Kate Dezarnaulds is the founder of WorkLife, an award-winning regional coworking network based in Berry and Coledale, and a passionate advocate for regional communities, social enterprise and local business. A reluctant entrant into the political realm, but a lifelong media junkie, she is fascinated by the ideas, personalities, movements and institutions that shape Australian public life.
Over the past decade Kate has worked across business, community and government, leading initiatives that strengthen regional economies and civic participation. She has served as President of the Berry Chamber of Commerce, Co-Chair of Flexible Workspace Australia and is a SECNA Champion. In the aftermath of the Black Summer bushfires she launched the Investing in Rural Community Futures Program on the South Coast for FRRR.
In 2025, while working behind the bar at the last Berry Writers Festival, two festival goers persuaded her to consider standing as the Community Independent candidate in both the Federal election for Gilmore and the Kiama State by-election. She didn’t win, but she is now officially hooked on politics. Kate brings a love of robust conversation, informed debate and curious questioning to discussions about politics, leadership and the stories that shape Australia.
