Australians urged to shop locally on National Family Business Day

In celebrating National Family Business Day on Thursday, Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell urged consumers to shop locally and support the family businesses in their community.

“Family businesses are the lifeblood of our communities and key contributors to our economy,” Ms Carnell said.

“National Family Business Day is a time to recognise the significant role these businesses play, accounting for up to 70 per cent of Australian businesses and employing around half of the country’s workforce.”

Ms Carnell used Frawley’s Shoes, which has been operating in Canberra for the past 92 years, as an example of a family-run business.

The shoe store remains in the family’s hands three generations on, with the Garema Place store managed by Lisa Frawley.

“My family started selling shoes in the 1920s from the back of a T-Model Ford truck,” Mrs Frawley said.

“When Parliament House was being built, they’d drive the truck up to sell the workers their boots. I guess my grandfather knew a business opportunity when he saw one.”

Like any business, Frawley’s Shoes has had its ups and downs, but family values remain at the heart of what they do.

“Being part of a family business is all I’ve ever known, and it’s so nice to work with your dad,” Mrs Frawley said.

“He’s 84 now and we talk nearly every day. He worked here in the shop up until just a few years ago. Dad has a business mind that I admire.” 

Family Business Australia (FBA) is encouraging Australians to celebrate National Family Business Day by hosting a morning tea.