In the heart of regional New South Wales, Kate Dezarnaulds is quietly (and sometimes not-so-quietly) reshaping the way we work, connect and build community.

As the founder of WorkLife, a network of beautifully designed coworking spaces across Berry, Coledale, and Picton, Kate is on a mission to make regional work life just as connected, creative and vibrant as anything you’d find in a city – without the traffic or high rents.

Launched in 2017 in the picturesque town of Berry, WorkLife was born out of a simple realisation: that working from home in the regions could feel isolating, disconnected and oftentimes uninspiring.

“After years working in arts, events and advocacy, I moved regionally and, like so many others, found myself craving connection, professional infrastructure, and a sense of purpose that extended beyond my home office,” Kate shares.

Enter WorkLife: more than just a shared workspace, it’s a thoughtfully curated hub that sparks creativity, builds community, and offers remote workers, creatives, microbusiness owners and local not-for-profits a place to feel grounded, supported, and seen.

“With the help of my (very handy) builder husband, I set out to create more than just a place to work. I envisioned spaces that would spark creativity, build community, and support the shifting rhythms of regional life,” says Kate.

And it worked.

What began with one site in Berry has now grown into a multi-location network across the Illawarra and South Coast, with each space reflecting the unique personality of its place and people. From the seaside calm of Coledale to the heritage charm of Picton’s old Post Office, WorkLife isn’t a cookie-cutter franchise. It’s hyper-local, deeply embedded and values-driven.

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Filling the (gaping) gap in coworking spaces

“There were very few spaces outside major cities that supported modern, flexible work, especially those that also nourished human connection,” Kate tells Business Builders.

WorkLife filled that gap, offering flexible office suites, community events, and beautifully designed environments that do far more than provide Wi-Fi and a coffee machine.

Kate’s approach to her business is grounded in purpose. “Our business model has been engineered for the social impact that we want to have on diverse, connected and sustainable regional communities,” she says. That impact includes B-Corp certification, Social Traders registration, People and Planet First accreditation and her own role as a SENCA Champion for Change.

Coworking, but make it regional (and meaningful)

The challenges of running a coworking business in regional Australia are many, and Kate doesn’t sugar-coat them. From the escalating cost of leasing beautiful buildings and “blokey landlords,” to the post-COVID shifts in working habits, she says building a profitable model hasn’t been easy.

“Running a values-driven business in regional Australia, particularly one as innovative (and often misunderstood) as coworking, has meant navigating a constant mix of practical, economic and cultural challenges,” Kate says.

“We’ve weathered bushfires, floods and extended COVID lockdowns – all of which deeply impacted our members and our ability to operate.”

And then there’s the sales pitch.

“One of the biggest and most persistent hurdles has been educating people on what coworking actually is. Many in the regions still wonder what a ‘shared workspace’ is… They get libraries or serviced offices – but not coworking.”

Post-COVID, the market’s changed again. “Now, working from home has become the default, and in the current economic climate, coworking can be seen as a luxury or a ‘nice-to-have’. Especially for micro-businesses who are struggling with profitability or consistency.”

“We would be able to attract plenty of salaried remote workers, but they don’t want to fund it themselves and wish their employers – who probably still want them back in their CBD offices – to pay for it.”

And while the challenges continue, so does Kate’s passion.

“Right now, our biggest challenge is making the case that where you work really matters. We’re working hard to show that coworking isn’t just a desk, it’s a productivity multiplier, a mental health booster, and a gateway to new opportunities, networks and resilience during a time of massive change.”

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Making a real impact – one town at a time

The numbers speak for themselves. In the past year alone, WorkLife has supported 200 members, given free or discounted space to over 20 community organisations, hosted hundreds of events and created six flexible, well-paid jobs for local women returning to the workforce or balancing caring responsibilities.

“There’s a real spirit of generosity and pride in regional life,” says Kate. “We get to see the direct impact of our work, whether it’s a startup founder landing their first big client, or a freelancer finding connection after moving from the city.”

A political twist in the journey

Kate’s impact hasn’t been confined to coworking. In 2022, she stood as a Community Independent candidate in the federal election, representing Gilmore, the most marginal seat in the country at the time.

“I never would have thought a career in politics would be the outcome of founding WorkLife,” she laughs. “But it shows that the mix of business and community that I stand for resonates locally.”

She ran a short but energetic eight-week campaign and walked away with 8 per cent of the primary vote. “I loved it. That was probably the most surprising thing.”

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The Regional Heroes’ glow-up

Being named a 2025 Regional Heroes finalist is a moment of validation that means a lot for this small business owner. “Regional business isn’t always glamorous – it’s persistent, community-driven, and often under the radar. To have our work recognised on a national stage means a lot,” says Kate.

She’s already connected with her fellow finalists on LinkedIn, of course. “There are some incredible businesses being celebrated – it’s going to be tough to decide!”

So, what’s next?

While the economy’s a little wobbly, Kate has plenty in the pipeline. From launching regional study hubs and virtual memberships with real-world support, to growing partnerships with social enterprises and exploring how to better use WorkLife spaces outside of standard business hours, the team is focused on long-term impact.

“There might be a few more WorkLife locations within a one-hour commute from home in Berry on the horizon… or we might just focus on expanding and diversifying the uses of our beautiful spaces on the weekends and evenings when they aren’t as busy.”

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Advice for regional dreamers

Kate’s message to anyone thinking of launching a business in regional Australia? Do it. But don’t do it alone.

“The regions are full of possibility, but success comes from getting involved, building trust, and truly embedding yourself in the community. My top advice? Build your network early. There’s incredible generosity in regional communities – but you need to show up, ask questions, and contribute.

“You’re not just gaining more space, you’re gaining a different pace, deeper connections, and a stronger sense of place.”

The future is hyper-local

Whether it’s advocating for policy change, running vibrant coworking hubs, or mentoring the next generation of regional entrepreneurs, Kate Dezarnaulds is leading the charge toward a smarter, more sustainable future for regional work.

“I genuinely believe that the future will be hyper-local and that regional living offers people the opportunity to live the lives they crave in the city – but with deeper community, better balance and greater purpose.”

And if you’re looking for proof that the future of work doesn’t have to mean an inner-city commute? Just ask the crew at WorkLife – they’ll save you a desk.

Cast your vote!

Voting is now on for the Business Builders 2025 Regional Heroes competition in partnership with Vodafone Business. Now’s the time to show your support. Just head to the voting page, click on your favourite Regional Hero and hit the SUBMIT button at the bottom of the page.

Voting closes 11:59 PM Monday, 21 July.

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