Search our learnings, perspectives and insights across our impact areas.
Workforce and education trends we can’t ignore in 2026!
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.
We’ve seen it all, let's talk about what you’ve got.
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.
Why great leaders slow down to move forward.
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.
All pathways matter - so why don't we act like it?
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.
AI and jobs - creator, destroyer, or just another tool?
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.
Stop fighting your team’s brain types, start using them.
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.
When you show up - people speak up.
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.
We celebrate the star player but what about the one who made the pass?
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.
Why Australia’s productivity depends on tradies, not just tech.
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.
The missing piece - how designers can transform economic development.
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.
The workforce holy trinity.
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.
Beyond the logo - how place branding builds identity, economies and community.
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.
Building skills, growing economies - why workforce development matters.
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.
Diversifying without losing your cultural DNA.
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.
Shut up and listen!
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 - A Powerful Trio for Regional Economic Development
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.
Culture - more than dinners and ping pong
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.
From Data to Action - Mastering Measurement in Destination Management
Data-driven destination management is essential for understanding performance, guiding investment and building stakeholder trust. Sparrowly Groups Justine Sinclair explores how better data collection, analysis and storytelling can transform Destination Management Plans into actionable strategies - helping destinations move beyond reporting to real insights that strengthen advocacy, partnerships, and sustainable visitor
Building Bridges - the intersection of Workforce, Visitor, Economic, and Community Development
Workforce, visitor, economic and community development are deeply interconnected pillars of thriving regions, yet often operate in silos. Sparrowly Group's Giovanna Lever explores why greater collaboration across these sectors is vital for Australia’s future prosperity and how aligning strategies can unlock stronger communities, more resilient economies and lasting regional growth.
If you’re using AI, use a trained eye
Artificial intelligence in the workplace is transforming how we work, think, and create - but human oversight remains essential. Sparrowly Group’s Federico Moreno explores how to harness AI’s potential responsibly, ensuring innovation and efficiency never come at the cost of critical thinking, ethical judgement, or the uniquely human touch.