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Rabobank brings succession planning session to Gippsland

Rabobank

Gippsland-based farmers have the opportunity to increase knowledge to assist with family farm succession and business transition at a complimentary information session.

 

Hosted by Rabobank’s Victoria and Tasmania Rabo Client Council, the practical Business Transition and Succession Planning information session will be held in Sale on Friday, June 19, 2026.

 

The interactive session – which is free of charge – offers 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 session will be delivered by director of Transition Partners, Jim Benson.

 

During the session, 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 session is 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 Sale event is 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 to the vibrancy and resilience of rural Australia.

 

Rabo Client Council member and Traralgon-based beef producer Deanne Sykes said the session provides couples and families with an opportunity to learn together and engage in group discussions with other farming families.

 

“It’s never too early for families to start talking about succession,” Ms Sykes said.

 

“Early in my farming career, I had the experience of being involved in a very successful succession process when my husband’s parents transitioned their business. And we are now in the early stages of a similar process with the next generation.  

 

“To develop a successful plan, it’s important farming families avail themselves of the resources and knowledge that is available to them. And I believe it’s crucial families build a team of trusted experts around them, who can support the family through the process.”

 

Since launching the Business Transition and Succession Planning Information Session program in 2024, the Rabo Client Councils have delivered 33 sessions across the country – to date providing family farm succession and business transition skills and tools to over 770 participants.

 

Ms Sykes said the Rabo Client Council network is focused on developing meaningful grassroots initiatives to support key themes focused on building industry capacity, championing rural wellbeing, sustainability and strengthening the rural-urban connection.”

 

Rabobank state manager for Victoria and Tasmania Sally Bull said the session in Sale has been developed to support farming families in preparing for the transfer of their agricultural business across generations. “The main aim is to help people communicate better, so it's simpler to have effective discussions about business succession and transition planning,” she said.

 

“Open communication and informed choices help families develop strategies that maintain the core values of their farming enterprise and help ensure long-term success. Effective farm transitions require more than legal or financial planning alone.”

 

The session content includes suggestions on how to start the conversation about business succession, Ms Bull 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 Bull called on farmers who are interested in attending the session, keen to meet other progressive farming families and develop new skills to confirm their place before the session is fully allocated.

 

Information session details:

• Friday, June 19, 2026 – 8.30am (for 9am start) to 2.00pm (Sale)

 

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

Morning tea and lunch will be provided.

 

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*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.

 

 

Media contacts:

Denise Shaw                                                    Will Banks     

Media Relations                                               Media Relations

Rabobank Australia & New Zealand                Rabobank Australia  

Phone:  02 8115 2744 or 0439 603 525          Phone: 0418 216 103

Email: [email protected]               Email: [email protected]