Last month, Directors, Principals and Practice Managers from our Brentnalls Affiliates gathered in Adelaide for our bi-annual national conference – a chance to reconnect, share ideas, and look ahead together.

Day 1: Getting Started & Catching Up
We kicked things off at Brentnalls SA’s new office in Hindmarsh, where Practice Managers met to discuss current challenges and opportunities. Afterwards, everyone enjoyed a tour of the new space and some welcome drinks. The evening wrapped up with a lively cocktail party at Electra House, giving everyone a chance to catch up before the conference officially kicks off.

Day 2: Strategy, Updates, and New Ideas
Thursday’s sessions at the Marriott Hotel started with a welcome and a quick update on our group’s strategy. We revisited the history of Brentnalls’ national affiliation and set the tone for the day.

Some standout moments:

• Industry Update: Justin Porch shared what’s new in the accounting world.
• Practice Updates: OHM and Brentnalls NSW talked about what’s working in their firms.
• Next Gen Talent: Warwick Cavell led a discussion on attracting and keeping great people, including pathways to equity.
• Benchmarking: Wade Crane helped us dig into performance data and best practices.
• Tech & Compliance: Peter DiStefano from BGL showed off new tools for client verification and automation, especially in light of AUSTRAC’s latest requirements.

We also broke out into office groups to talk through learnings and action items, enjoyed lunch together, and ended the day with dinner at Fugazzi.

Day 3: HR, More Updates, and Action Plans
Friday started with practice updates from Brentnalls WA, Harris Black, and Chester Grey. Naomi Wilson from Focus HR gave a practical session on HR risks and how to handle them.

Other key activities:

• Each firm worked together to list out action items and outcomes from the conference.
• Subcommittees gave quick updates on tax, business advisory, next gen initiatives, women in Brentnalls, and AI.
• The conference wrapped up with dinner at Ocean Bar and Kitchen on Henley Beach—a great way to finish up and celebrate our shared achievements.

Looking Forward
This year’s Brentnalls conference was all about learning from each other, sharing what works, and planning for the future. With a focus on innovation, benchmarking, and developing our teams, we’re set to keep moving forward together and look forward to gathering again in Perth in March 2026.

This month we’re excited to welcome Sam, who joins us with an impressive mix of academic achievement and sporting experience — including a high ATAR and three years in the Brisbane Lions Academy. When he’s not working or studying, you’ll likely find him DJing, watching sport, or cooking up a burrito bowl or his signature spaghetti and meatballs.

Sam’s love of good food runs deep. His deserted-island essentials include water, lasagna and an AFL footy, and if he had to choose one meal for life, Nonna’s spaghetti and meatballs would win every time. He also swears by his morning ritual: a homemade double-shot latte to kick-start the day.

Fun fact: athletic talent runs in the family — Sam’s cousin is the personal trainer for NBA star Luka Dončić. With sport, music and food all playing a big part in his life, Sam brings a lively and well-rounded energy to the office.

We’re thrilled to have him on board and look forward to working with him.