Matthews inducted into the Family Business Hall of Fame

Family-run businesses account for 70% of all Australian businesses and employ half the entire Australian workforce — with many in food-related industries.

Organised by Family Business Australia (FBA), National Family Business Day is on 19 September and celebrates the ‘heartbeat’ of Aussie business.

As part of the celebration, FBA announced winners of its annual Family Business National Awards, and new inductees to the FBA Family Business Hall of Fame, at its Family Business Conference in Melbourne.

Intelligent product identification and information driven manufacturing company Matthews Australasia was one of this year’s FBA Hall of Fame inductees. Other inductees included: Bowhill’s Engineering, Colorific Australia, Ella Baché, Linneys Jewellery, Matthews Real Estate, Normark Landscapes and Trendpac.

Greg Griffith, CEO of FBA, said National Family Business Day recognises the contribution family business makes to the Australian economy and culture.

“Family Business Day acknowledges family businesses as the heartbeat of Australian commerce, employing 50% of the Australian workforce.

“Most family businesses are Australian owned, providing considerable investment and employment opportunities.

“When you spend money on a family-owned Australian business it remains in our communities,” Griffith said.

The most prestigious category, the Distinguished Family Business of the Year Award, was presented to air-conditioning manufacturer Seeley International.

The FBA’s Next Generation Achiever Award was given to Amie Lyone.

FBA Chairman’s Award recipients included John McLean at Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, Angela Mary Ciliberto at C-Direct, Bill Noye at KPMG and Graham Henderson at Mitchell Group Australia.

FBA’s Life Membership was awarded to Dr Jill Thomas, in recognition of over 20 years’ outstanding service to Family Business Australia.

The Australian family business sector is worth approximately $4.3 trillion. The average family business has a turnover of $12 million, and employs 37 people. The purpose of Family Business Australia is to contribute to the long-term success of family business by providing resources and channels to promote success, sustainability and longevity.

For more information, visit www.familybusiness.org.au.