If Hope is a Verb- how are you doing?
“Hope is a verb.” It was a quote I heard at last weekend’s Berry Writers Festival, where, along with some of the BIGGEST names and BIGGERInstagram followings, I spent a blissful weekend basking in big ideas and beautiful sunshine. My brilliant sister author Tori Haschka was associate Director and WorkLife was a sponsor of the event, and to fund that support, we ran the bar. Over fine Cupitt’s Estate wines, beers, and even better community conversations, I reconnected with my sunny spirit of optimism and a new mantra. Hope is a verb—thanks to the volunteers, writers, and attendees of the festival for giving me my mojo back!
This spring, green shoots are springing up everywhere. At our October Members Lunches, we rolled up our sleeves, repotting all our beautiful (and not-so-beautiful) indoor plants. We fertilised, we chatted, we pruned, and we took a moment to acknowledge the change of the season and the fresh energy blooming in our work and personal lives. These lunches happen bi-monthly at WorkLife’s three locations and offer virtual, casual, part-time, and permanent members a chance to connect and celebrate our brilliant Local Lives.
As we pursue vibrancy in our communities, it’s incredibly grounding to see WorkLife’s values recognised with our recent B-Corp assessment passed and our Social Traders certifications approved. These designations reflect our commitment to community and positive impact—core themes in everything we do. Whether we’re hosting a community event, sharing our space with local entrepreneurs, or bringing cultural projects to life, our certification underscores our mission to support thriving, resilient communities in meaningful ways.
And this vibrancy work is in full force! Alongside my work with the Berry Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, Northern Illawarra Chamber, and Wollondilly Business Chamber, we’re connecting local businesses with the retail and hospitality heroes that bring character and life to our towns. All three WorkLife communities have been embracing opportunities in the NSW Government’s Uptown program, with hopes of securing serious funding to boost entertainment, creativity, and placemaking. Just last week, I spent two joyful days in Sydney for the NEON Forum, watching leader after legend take the stage to champion the value of culture, connection, and fun. It was a joy to recognise so many familiar faces from my misspent youth now in positions of influence—thank goodness the times are changing!
Thank you for being part of WorkLife’s journey, whether you’re joining us for a drink at SocialLife over the summer (opening this weekend! thanks to the team from Yakka), a brilliant community event, or working alongside us each day.
And if you are curious about the kinds of people who choose to work from a WorkLife location- then please read the brilliant Mel Zamudio’s Member Profile below. Mel from Field Energy Services has just joined us as a dedicated desk member at WorkLife Berry. Her story lights me up- as does our great morning chats- and when we asked her what she likes about her membership- this is what she said.
“I love it all. I love the connection to people, the bridge it gives us from the isolation many feel when working remotely or for themselves. It attracts passionate, driven people so it’s hard not to feel energised when you are there. It also seems to attract kind people so it’s hard not to feel grateful when you are there. It inspires me to be braver and think outside the box. The space is welcoming, I like it to a home environment in many ways, the light is good, location is great and when it becomes a wine bar on a weekend it will just be perfect! Wine delivered to my desk 😉 Notwithstanding all of this the real gem in worklife is Kate. Kate’s energy and passion for community, her connections and true belief in the heart of a work community is infectious and what makes this community successful.”
Let’s keep our eyes on those green shoots and remember that hope isn’t passive—it’s something we build together, one step at a time.
Looking forward to seeing you around WorkLife soon!
Best wishes,
Kate
