In 2023-24 RDA Melbourne commissioned Swinburne University to undertake an analysis of the opportunities and benefits of deploying a hybrid work model as it related to workers and businesses in Regional Victoria. The analysis was completed in late 2024.

The RDA Melbourne Committee evaluated the analysis at the end of 2024 and was keen to investigate how the work could be amplified in the Victorian regions to businesses and organisations.

Swinburne University was again engaged to deliver a series of workshops in Regional Victoria on the results of the original analysis and how businesses and organisations could apply the hybrid work model in their organisations in a more structured manner in leading their respective teams.

There were four in-person workshops held in Regional Victoria in the first half of the 2025-26 financial year.

• Bendigo, in conjunction with Be.Bendigo on 22 July 2025. 25 people in attendance mainly from human resource (HR) backgrounds.
• Shepparton, in partnership with Swinburne University and the Committee for Greater Shepparton, at Go TAFE on 28 July 2025. The Committee’s HR Group of 15 people participated.
• Yea, in partnership with Hybrid Work in Regional Victoria, workshop held in conjunction with Swinburne University and Murrindindi Shire Council on 28 October 2025. Around 30 attendees from all over Murrindindi.
• Kyneton, in conjunction with Swinburne University, Macedon Ranges Shire Council and the Victorian Small Business Commissioner, on 31 October 2025. Around 15 attendees from all over the Macedon Ranges Shire.

Three Leading Hybrid and Remote Teams with Confidence online short courses were held by Swinburne following the four Hybrid Work in Regional Victoria workshops in Bendigo, Shepparton, Yea and Kyneton for participants or their delegates wanting to know more.

The course consisted of four 90-minute modules held over two weeks. The first course commenced on 19 August 2025, the second course on 9 September 2025 and the final course commenced on 11 November 2025. The online courses were preceded by a pilot trial of the online course which was attended by representatives of the Victorian Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions, Regional Development and RDA Melbourne Committee members and staff.