Worklife | Coworking & Shared Office Space on the South Coast

There had to be a better way to juggle work and life…

Deciding there had to be a better way to balance work and life outside the city, Kate Dezarnaulds founded WorkLife —launching the South Coast’s first coworking space in Berry in 2017.

With a background in arts, events, and advocacy (and the help of her builder husband), Kate set out to create more than just a place to work—she envisioned spaces that would spark creativity, build community, and support the shifting rhythms of regional life.

As the demand for flexible, values-driven workspaces grew—especially with the rise of remote work—WorkLife expanded. Starting in Berry in 2017, the team opened a beautiful seaside location in Coledale at the end of 2021, and more recently brought WorkLife to the growing community of Picton in 2023. Each space has its own personality, deeply shaped by its town and its people.

From day one, WorkLife has proudly prioritised local suppliers and independent service providers—believing that when we invest in the businesses around us, we all thrive. Today, the majority of our members are locals themselves: small businesses, creatives, and changemakers who share our commitment to building vibrant, resilient regional towns.

If you would like a copy of our Commitment to Community statement please email us at concierge@worklife.org.au

Vision

To create a network of beautiful, welcoming workspaces in regional towns that help people balance work and life, and feel more connected to where they live.

Mission

To inspire people to escape the city grind and thrive in regional communities—by offering flexible, purpose-built spaces that support connection, creativity, and meaningful local work.

Commitment

We proudly support the regions we call home by sourcing a minimum of 50% locally whenever possible. Small businesses, sole traders, and community organisations make up the majority of our members. Local people, local suppliers, and local ideas are at the heart of everything we do.

Our team

At WorkLife, our team, like you, are clever, creative, connected, professionals who have chosen to prioritise life and community. We live our values and honour the Work/Life promise. We can’t wait to support you to honour yours.

Kate

Kate has had a career in business development for festivals, events, arts organisations and NFP’s. Most recently with the Foundation of Rural & Regional Renewal, TEDxSydney, The Chaser Lecture and StartupAUS. She is an experienced Director who was on the board until recently of The National Trust (NSW) for 6 years and Underbelly Arts for 5. She moved to Berry from Alexandria with her husband Jacques of J2Build and their 3 kids 9 years ago and has been figuring out how to make her WorkLife work for her ever since.

Brenna

Brenna is an Illustrator and Graphic Designer that made her sea-change dreams come true in 2020. Relocating from Melbourne to her partner Tom’s home town of Kiama she left behind a dream job in the music industry and took the plunge of starting her own design business, Summer Lands Studio. Brenna loves getting to put into practice her passion for innovative thinking, purpose-based design and community connection as part of the WorkLife time. When she’s not designing you’ll find her down at the local farmer’s market or sneaking in an arvo dip at the rockpool.

Rachel

After completing her Bachelor of Early Childhood and teaching for 10 years, Rachel stepped away to focus on her own children and developing her business making and baking Coeliac friendly treats for The GFCookie. Being lucky enough to have grown up, work and now live in the Wollondilly with her family. Rachel along with her husband now raise their 3 kiddos with a similar, simple childhood in mind. One close to nature with access to almost everything nearby. Rachel is so happy to be about in her community with the Picton WorkLife team.

Zar

Zar moved from the UK in 1999 and quickly confirmed that her birth had been a geographical mistake. She spent the next many happy years living in Sydney and passionately working in hospitality.

In 2006 she opened ZarBar, a little hole in the wall in Crows Nest and quickly fell for the community that developed around it.

In 2018, she made the move to the Shoalhaven having loved the area after visiting years before. Zar works full time as barista at Bangalay Dining and assists with the admin and bookkeeping at WorkLife.

Romany

Romany moved to Picton in 2022 with her partner Marc. She worked in film production for a number of years, producing some of her own shorts that have screened internationally. But, horses have always been a passion for Romany and when she’s not working in film, she’s working with horses! Hailing from the hills of Byron Bay, she’s enjoying applying the skills and values of her upbringing into her own little piece of paradise here in Picton. Romany is excited about getting to know the Picton community through WorkLife.

Tegan

Tegan is the owner of interior design practice, Studio Joan Interiors, primarily working on high-end residential projects across Sydney. As a mum of two young, hyper energetic boys, Tegan found solace at WorkLife Coledale, working from our hot-desks. Her bright personality saw her easily become the friendly, familiar face to our Coledale Members in December 23. When her work hat is off, you’ll find her walking along the beach, playing trucks and diggers at the beach or vacuuming sand out of her car.

Charlotte

A proud Ngai Tahu woman residing in the Northern Illawarra, accompanied by her fabulous family and faithful rescue hounds. Following extensive travels and a career in the surf industry, she embraced the journey of motherhood, leading her to change tack and fulfil her lifelong aspiration of becoming a florist. Now, orchestrating events, weddings and the odd reality TV show, she finds profound fulfilment in crafting unforgettable moments. At Worklife Coledale, her dedication to community and fostering meaningful connections transforms each day into a delightful blend of purpose and camaraderie.

Sophie

A born-and-bred Sydneysider, Sophie and her partner Dave swapped the rat race for their happy place on the South Coast in 2017 and haven’t looked back. With a background in the Creative industry, Sophie has experience in PR, Film, Theatre, Magazines, Marketing and Events. Most recently as a Photographer’s Agent + Producer, managing the careers of some of Australia’s leading photographers. After taking some time away to focus on being a mother to her two boisterous young girls, Sophie is excited to become a part of the community that WorkLife prides itself on.