Dr Rob Layton joins ABC Statewide Drive AI forum in Ballarat

Dr Rob Layton, founding partner of the Ballarat Region Artificial Intelligence Network (BRAIN), will join a panel of regional experts next week for a live public forum exploring what artificial intelligence means for communities outside Australia’s major cities.

Hosted by ABC Statewide Drive Victoria, the event will take place at the Eureka Centre in Ballarat on Thursday 12 March, with the discussion broadcast live on air from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, followed by a public Q and A session.

The forum will be moderated by Prue Bentley and will examine how emerging AI technologies, particularly generative AI, could shape the future of regional life. Topics will include the potential impact of AI on sectors such as health, transport, agriculture and bushfire safety, and how regional communities can manage emerging risks while capturing new opportunities.

For regions like Ballarat, AI presents an important moment. Regional communities have the opportunity not only to adopt new technologies but also to help shape how they are used in real world environments where services, infrastructure and industries often operate differently from capital cities.

Dr Layton’s participation reflects BRAIN’s broader mission to ensure regional Australia plays an active role in the development and governance of artificial intelligence, rather than simply responding to decisions made elsewhere.

Event details

Event: ABC Statewide Drive Victoria AI Forum
Location: Eureka Centre, Ballarat
Date: Thursday 12 March
Recommended arrival: 2:30 pm
Live broadcast: 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Format: Panel discussion followed by audience Q and A
Tickets: Free, registration required

Register to attend

Tickets are free but registration is required. Community members, professionals and anyone curious about the future of AI in regional Australia are encouraged to attend.