Narrabri and Dubbo to host Rabobank succession planning sessions

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

Hosted by Rabobank’s NSW Rabo Client Council, the practical Business Transition and Succession Planning information sessions will be held in both Narrabri and Dubbo in late-August.

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.

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 they are information-sharing opportunities drawing on Mr Benson’s first-hand knowledge.

The Narrabri and Dubbo events are part of a series of Business Transition and Succession Planning information sessions delivered around Australia, led and funded by 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 on the vibrancy and resilience of rural Australia.

Rabo Client Council member and Mundarlo-based livestock producer Nick Austin 

Rabo Client Council member and Mundarlo-based livestock producer Nick Austin said the sessions give couples and families an opportunity to learn together and discuss succession planning with other farming families.

“For a long time, I thought succession was an issue for families to discuss later in farming careers – when one generation was considering retirement. The more I’ve learnt about the topic, it’s become clear the importance of starting succession planning conversations as early as possible,” Mr Austin said. “Addressing the subject early is a key element to a smooth business transition, and can reduce conflict caused by differing expectations and help avoid issues that may arise if planning is left too late.”

Instead of looking at succession as a division of business assets, Mr Austin said, “it should be seen as an opportunity for business growth”.

“Running a successful farming business requires a long-term focus on business sustainability and continuity,” he said. “Succession planning is essential to that process. By starting early and having clear, open 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 positioning the business 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.

Mr Austin 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 state manager for NSW Toby Mendl said the Narrabri and Dubbo sessions are designed to help farming families prepare to transfer their agricultural businesses between generations. “The sessions aim to strengthen communication skills so families can have more productive conversations about succession and business transition planning,” he said.

“Through open communication and well-informed decisions, families can develop strategies that reflect their values and safeguard the future of the farm business. Successful transition planning involves much more than legal or financial considerations alone.”

The sessions will offer guidance on how to begin conversations about business succession, Mr Mendl said. “Participants will explore key considerations for holding an initial meeting and planning next steps in management, business, property and wealth transition. Practical tools will also be discussed to support planning, help resolve family and business conflicts and address family-related issues,” he said.

Mr Mendl encouraged farmers interested in attending, meeting other progressive farming families and developing new skills to secure their place before the sessions are fully booked.

Information session details:

• Thursday, August 27, 2026 – 8.00am – 2.00pm (Narrabri)
• Friday, August 28, 2026 – 8.00am – 2.00pm (Dubbo)

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.