.”

Rabobank state manager for Queensland Polly Saraiva said the Rabo Client Council network is focussed on developing meaningful grassroots initiatives to support key themes focusing on building industry capacity, championing rural wellbeing, sustainability and strengthening the rural-urban connection.

Since launching the Business Transition and Succession Planning information session program in 2024, the Rabo Client Councils have delivered 22 sessions across the country – to date providing family farm succession and business transition skills and tools to almost 600 participants.

Ms Saraiva said the sessions aim to equip primary producers with practical tools to “help achieve success”.

“These sessions provide primary producers with the key tools to develop continuity plans, helping ensure the long-term success of family farming enterprises for future generations. Moreover, the positive impact extends beyond individual farms, bolstering rural and regional communities and enhancing the resilience of the local agricultural sector,” she said.

“If you’re interested in attending the session, keen to meet other progressive farming families and develop new skills, confirm your place before the sessions are fully allocated,” Ms Saraiva said.

Information session details:

• Thursday, 18 September 2025 – 8.30am – 2.00pm (Rockhampton)

To register to participate, visit the Rabobank website or click Succession Sessions: Business Transition & Succession Planning

Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
 

Rabobank Australia & New Zealand Group is a part of the international Rabobank Group, the world’s leading specialist in food and agribusiness banking. Rabobank has more than 125 years’ experience providing customised banking and finance solutions to businesses involved in all aspects of food and agribusiness. Rabobank is structured as a cooperative and operates in 38 countries, servicing the needs of more than nine million clients worldwide through a network of more than 1000 offices and branches. Rabobank Australia & New Zealand Group is one of Australasia’s leading agricultural lenders and a significant provider of business and corporate banking and financial services to the region’s food and agribusiness sector. The bank has 87 branches throughout Australia and New Zealand.