Atherton to host Rabobank succession planning session

Primary producers in far north Queensland have the opportunity to increase knowledge to assist with family farm succession and business transition at a complimentary information session.

Hosted by Rabobank’s Queensland Rabo Client Council, the practical Business Transition and Succession Planning information session will be held in Atherton on Thursday 21 May.

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 into account differing family goals.

Limited to 30 participants and not restricted to the bank’s clients, the session will be delivered by director of Transition Partners, Jim Benson.

During the session, Cairns-based Mr Benson will share different scenarios of what succession can look like for a family enterprise, and how problems can arise when different dynamics are added. The session is not aimed to address family specific issues for attendees, rather it is an information sharing opportunity drawing on Mr Benson’s first-hand knowledge.

The Atherton event is part of a series of Business Transition and Succession Planning information sessions delivered around Australia, led and funded by food and agribusiness banking specialist’s Rabo Client Councils, groups of innovative, forward-thinking farming clients passionate about making a difference in their communities. The councils support a range of activities designed to make a meaningful impact on the vibrancy and resilience of rural Australia.

Rabobank state manager for Queensland Polly Saraiva said that the session in Atherton was developed to support farming families in preparing for the transfer of their agricultural businesses across generations. “The focus is on enhancing communication skills to facilitate effective discussions regarding business transition and succession planning,” she said.

“By making informed decisions and keeping communication open, families can build strategies that support the core values of their family farm to help ensure its future success,” Ms Saraiva said. “Transitioning a farm business successfully involves much more than just legal or financial considerations.”

The session content includes guidance on how to start the conversation about business succession, Ms Saraiva 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.
 

Queensland Rabo Client Council chair Sonia Spurdle.

Ravenswood-based beef producer and chair of the Queensland Rabo Client Council Sonia Spurdle said the session gives couples and families a chance to learn together and take part in group discussion around family succession.

“Starting to plan early is key to helping ensure a smooth business transition. By addressing succession well in advance, potential disagreements arising from conflicting expectations can be reduced – if the process is not postponed,” she said.

Since launching the business transition and succession planning information session program in 2024, the Rabo Client Councils have delivered 33 sessions across the country – to date providing family farm succession and business transition skills and tools to over 770 participants.

“These sessions are designed to equip producers with skills for developing continuity plans that ensure their businesses can carry on for generations to come,” Ms Spurdle said.

“The Rabo Client Council network is focused on developing meaningful grassroots initiatives to support key themes focusing on building industry capacity, championing rural wellbeing, sustainability and strengthening the rural-urban connection.”

Ms Spurdle called on producers who are interested in attending the session, keen to meet other progressive farming families and develop new skills, to confirm their place before the session is fully allocated.

Information session details:

• Thursday, 21 May 2026 – 8.00am – 2.00pm (Atherton)

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 35 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.