Around the network

SA offices celebrate 70 membership years

Priority: Medium – national network

👓 1 minute read

Three South Australian offices have celebrated First National membership milestones representing a combined 70 years with the network.

FN Burton Groves in Tea Tree Gully marked 40 years of membership, with Chief Executive Officer David Edwards and State Membership Manager Craig Cram joining the team in their celebrations and to present the team with its certificate. Principal, Russell Burton, has served on SA/NT Regional Council, as Regional Chairperson and two years as National Chair. The longevity of Russell’s team affirms the quality of his leadership style.

FN Taylors in Para Hills reaches its 25th anniversary with the network next month. Under Paul Taylor’s leadership and guidance, long-term sales employee, Jakub Ratajczak, recently purchased the business to continue growing FN Taylor’s.

FN Glenelg achieved 5-years' of membership in July, and David Edwards was delighted to present Principal Christine Pinkus with her certificate.

These anniversaries recognise the contribution each office has made to First National in South Australia and the relationships built across the cooperative.

Congratulations to our Burton Groves, Taylors and Glenelg teams.

James helps RizeUp raise $667,400 

Priority: Member story – National 

👓 1 minute read

Congratulations to State Membership Manager (SMM) James Bateman, whose auction skills helped bring the RizeUp Gala Ball to life and contributed to a final fundraising total of $667,400. 

RizeUp founder and CEO Nicolle Edwards gave James special recognition for keeping the ballroom alive with bids, thanking First National for introducing him to the charity. 

First National supported the event as a Platinum Sponsor. With gala costs covered before the doors opened, donations from the night and raffle go directly towards helping victim-survivors of domestic and family violence rebuild their lives. 

Thank you, James, for putting your skills to work for a cause that makes a practical difference. 

Thank you, First National Rayner

Priority: Medium – national network

👓 1 minute read

As these photos show, the First National Rayner team put considerable care into helping RizeUp prepare a welcoming home for a survivor rebuilding after domestic and family violence.

The team assembled furniture, arranged rooms and added the practical comforts that turn an empty property into somewhere a person can begin again.

Thank you to everyone from First National Rayner who gave their time and worked together to make the home ready.

FN Druitt Saunders earns REIWA recognition 

Priority: Medium – National network 

👓 1 minute read

FN Druitt Saunders has placed fourth in Western Australia in REIWA’s property management results for median days on market. 

The result reflects the team’s ability to move rental properties efficiently through marketing and into new tenancies, helping rental providers reduce vacancy while supporting tenants through the application process. 

Congratulations to the entire Druitt Saunders team on earning a place among Western Australia’s strongest performers.

Vale George Norris 

Priority: Medium – National network 

👓 1 minute read

The network was saddened to learn that George Norris passed away on 14 September 2026, aged 85, with his family by his side. 

George made a substantial contribution to First National over many years through countless training sessions, principals’ retreats and business coaching. Many members will remember his practical advice, enthusiasm and determination to help people succeed in business and in life. 

His contribution went well beyond the sessions he delivered. George gave generously of his experience, helping members build confidence, develop their teams and strengthen their businesses. He remained active in his work until the age of 85, reflecting his enduring passion for helping others. 

On behalf of the First National network, we extend our sincere condolences to George’s children, Nicole, Melinda and Campbell, and his wider family and friends. 

George will be warmly remembered by the many people across our network whose lives and businesses he helped shape. 

FN Golden Bay supports Blue September fundraiser 

Priority: Medium – New Zealand  

👓 1 minute read

FN Golden Bay (Takaka) joined local businesses in supporting Blue September to raise funds for prostate cancer research at Nikau Café & Bar. 

Organised by Gail McKnight and Belinda J Barnes, the community gathering raised $2,900 with the help of local sponsors and everyone who attended. 

The result reflects what locally owned First National offices do so well – getting behind the people and causes that matter in their communities. 

Congratulations to FN Golden Bay and everyone who helped make the day a success.