By Steve Michelson, Founder and Director
I’m pleased to share some personal news about the next chapter for Banksia Strategic Partners.
What began as a venture on my laptop has grown into a national advisory business trusted by organisations across the corporate, government and community sectors. Growing up in a family of small‑business owners, I learned early the value of persistence, service and building something that matters – principles that have shaped Banksia from the very beginning.
Today, I’m proud to announce that Banksia Strategic Partners has merged with SAS Group. This marks an exciting new chapter, strengthening our capabilities and expanding our reach while remaining true to the purpose and values that have guided Banksia from day one. SAS Group is a nationally recognised strategic communications and public affairs firm with deep experience across business, government and the community sector, and a strong reputation for practical, outcomes‑focused advice. We are thrilled to be joining their team.
We will continue to operate as Banksia, and I will continue to lead our team, all of whom will remain in place. This merger enables us to build on what we’ve created and deliver even greater reach, capability and impact nationally.
From the outset, Banksia has been driven by a belief that strategic advice should do more than solve problems – it should strengthen organisations, support people and contribute to positive social impact. That belief has shaped our work across industries and communities, and it will continue to guide us in this next phase and as our brand evolves over time.
I want to express my deepest thanks to the Banksia team. Their talent, integrity and sheer hard work transformed a small start‑up into a trusted national consultancy. I’m equally grateful to the clients who placed their confidence in us – from business leaders and listed companies navigating complex challenges, to public sector partners working to deliver better outcomes, and unions and community organisations advancing fairness and opportunity. It has been a privilege to support your work.
I also want to acknowledge my husband, Hayden, and our children, Arabella and Joseph. Their encouragement, patience and unwavering belief in what we have built made this journey possible. Every late night, early flight and difficult decision was made easier because of them.
Merging with SAS Group represents an exciting opportunity to build on everything Banksia has achieved. It gives us greater capability and broader reach while keeping us grounded in the principles that have defined us from the start: practical advice, genuine partnership and a focus on meaningful impact. I look forward to continuing to work alongside leaders across industry, government and the community sector with the same commitment to integrity, purpose and outcomes – now supported by the expanded expertise and resources of SAS Group.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of the Banksia journey. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together and energised for what comes next.
If you have any questions about the merger please get in touch with our team.
