What’s happening?
Primary producers in central Queensland can gain practical skills for family farm succession and business transition at a free information session in Rockhampton on Thursday, 18 September 2025 from 8.30am to 2.00pm. Hosted by the Southern Queensland Rabo Client Council, the session will be presented by Transition Partners director Jim Benson and is open to 30 participants, with no requirement to be a Rabobank client. Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
Why it matters
The program supports farming families as they prepare for generational change, offering tools to improve communication and plan effectively. It encourages early, proactive conversations to prevent potential conflicts and ensure long-term business sustainability.
Local impact
The Rockhampton event provides local producers with a collaborative space to discuss their future, away from daily farm demands. It aims to strengthen rural resilience and support the continuity of family-owned agricultural enterprises in the region.
By the numbers
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Since its 2024 launch, Rabobank’s Business Transition and Succession Planning program has delivered 22 sessions nationwide.
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Almost 600 participants have attended so far, gaining tools to manage succession and transition in family farm businesses.
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The Rockhampton session will be capped at 30 participants to allow for interactive discussion and learning.
Zoom in
Coalstoun Lakes grain, beef and hay producer and Rabo Client Council member Sue Marshall said the 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”. She stressed the importance of revisiting plans regularly, noting families should discuss any changes in the past year and future plans such as expansion or retirement.
Zoom out
Rabobank state manager for Queensland Polly Saraiva said the Rabo Client Council network focuses on initiatives that build industry capacity, champion rural wellbeing, promote sustainability and strengthen rural-urban connections. She said the 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” and boost resilience in rural and regional communities.
What to look for next
Producers interested in attending are encouraged to register via the Rabobank website before spots are filled. The session will give attendees practical tools to start succession conversations, organise effective meetings, manage differing family goals and resolve conflicts.
