Explore how Malaysia’s culture, food and community-led development drive inclusive economic growth, with insights for Australian regions.

Agritourism in Australia has evolved from a trend into a proven pathway for farm diversification. Drawing on more than a decade of hands-on experience, Sparrowly Group’s Giovanna Lever and Jackie Hicks share what truly makes agritourism work - from authenticity and viable business models to accessibility, policy alignment and place-based collaboration.

Leadership resilience and wellbeing are tested most when energy is depleted. Sparrowly Group's Giovanna Lever reflects on how leaders can stay authentic under pressure, drawing on values like integrity, curiosity and collaboration. It also introduces a practical year-end ritual to help leaders reconnect with purpose, challenge assumptions, and lead more sustainably into the year ahead.

Workforce and education trends in Australia for 2026 are already reshaping productivity, skills supply, and regional opportunity. Drawing on five years of evaluation and national research, the Sparrowly Group team examines critical shifts - from AI-disrupted entry roles to trades shortages and transport barriers - and outlines practical strategies to strengthen workforce systems and economic resilience.

Tourism trends for Australian destinations in 2026 are shifting toward wellness travel, dark sky experiences, AI-powered planning, skip-gen travel and niche sports tourism. Sparrowly Group’s Beth Burns explores how destinations can apply these trends strategically within Destination Management Planning, leveraging what’s authentic without losing local identity or community value.

Leadership development and team performance improve when leaders take time to slow down and reflect. Sparrowly Group’s Giovanna Lever introduces her Six C’s framework, showing how deliberate reflection builds stronger alignment, deeper connection, and greater consistency - helping leaders move forward with clarity and confidence.

Career pathways and vocational education are vital to Australia’s future workforce, yet social bias still favours university routes. Drawing on Sparrowly Group’s Giovanna Lever and the teams evaluation work across Australia, this piece highlights the need to value every pathway, from trades to technology, and close the gap between workforce policy and how we guide young people.

Artificial intelligence and the future of work are reshaping industries and challenging traditional roles. Sparrowly Group’s Federico Moreno examines how AI is transforming the knowledge economy, exploring three key hypotheses on whether it will create, displace or redefine jobs - and what these shifts mean for Australia’s workforce and productivity.

Team communication and workplace collaboration improve when we understand how people think and process information differently. Sparrowly Groups Giovanna Lever explores the three brain types that shape decision-making and performance, and shares five practical strategies leaders can use to harness these differences for stronger teamwork, clearer communication and better business outcomes.

Community engagement and connection still matter most in an increasingly digital world. Sparrowly Group’s Justine Sinclair explores why genuine presence - showing up, listening deeply and meeting people where they are - builds trust and sparks real conversations that lead to authentic insights, stronger relationships and lasting impact in regional communities.

Collaboration and connection are the often-overlooked forces behind innovation and progress. Sparrowly Group's Giovanna Lever explores the vital role of the conduit - those who link people, ideas and opportunities to create momentum. It’s a reflection on why we undervalue this quiet skill and how recognising it can transform teams, leadership and community impact.

Australia’s productivity and workforce growth rely as much on skilled trades as on technology. Sparrowly Group’s Federico Moreno unpacks why boosting apprenticeships in construction and vocational pathways is essential for a balanced, future-ready economy - and why parents, educators and policymakers all have a role to play in supporting this shift.

Design thinking in economic development is the missing link between strategy and real impact. Sparrowly Group’s Federico Moreno explains how audience-centred program design helps initiatives launch effectively, solve the right problems and deliver lasting value. Offering a practical, stepped approach to integrating creativity and innovation into every stage of economic development.

Workforce planning and culture development are at the core of building high-performing, connected teams. Sparrowly Group’s Giovanna Lever reveals her approach to creating the 'workforce holy trinity' - balancing performance, cultural connection and happiness to strengthen organisations, boost retention and drive long-term business and community success.

Place branding and placemaking go far beyond visual identity - they shape how communities see themselves and how others see them. Sparrowly Group’s Jackie Hicks shares insights from the City Nation Place Australasia forum, exploring how storytelling, collaboration and community engagement turn place brands into powerful economic and social drivers for towns, cities and regions.

Workforce development and skills growth are vital to thriving communities and resilient economies. Drawing on Sparrowly Group’s national experience in place-based strategies, program design and evaluation, Giovanna Lever explains why workforce development goes beyond training, it’s a shared responsibility that strengthens businesses, supports people and drives sustainable economic success.

Cultural tourism and diversification can help cultural institutions stay sustainable without losing their identity. With the sector growing faster than total tourism in Australia, Sparrowly Group’s Justine Sinclair shares practical steps to balance innovation, financial resilience and authenticity - ensuring cultural spaces remain vibrant, thought-provoking and true to their core purpose.

Workplace communication and engagement are at the heart of strong relationships and successful teams - yet genuine listening is often the missing skill. Sparrowly Group’s Giovanna Lever shares practical strategies to master active listening, build deeper connections and create lasting engagement that drives better collaboration and business outcomes.

Tourism, workforce and community development are deeply connected drivers of regional economic growth. Sparrowly Group’s Giovanna Lever shares key takeaways from recent collaborations across the visitor economy, workforce and industry sectors - highlighting how sharing knowledge, strengthening partnerships and learning from peers can help regions and people thrive together.

Workplace culture and leadership go far beyond perks and social events. Sparrowly Group’s Managing Director, Giovanna Lever, shares her practical approach to building a supportive, collaborative environment where people thrive - proving that true culture is created through care, trust and everyday actions, not just team lunches or offsites.