As September draws to a close, I’ve found myself reflecting on what has been a truly inspiring month for family businesses across the country. Australian Family Business Day, held on September 19, is always an opportunity to pause and celebrate the extraordinary contributions family enterprises make to our economy, our communities, and our culture.
It’s often said that small and family businesses are the backbone of Australia. That isn’t just a nice sentiment—it’s a fact. Family businesses employ half of all working Australians, making them not just an economic force but a vital part of the fabric of our society. Behind every statistic lies a story of hard work, sacrifice, resilience, and the quiet pride that comes from building something enduring with the people closest to you.
Highlights from a Vibrant Month
This year’s program was filled with energy, ideas, and a renewed sense of community. Beyond the national Family Business Day, which highlighted family enterprises across the country, we had a particularly strong lineup of events here in Queensland.
The Queensland State Conference was a real highlight, bringing together family business leaders to hear from engaging speakers who shared both their expertise and lived experience. From discussions on succession planning to the evolving economic landscape, the sessions sparked fresh thinking and practical insights for all of us steering family-owned companies into the future.
We also had the chance to get up close and personal with other Queensland family businesses through the Meet the Owners event at Sharpe Engineering. Walking through another family company’s story, seeing how they’ve innovated and sustained growth, is always a reminder that while no two family businesses are the same, we often face similar challenges and draw strength from shared values.
Finally, the State of the Economy event, hosted by BDO, provided us with a valuable look at the bigger picture. Family businesses don’t operate in a bubble; we’re navigating interest rate shifts, global supply chain pressures, and a rapidly evolving workforce. Having a forum to analyse these trends and discuss how they will impact family enterprises was both sobering and empowering.
Pride in a Shared Journey
For me, these events did more than just inform—they reminded me why being part of the Australian family business community is such a privilege. Every gathering, every conversation, reinforced the shared sense of resilience and innovation that binds us together.
As the second-generation leader of Adina Watches, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own family’s journey. For the past 54 years, our family has been training watchmakers and hand-building timepieces right here in Brisbane. In an era when many said Australian manufacturing couldn’t survive, we’ve held firm to our belief in local craftsmanship, producing watches that carry not only precision but also pride in being Australian-made.
Being based in Brisbane, which will soon take the world stage as the 2032 Olympic City, adds another layer of excitement. Just as athletes dedicate years of training to reach the pinnacle of their sport, family businesses like ours dedicate decades to building something lasting. It’s a parallel that makes me proud to think about how our city and its businesses will be showcased to the world in just a few short years.
Looking Ahead
With National Family Business Day officially behind us, the lessons, connections, and inspiration will carry forward. At its heart, the past month is not just about celebration. It’s about recognising that we are part of something larger. Each family business is unique, but together we form a powerful community built on shared values: commitment, continuity, and contribution.
As I look to the future, I’m energised by the knowledge that Adina Watches is part of this broader movement. We are not just making watches. We are carrying forward a family legacy, creating opportunities for skilled tradespeople, and contributing to the story of Australian manufacturing. In doing so, we are part of a community that understands the joys and challenges of blending family with business.
In Closing
September has been a month of celebration, but also a reminder: family businesses matter. They matter to our economy, to our communities, and to the generations who will follow. As a second-generation leader, I feel a deep sense of pride and responsibility knowing that our family has played a small but enduring role in this story.
Here is to another year of supporting, learning from, and celebrating Australian family businesses, and to the next chapter of growth for all of us who are lucky enough to be part of this remarkable community.
