The Family Business Excellence Awards celebrated its most outstanding contributors at the 2025 Family Business Conference: Asia-Pacific this week hosted by Family Business Association.
Peter and Sally-Ann Eather, founders of Eather Group, a Supply Nation-certified Indigenous family business dedicated to driving a Circular Economy in the infrastructure sector, won the Founder's Family Business Award on Thursday.
Mr Eather spoke of the early days when the couple started with $10,000 and big aspirations.
"About 15 years ago we had big dreams to provide opportunities for our family and community. Boy has it been a wild ride," he said.
"We implemented the three Cs: Caring for Country, Caring for Culture and Caring for Community. Putting these concepts in place, has meant we are able to do the things we do.
"We are building a sustainable future for us and our beautiful daughter."
The awards underscore the key role family-run enterprises play across Australia and Aotearoa – New Zealand, highlighting their innovation, economic, social, and cultural impacts.
With family businesses representing 70 per cent of all businesses in Australia and providing about 50 per cent of the nation's workforce with a job, they span the spectrum from small local shops to large multinational operations, demonstrating the diversity and strength of family entrepreneurship in the region.
Catherine Sayer, chief executive of the Family Business Association - the peak body behind the awards - said the organisation is committed to championing the achievements of these vital organisations and their leaders.
"Family businesses are the heart of Australia's economy and social fabric. These awards celebrate not only their achievements but also the enduring spirit of entrepreneurship, resilience, and community that family businesses embody," she said.
"They deserve this recognition as they are a key part of our economy and way of life."
Other winners of the evening includeed Leading Woman in Family Business Award winner: Amanda Challen, Advance Civil Engineering (Northern Territory); Emerging Leader in Family Business winner: Jordana Ashcroft O'Sullivan, Fore Design + Flex Planning (SA); Established Family Business Award winner: DECO Australia (NSW); Legacy Family Business Award winner: Yalumba (South Australia); and Family Business of the Year winner: DECO Australia (NSW).