Biloela and Bundaberg to host Rabobank succession planning sessions

Primary producers have the opportunity to increase knowledge to assist with family farm succession and business transition at upcoming complimentary information sessions.

Hosted by Rabobank’s Queensland Rabo Client Council, the practical Business Transition and Succession Planning information sessions will be held in both Biloela and Bundaberg in late July.

The interactive sessions – which are free of charge – offer 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.

Rabo Client Council member and Coalstoun Lakes grain, beef and hay producer Sue Marshall, with her husband Steve.

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

During the sessions, Mr Benson will share different scenarios of what succession can look like for a family enterprise, and how issues can arise when different dynamics are added. The sessions are 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 Biloela and Bundaberg events are part of a series of Business Transition and Succession Planning information sessions delivered around Australia, led and funded by the food and agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank’s Rabo Client Councils. Groups of innovative, forward-thinking Rabobank farming clients who are passionate about making a difference in their communities, the councils support a range of activities designed to make a meaningful impact to the vibrancy and resilience of rural Australia.

Rabo Client Council member and Coalstoun Lakes grain, beef and hay producer Sue Marshall said the sessions offer couples and families the chance to learn together and take part in group discussions with other farming families.

“Starting succession planning early is a key element to a smooth business transition,” Mrs Marshall said. “Addressing the subject early can reduce conflict caused by differing expectations and help avoid issues that may arise if planning is left too late.”

“Successfully running a farming business requires a long-term focus on business sustainability and continuity,” she said. “Succession planning is a vital part of that. By starting early and having open, clear conversations, farming families can create certainty, reduce risk and support a smooth handover to the next generation. This helps protect the legacy they have built while setting the business up for continued growth and resilience.”

Since launching the Business Transition and Succession Planning Information Session program in 2024, the Rabo Client Councils have delivered 34 sessions across the country – to date providing family farm succession and business transition skills and tools to over 800 participants.

Mrs Marshall said the Rabo Client Council network is focused on developing meaningful grassroots initiatives to support key themes focused on building industry capacity and ag education, championing rural wellbeing and strengthening the rural-urban connection.

Rabobank Queensland state manager Polly Saraiva said the Biloela and Bundaberg sessions were designed to help farming families prepare for the transfer of their agricultural business between generations. “The main aim is to strengthen communication skills, making it easier to have productive conversations about succession and business transition planning,” she said.

“With open communication and informed decisions, families can develop strategies that reflect their values and secure the future of the farm business. A successful transition involves far more than legal or financial matters alone.”

The session content includes suggestions 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 discussed to help with the planning process, assist in settling family and business conflicts and address family-related issues,” she said.

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

Information session details:

• Tuesday, July 21, 2026 – 8.00am – 2.00pm (Biloela)
• Thursday, July 23, 2026 – 8.00am – 2.00pm (Bundaberg)

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

Morning tea and lunch will be provided.

*Disclaimer: These information sessions are for information purposes only. Its contents will be general in nature and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Rabobank Australia Limited ABN 50 001 621 129 AFSL 234700 and Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A. (Australia Branch) ABN 70003917655 AFSL 238446 (collectively referred to as, ‘Rabobank Australia’) recommends attendees seek independent professional advice, consider relevant disclosure documents and terms and conditions for our financial products (all available at www.rabobank.com.au, Rabobank branches or by calling 1300 30 30 33) before making any decisions related in any way to the contents of this information session.

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.