Log in
Ballarat Hackerspace

Ballarat AI Exchange: General AI questions, advice and assistance

Thu, 28 May 2026
18:30 - 20:00

ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and other tools explained in plain English

Want to learn more about AI, but do not know where to start? Want to use AI in your business, work or community group, but feel unsure which tools are worth your time? Curious about how to use AI safely and practically in everyday life?

Join us for a relaxed, guided AI conversation designed for non-technical people who want practical answers, useful examples and a chance to ask questions in a friendly local setting.

Each session starts with one practical focus topic, then opens up for discussion, examples and questions from the room. You do not need to be an AI expert. You do not need to know the right question before you arrive. The aim is to help you leave clearer, more confident and with one or two practical things you can try.

This month, we will look at a common question: which AI tool should I use? We will compare tools like ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini in plain English, looking at what each one is useful for, where the differences matter and how to choose the right tool for your work, business or everyday tasks.

What we can help with:

Bring your questions, comments or examples. We can help you think through:

  • how to use AI better in your business, work or community group

  • which tools may give you the best value for your needs

  • when a free tool is enough, and when a paid version may be worth considering

  • how to use AI safely, responsibly and productively

  • where AI can save time, and where it may not be the right fit

  • practical next steps if you are just getting started

If you do not have a specific question, you are still very welcome. You can listen, join the discussion and hear what other local people are trying.

Hosted By

Adrian Holtham from Plainlight, an AI training and consultancy firm based here in Ballarat. Adrian works with local businesses to help them understand AI in plain English and integrate useful tools into their everyday workflows.

Rob Layton from BRAIN, the Ballarat Regional Artificial Intelligence Network. Rob has more than 15 years of experience working with AI, leads the Ballarat AI Meetup and is a highly experienced technology trainer.

This is a collaboration between BRAIN (www.brain.net.au), Plainlight (https://plainlight.com.au/) and the Ballarat Hackerspace.

Looking for something more technical?

If you are experienced with AI, or want to dive more deeply into the technical side, try our AI Tooling Workshops instead. Here's the May event: https://thq.fyi/se/7584caa201c5

Tickets are required, see you there.

Ticket Type Price
Discounted ticket (students and any concession card holder) $10.00
Ballarat Hackerspace and BRAIN members only $0.00
Standard ticket $20.00
Total: $
Ballarat Hackerspace
136a Albert St, Ballarat Central VIC 3350, Australia

136A Albert Street, Ballarat Central, Victoria, 3350, Australia

Contact Us
Follow us: