Yarrawonga and Wodonga to host Rabobank succession planning sessions

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

Hosted by Rabobank’s Victoria and Tasmania Rabo Client Council, the practical Business Transition and Succession Planning information sessions will be held in both Yarrawonga and Wodonga inmid-June.

The interactive sessions – which are free of charge – offer 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 sessions will be delivered by director of Transition Partners, Jim Benson.

During the sessions, 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 sessions are 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 Yarrawonga and Wodonga events are part of a series of Business Transition and Succession Planninginformation sessions delivered around Australia, led and funded by the food and agribusiness banking specialist’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 Jingellic-based dairy farmer Meaghan Daly said the sessions provide couples and families with an opportunity to learn together and engage in group discussions with other farming families.

“Getting an early start on planning is key for a smooth business transition. Tackling succession ahead of time helps minimise disagreements from differing expectations and avoids problems that can arise if the process is delayed,” Ms Daly said.

“Managing a farming business calls for a long-term outlook – focused on business sustainability and continuity. Succession planning is a critical part of that process. By taking a proactive approach and engaging in clear, early discussions, farming families can help provide certainty, reduce risk, and support a smooth transition to the next generation. It ensures the legacy built is protected while positioning the business for ongoing growth and resilience.”

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 Daly 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 sessions in Yarrawonga and Wodonga have been developed to support farming families in preparing for the transfer of their agricultural business across generations. “The primary goal is to improve communication skills – making it easier to have productive conversations about business succession and transition planning,” she said.

“Through open communication and informed decision-making, families can create strategies that uphold their family farming businesses’ values and secure its future. Transitioning a farm business successfully involves much more than just legal or financial considerations.”

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:

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 – 8.00am – 2.00pm (Yarrawonga)Wednesday, June 17, 2026 – 8.30am – 2.00pm (Wodonga)

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

Morning tea and lunch will be provided.