Supporting the resilience of regional businesses in Western Downs
Western Downs Regional Council | Building Business Resilience Program design and delivery | Western Downs Region, Queensland, Australia | 2024 - 2026
15-month resilience capability program delivered across the region
Workshops, roadshows and mentoring supporting multiple industries
40 businesses supported to develop Business Continuity Plans
Regional resource hub created for ongoing preparedness and recovery
The Challenge
Western Downs Regional Council sought to strengthen the resilience of local businesses facing increasing risks from disasters, supply disruptions and economic shocks. The region required practical tools, training and coordinated support to help businesses prepare for, respond to and recover from crisis events.
Key challenges included
Limited preparedness and continuity planning among small businesses
Fragmented access to resilience information and support services
Ensuring regional delivery reached both larger centres and smaller communities
Building practical long-term capability rather than awareness alone
Our Approach
We designed and delivered a multi-phase resilience capability program tailored to the needs of Western Downs businesses.
Our methodology included
Regional landscape review and survey to understand business needs and avoid duplication
Workshops and roadshows delivered across towns and industry sectors
One-on-one and group mentoring supporting 40 businesses to develop business continuity plans
Creation of a digital resource hub with guides, templates and tools for ongoing use
Outcomes and Impact
Key Outcomes
Improved disaster preparedness knowledge and planning capability
Businesses equipped with practical response and recovery strategies
Continuity planning embedded within participating businesses
A sustainable resource platform supporting ongoing resilience
Economic and Social Impact
Businesses better positioned to withstand disruptions and reopen faster
Reduced economic vulnerability across key regional industries
Strengthened confidence and resilience within the local business community
Enhanced long-term sustainability and adaptive capacity across the region
Hear directly from our Program participants.
Services Delivered
“Western Downs Regional Council engaged Sparrowly Group to deliver the Building Business Resilience Program which included business workshops, mentoring and resources to build the resilience and continuity planning of our businesses. We consistently received great feedback from engaged businesses that participated in the Program. I was super confident to leave it to Sparrowly Group to deliver a terrific learning product. Sparrowly Group worked closely with Western Downs Regional Council to try different engagement methods and I appreciate how easy they made it to pivot and try new things to get a better outcome for the region.”
“Participating in the Business Resilience Program delivered by Sparrowly Group has been a big confidence boost for our operations in the Western Downs. The program offered practical tools, sharp insights, and real-world strategies tailored to the challenges we face in regional industries. It’s not just theory - it’s the confidence to act without hesitation. The Sparrowly team brought a refreshing, no-nonsense approach that helped strengthen our business foundations and identify new opportunities for sustainable growth. Highly recommended for any business looking to sharpen its edge and future-proof its operations.”
“Sparrowly Group has helped me grasp the importance of having a strong business plan. I’ve learned that a financial plan is essential for managing investments wisely and running the business more costeffectively. In addition, effective marketing strategies are key to driving growth and ensuring resilience, allowing my business to continue operating successfully - even when I’m managing it on my own.”
