Unlocking $1.3 Billion for Regional NSW communities
Department of Regional NSW | Impact Narrative and Business Case | Regional NSW, Australia | 2021-2022
Statewide cost benefit and economic impact analysis
Co-designed legacy framework for Regional Development Officers
Impact narrative and video case studies highlighting investment outcomes
Evidence base supporting an additional $1.3 billion in regional funding
The Challenge
The Department of Regional NSW engaged Sparrowly Group to assess the cumulative immediate and long-term impacts of investments made through the NSW Government’s $2 billion commitment to regional communities, the Regional Growth Fund (RGF).
Beyond measuring economic returns, the Department required a practical framework to help Regional Development Officers identify and leverage legacy benefits from funded projects. The work also needed to translate complex investment outcomes into a compelling narrative that could inform future funding decisions and communicate impact to stakeholders.
Key challenges included
Measuring social and economic impacts across diverse regional projects
Engaging local government, community groups and regional stakeholders statewide
Translating technical economic analysis findings into practical tools and frameworks
Demonstrating future funding value through robust evidence and impact
Our Approach
Sparrowly Group applied a mixed-method, evidence-based methodology to assess both quantitative and qualitative impacts of the RGF investment.
Our methodology included
Cost benefit analysis and economic impact modelling of RGF investments
Stakeholder engagement with local government leaders and community organisations
Co-designed workshops to develop a practical legacy framework
Persona-based narrative case studies and 90-second video storytelling
This integrated approach ensured the analysis was rigorous, actionable and accessible to decision-makers.
Outcomes and Impact
Key Outcomes
Sparrowly Group delivered a robust, state-wide evaluation of the Regional Growth Fund (RGF), providing the government with a clear, evidence-based understanding of program performance, impact and legacy.
Comprehensive economic and social impact assessment of the RGF
Practical legacy framework adopted by Regional Development teams
Evidence base used to inform future RGF funding decisions
Narrative assets supporting internal and external communication
Economic and Social Impact
The evaluation strengthened confidence in regional investment decisions and provided a defensible foundation for ongoing funding commitments. It translated complex program outcomes into practical insights that improved transparency, capability and long-term regional impact.
As a result the project:
Contributed to securing an additional $1.3 billion for regional NSW
Strengthened investment prioritisation and decision-making capability
Supported Regional Development Officers to optimise future investments
Improved transparency and communication of regional funding outcomes
Services Delivered
“DRNSW engaged Sparrowly Group for the delivery of a project to demonstrate the benefits of the Regional Growth Fund. Sparrowly Group has been wonderful to work with, delivering on time and to scope consistently, always bringing us (the client) with them on the journey. There have been no surprises as we have worked toward the end product and they keep open lines of communication. The whole process has been easy to navigate, and has resulted in exactly the output we were after.”
