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 support the juggle work and life, she created the solution she craved for her own life and founded WorkLife- the South Coasts first coworking space in 2017.

Kate has a background in the arts, events, sponsorship and advocacy and figured that, coupled with her husbands skills as an award winning builder, if anyone could make a go of a network of regional coworking spaces, it should be her.

In 2018 with the original WorkLife Berry site nearing capacity, Kate and her team turned their attentions to the stunning seaside town of Kiama and established WorkLife Kiama in a double-sized space in 2019.

Emboldened by a COVID induced flight from the city, coupled with the work from home revolution, the team expanded their operations with a premium new offering in Coledale, in the heart of the thriving northern suburbs of Wollongong that opened at the end of 2021.

Sadly, WorkLife’s tricky middle child at Kiama struggled to survive the twin disruptions of COVID and a major multi-year construction site kicking off next door, and in early 2022 Kiama WorkLife had to close it’s doors on it’s temporary home.

With Kiama’s members now travelling south to Berry and the mass exodus of professionals leaving the city to live out their tree change fantasies continuing, the pressure was back on WorkLife Berry to expand to meet the growing demand. With the opportunity of an adjacent site becoming available with an existing liquor license, the team expanded the precinct in Berry to include office suites and a week-end only bar- SocialLife.

The vision for the business is now to provide for all of our members entree to the best of local living in all the communities we operate in- WorkLife for work, SocialLife for hospitality and CommunityLife for events.

Vision

To create a network of beautiful and efficient workspaces for clever, generous and creative professionals on the South Coast.

Mission

So that people are inspired to escape the grind of the city, better balance life and work in thriving regional towns.

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.

Jess

Jess has been very fortunate to have grown up all over the place and has now settled in Kiama with her partner Zac. Jess recently graduated from the University of Wollongong, with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Journalism and Photography. She loves spending her time discovering new places to eat and learning more about the food and wine industry. She is continuously learning how to create a work life balance from those around her, as she manages SocialLife & works as a Community Manager at WorkLife across all sites.

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 as a designer in the music industry and took the plunge of starting her own design business, Summer Lands Studio. It’s here that she gets to put into practice her love for innovative thinking, purpose-based design and community connection. When she’s not designing up a storm you’ll find her down at the local farmer’s market tucking into an ice cream or sneaking in an arvo dip at the Kiama Rockpool.

April

April grew up in Berry, but relocated to Sydney after high school. She has recently come back to the area, and has been falling in love with the beaches and natural beauty of the south coast all over again.

After many years spent working in real estate and hospitality, she is now looking to embark on new challenges and will be studying natural therapies whilst enjoying the community vibe of her days spent at WorkLife.

With two adorable but wild toddlers and close family in the area, life back on the South Coast feels like one long summer holiday.

Zac

Zac is our resident mixologist at SocialLife. Zac, along with partner Jess, manages SocialLife Friday to Sunday. Recently graduating from the University of Wollongong with a Bachelor of Geography, Zac is also a tennis coach. Although work keeps him busy, Zac enjoys golf and cricket when he can find a moment. Both Jess and Zac are loving their life on the South Coast with their Golden Retriever Ollie. Growing up in Kiama, Zac loves the access to beaches and the variety of places to eat and drink.

Holly

Holly Hankin is our new Berry Chamber of Commerce Community Manager.

Holly moved to Berry at the age of 11 after her family left Sydney to open an Optical Practice in Nowra, and begin a new life embracing the tree change lifestyle that Berry is now known for. After completing high school, she travelled overseas then moved away to Wollongong where she completed her teaching degree. After university she moved to Sydney to start her teaching career but then decided on venturing into the Optical Fashion Industry as a Sales Rep for Gucci and Dior.

Holly moved back to Berry after getting married and settled in the town she called home. Before starting her family, she worked with local businesses creating the first edition of the South Coast Entertainment Book and then went back to teaching.

In 2018 Holly and her husband Cameron started Quattro Pizzeria in Berry with local business partners. Mid Covid 2020 until it’s sale in 2022 saw Holly and Cameron take over the pizzeria on their own. The couple and their business thrived on being part of the local business community and were gracious for their support through a difficult time.

She now raises her family in Jaspers Brush, casual teaches at the local High School and loves to do the odd photography job when time allows. Holly is excited about being involved with the local community and working closely to support local Berry Businesses with the Chamber of Commerce.