In regional tourism, it’s easy to pour your heart into supporting operators, shaping strategy, and solving the next challenge on the horizon. But this year we carved out time to continue our professional development and build our qualifications — and it reminded us just how energising learning can be.

Continuing to learn isn’t just about adding more tools to the toolkit. It’s about filling your cup so you can keep showing up with fresh ideas, sharper thinking, and renewed motivation. We remembered how much we love learning when we give ourselves time to do it.

The space to focus, explore new approaches, connect with other learners, and stretch our own capability is incredibly uplifting.

In tourism development, it’s tempting to prioritise everyone else’s growth — mentoring destination managers and operators, developing strategic plans, and sharing our knowledge via industry presentations. But investing in your own learning is equally important. It ensures that the expertise you bring to your region stays current, creative and future-focused.

One of the most powerful parts of learning is what comes after the course: applying it. Teaching others, interpreting frameworks for a local context, and road-testing new tools in real projects deepens knowledge far more than discussions in a tutorial ever could.

For us, these recent qualifications were a reminder that professional development isn’t a luxury. It’s a catalyst. It re-energises us, strengthens the value we take to councils and regional communities, and helps us stay ahead in a sector that’s changing faster than ever.

If you’ve been thinking about investing in your own learning, consider this your nudge.

Start small, choose something that sparks your curiosity, and make space for it. The payoff is bigger than a certificate — it’s renewed confidence, clearer thinking and a fresh burst of energy that ripples into everything you do.

Here’s to making space for learning — not just for others, but for ourselves.

What we’ve been learning this year

This year, we’ve each taken on new study that’s already reshaping the way we support our clients and communities.

Linda has

Reinvigorated her enthusiasm for learning through the Applying Behavioural Science to Create Change microcredential from Monash University.

Started the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) Company Directors Course, helping her more effectively support a board and understand governance from the inside out.

Kushla has

Completed a Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Living from the University of Tasmania — the #1 climate action university in the world. This deepens Tilma’s ability to align our work with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. (By the way: this incredible Graduate Certificate or Diploma is free and loved by students of all ages. Highly recommended!)

Begun the IAP2A Certificate of Engagement from the Engagement Institute, building skills in the community and stakeholder engagement methodology preferred by local governments. (The trainer is brilliant!)
Undertaken some short courses in sustainable tourism, such as TAFE’s free Masterclass on Sustainability in the Visitor Economy and the sustainability modules of QTIC’s free Pathways to Industry Excellence.

We’re excited to bring all of this back into our work with councils, regions and tourism operators — and even more excited to keep learning.