Community Culture Business Connection
Welcome to the Scottish-Australian Connection
Our Purpose
In furtherance of our mission, the Association promotes and facilitates cultural, social, economic, and community development outcomes by:
Supporting migrants and visa holders transitioning between Scotland and Australia.
Encouraging and strengthening networks between individuals, businesses, and organisations with shared interests in trade, industry, arts, and small enterprise.
Promoting cultural exchange and recognising contributions to trade, industry, arts, and skills development, including through our annual awards.
Facilitating funding, sponsorship, and donations for activities in sport, athletics, music, agriculture, and the creative arts.
Supporting veterans and community wellbeing through partnerships with organisations including the Returned and Services League (RSL).
Promoting inclusive community engagement and collaboration with multicultural groups.
Advancing initiatives that reflect the principles of diversity, inclusion, and grassroots participation.
Connecting business leaders to create a positive impact that will benefit both communities in their growth and development.
Our Community in Action
Our migrant culture in the community.
Our Scottish migrants in Australian communities are connected by shared values, genuine ideas, and authentic practices. As our business network expands and our cultural community continues to grow, we are creating a unique and identifiable platform that brings an understanding of the past to better prepare for the future. As a 21st-century board of professionals, our aim remains to be a trusted and respected organisation that fosters meaningful connections through our core interests in small business, sport, music, agriculture, athletics, and the creative arts. We seek to inspire collaboration, encourage innovation, and create opportunities that strengthen both our community and our contribution to Australian society.
Scotland’s economy in Australia
Scottish migrants have been leaving their mark on Australia for generations, bringing enterprise, ingenuity, and occasionally a strong opinion on how things should be done. Along the way, they have made lasting contributions to business, agriculture, music, the creative arts, sport, and athletics, helping to shape vibrant communities across the country. These connections continue today, creating opportunities for businesses, community groups, and not-for-profit organisations to work together and support worthwhile causes. We are fortunate to have philanthropic partners and sponsors who share our vision and continue to back our initiatives with enthusiasm. In 2026, we're delighted to welcome BrewDog as a new sponsor. After all, great ideas often start with a conversation, and sometimes that conversation is even better with a craft beer in hand!
Sports Award 2025. Dean Riva
Our most recent connection to sport in the 21st century can undoubtedly be found through Scottish football and the Commonwealth Games. While controversy often attracts headlines, it also helped shine a spotlight on our grassroots organisation and demonstrated that genuine culture, community, and shared values continue to thrive. A special thanks goes to Dean Riva and Ricki Neill, who were on the ground promoting our organisation and building meaningful connections within the sporting community. Their commitment and enthusiasm helped raise awareness of our mission and showcased the strength of our growing network. Originally from Scotland and now based in Australia, Dean has been involved in Lawn Bowls since childhood, developing a lifelong passion for the sport and the community that surrounds it. As Dean works towards establishing his future in Australia. And let's be honest, whether it's football, bowls, or a community gathering, Scots have always had a knack for bringing people together and making a memorable occasion of it.
We are driven by a commitment to
Our Aim
To connect all individuals and businesses with a continuing trade /industry/art/skill or other between Scotland and Australia.
Our Values
Connection, Integrity, Honesty, Transparency, Respect, Harmony, Friendship, Inclusion, Reciprocation between all individuals and business ideas, memberships, promotion and financial outcomes including Our Constitution November 2023.
Our Objectives
To support Scottish Businesses and Individuals within a 21st Century Model of Benevolence that will benefit all aspects of contributions to continuous trades and Industry between Scotland and Australia.
Why Join Scottish Network Australia?
Connecting Opportunities
Celebrate culture in community. From traditional gatherings to modern intercultural events, we showcase the richness of Scottish culture while strengthening friendships across diverse communities.
Learning Resources
SNA champions culture and creativity within the network as a funder, advocate, and public body, working to influence others, expand opportunities, and maximise the impact of shared resources. This support spans sport, music, athletics, agriculture, and artistic promotion, strengthening cultural connections and sustainable growth.
Cultural Celebrations
Community and culture today are increasingly shaped by connection, wellbeing, and diversity. Strong community ties—particularly connections to Country, culture, and language—play a vital role in identity, belonging, and mental health. Modern society is actively balancing the preservation of rich cultural traditions with inclusion, celebrating diversity while progressing toward meaningful reconciliation.
Blended Support
Benefit from connections, promotions, inclusion and development. Resources are now available through our new community partnership agreement at OzBiz MultiCultural Community.
Connect with our business mentors at Oz Biz Network via membership.
Awards
Take part in our annual St Andrew’s Day Awards and be recognised for your individual or group achievements with an official certificate or glassware. Now into our our fourth year, we’re proud to celebrate outstanding nominations from across the states.
Become a Member
Join our community of forward-thinking businesses and professionals.
As a member, you'll gain access to exclusive resources, networking opportunities, and the chance to be part of a supportive and dynamic community.
Sponsor Us
Support the growth of culturally diverse businesses and gain visibility within our community.
As a sponsor, you’ll be recognised for your commitment to diversity and inclusion, and you’ll have the opportunity to connect with our members in meaningful ways.
We've been active with Scottish Events since 2019!
Participate in meaningful events and gatherings that celebrate and promote our cultural diversity.
A wee note from our Treasurer, Colin Paterson from Glasgow and small business owner in Melbourne.
From Highland Cow adventures to the rich traditions of whisky, music, and the performing arts, our journey has been filled with sport, entertainment, friendship, and unforgettable moments. Even during lockdowns, our community spirit remained strong, with quiz nights lighting up Zoom screens across Australia and beyond.
Scottish humour, immortalised through the works of Robert Burns, continues to bring people together, while cherished traditions and don’t forget those Kilted Karaoke’s Commonwealth Games, Comedy and the legendary curry nights have become part of our modern story. As Burns famously wrote, “Man’s inhumanity to man makes countless thousands mourn!” Yet it is community, friendship, and goodwill that remind us of a better path and a stronger future.
These experiences are not simply events on a calendar. They represent the relationships, shared values, and authentic connections that define our community. As a 21st-century grassroots organisation, we believe culture thrives when people come together in healthy, welcoming, and inclusive spaces.
Our 2026 Annual General Meeting demonstrated exactly that. We reported increased financial donations to community initiatives, growth in business memberships and sponsorships, and a wealth of new ideas and opportunities for the future. The message was clear: when we create environments that encourage participation, collaboration, and belonging, our community flourishes.
Today, our focus extends across small business, agriculture, sport, music, athletics, and the creative arts. Through these shared interests, we continue to build meaningful connections, support local initiatives, and create opportunities for future generations.
Most importantly, we recognise that every Australian town has its connection to Scotland. Whether through family stories, community leadership, business enterprise, sporting achievements, or cultural traditions, those connections remain alive and well. By celebrating them together, we strengthen not only our own network but also the communities in which we live, work, and contribute.
In the spirit of Robert Burns, who encouraged us to see ourselves and one another honestly and with humour, we remain committed to building a community where people feel welcome, valued, and inspired.
Every Australian town has a Scottish story. Our role is to help people discover it, celebrate it, and write the next chapter together.
“For a’ that, and a’ that, it’s coming yet for a’ that, that man to man, the world o’er, shall brothers be for a’ that.” — Robert Burns
We believe collaboration should be built on respect, not replication. Our content represents the collective efforts of our community and should never be copied or repurposed to advance the interests of others without express permission.
Feedback to info@ozbiznetwork.au
Our Supporters
https://rangetasmania.com.au
htttps://relationalminds.com.au
