Monthly Insights from the Co-Chairperson
Navigating the Future of Flexible Workspaces
Join us as we delve into the latest trends and pivotal updates shaping the flexible workspace industry, guided by our co-chairperson’s expert insights.
Meet Our Co-Chairperson
Kate Dezarnaulds founded WorkLife in 2017 to create for herself the coworking community she so desperately needed to balance her consulting work, with her local tree-changing life in Berry NSW. Since then WorkLife has grown to a community of 70 members across three South Coast sites- Berry, Coledale and Picton. Kate’s background is as a consultant, connector and advocate who has worked with cultural organisations,
not-for-profits and social ventures to increase the financial value of culture. She has previously been a Board Director for Underbelly Arts, The National Trust of Australia, Art Month Sydney and the South Coast Tourism Board. She was also the Head of Partnerships for TEDxSydney for 7 years.
MAY 2025 Industry Highlights
There’s a real buzz building across the network this month as we hit some exciting milestones!
First up—tickets for FWACon25 in Brisbane are selling fast, and it’s no surprise. With a program packed full of insight, innovation and inspiration from local and international thought leaders, this year’s conference is set to be our biggest and boldest yet. If you haven’t secured your spot, now’s the time as there are less than 35 tickets left. So please don’t leave your decision to head to Brisbane to join us to the last minute!
We’re now inviting Expressions of Interest for our afternoon IGNITE Session at FWACon25 —this fast-paced segment features FWA members willing to share their bold ideas and fresh perspectives in just 5 minutes. Whether it’s a new revenue model you’re trialling, a surprising success, a challenge that sparked change, or a vision for what’s next for our industry—we want to hear from you! Pitch yourself and your idea to the Conference Curatorial Panel via the EOI link here.
And in more good news, nominations are now open for the 2025 FWA Awards! It’s our chance to celebrate the people, places, and ideas driving our industry forward. Whether you’re recognising a standout team member, one of your own beautifully designed spaces, or a game-changing ESG initiative—please don’t miss the opportunity to share your story (or someone else’s!) with the sector.
As always, thank you for being part of shaping our industry.
APRIL 2025 Industry Highlights
We’re excited to share a quick update on what your FWA board has been working on!
In April, our board came together in Sydney for our annual strategy day—and what a day it was! It was energising, productive, and filled with bold ideas. We’ve set ambitious goals for the next three years, focused on supercharging the value we offer to our growing community and expanding our already impressive membership base of 113+ passionate professionals.
Now, with just over three months to go, the countdown is officially on for the August 2025 FWA Conference in Brisbane—and it’s shaping up to be our biggest and most inspiring event yet! Expect a jam-packed program, dynamic networking opportunities, and an incredible lineup of international keynote speakers, including:
- Giovanni Palavicini, President and Founder, Fronteras Commercial Real Estate
- The 7 Trends Shaping the Coworking World in 2025
- Liz Simon, COO, Industrious (Virtual Session)
- From Space to Standout: How to Build a Brand That Thrives
And that’s not all—this year’s agenda also features a series of High-Impact Breakout Masterclasses, designed to help you elevate your business, spark new ideas, and connect with fellow trailblazers.
Tickets are limited and selling fast, so if you’re ready to gain fresh insights, fuel your momentum, and soak up the Brisbane sunshine—this is your moment. Join us for two unforgettable days by registering via this link. You won’t want to miss it.
Let’s make 2025 a game-changer!
Warm regards,
MARCH 2025 Industry Highlights
Dear FWA Member,
As we approach the end of the first quarter, it’s incredible to reflect on what a dynamic and productive start to the year it has been!
We’re excited to share that the FWA Report 2025 – Flex Futures Report has officially been released! This comprehensive report highlights key industry trends and insights, including:
Key Findings:
Industry Growth & Transformation
· The Australian flexible workspace industry has matured post-pandemic, with increasing demand from businesses and independent workers.
· Growth is expanding beyond major cities into suburban and regional areas.
Market Trends & Pricing Insights
· Sydney’s CBD desk rates rose by 7% to AUD $1,000, while Barangaroo commands $1,301 per desk.
· Melbourne’s rates dipped 2.4% to $725 due to market-wide vacancy pressures.
· Perth saw a 7.3% price drop but a 12.4% increase in available inventory.
· Brisbane’s flexible space supply grew by 7%, signaling strong demand.
Supply & Demand Shifts
· Available flex space is decreasing, reflecting robust industry growth.
· 25% of operators expanded their space last year, with 31% planning further growth in the next 12 months.
· Large corporations are increasingly integrating flexible workspaces into their long-term strategies.
Industry Evolution
· 76.9% of operators reported revenue growth, and 70.3% anticipate further increases.
· 68% of operators maintain a churn rate below 10%, highlighting strong retention.
Technology & Innovation
· Smart tech, enhanced security, and flexible workspace designs are redefining the industry.
· Demand for high-end amenities like wellness programs, meditation spaces, and podcasting studios is growing.
· Suburban and regional coworking spaces are gaining traction, offering affordability and community-driven experiences.
Future Outlook & Challenges
· 84.6% of operators foresee steady industry expansion over the next five years.
This is an exciting time for the flexible workspace sector, and we can’t wait to connect with you at the 2025 FWA Conference! Stay tuned for more updates.
FEBRUARY 2025 Industry Highlights
Dear FWA Community,
With the first interest rate cut in years happening this week, I’m very hopeful that momentum for a positive 2025 is finally underway. In our association, we all know the Future is Flex- but there is no doubt it’s been a tough few years for businesses to navigate. Renewed confidence is key, and it’s encouraging to see signs of growth and optimism emerging across the sector already this year- with hopefully much more to come.
As we look ahead, we’re getting very excited about this year’s 2025 FWA Conference to be held in Brisbane! With its booming business and cultural landscape and rapidly expanding flexible workspace sector, there’s no better place to bring our national community together to explore what’s next for flex.
We’re also excited to roll out our new Social Event format this week, pairing social networking with workspace tours in key cities. These events offer a valuable opportunity to bring your team along, experience innovative spaces, and gain insights into how other operators are adapting to the evolving needs of 2025. It’s all about collaboration, learning, and sharing ideas—so we hope to see you at an event near you very soon.
A major highlight of the first quarter this year is the launch of our second FWA Flex Futures Industry Report on 19 March in Sydney. This flagship report unveils the latest trends, insights, and opportunities shaping the future of flexible workspaces in Australia. Hosted at The Great Room, Sydney, and proudly sponsored by Workplace Media, the event will feature a deep dive into the reports findings, followed by a key opportunity to network with the reports contributors, fellow members and key industry stakeholders. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, this is an event not to be missed.
Finally, the FWA Board is gearing up for a full-day strategy session in March, where we’ll lay the foundation for a three-year plan to expand FWA and strengthen our industry. As always, we remain committed to our core values of collaboration, community, participation, and diversity—ensuring that FWA continues to be the leading voice for operators, landlords, and service providers to the Flexible Workspace industry across Australia.
With confidence building, opportunities emerging, and new connections forming, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year.
We look forward to seeing you at an event soon!
Join Us in Shaping the Future of Workspaces
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