AI-generated editorial illustration of a small business workshop with a presenter and attendees using laptops, not a photograph of the Banksia event.

Image credit: AI-generated editorial illustration

Free Banksia workshop helps local businesses get started with AI

A council-supported session on 29 October will offer practical demonstrations, security questions and advice for small businesses.

Local business owners and staff can attend a free practical workshop in Banksia on Thursday 29 October to learn how artificial intelligence tools could help with everyday work. The three-hour session will cover where to start, what to check and how to use the technology responsibly.

What the workshop will cover

The event, called AI: The Journey Forward, runs from 6pm to 9pm at Rocksia Hotel, 299 Princes Highway, Banksia. It is hosted by Business Chamber South with Bayside Council and technology firm LOOKUP.

Organisers say the evening will focus on practical examples rather than assuming everyone already knows how to use AI. Topics include assessing whether a business is ready to adopt AI, demonstrations of Microsoft Copilot and examples from people using the tools at work.

LOOKUP’s published program also lists a business case study with George Samaras of Samaras Lawyers, a guided AI readiness check and a question-and-answer session. Participants can ask about getting started, including security and how to decide which tasks are suitable.

Why it may be useful for Bayside businesses

For a small business, the most useful first step may be choosing one routine task to examine, such as preparing a draft email, organising notes or summarising information. That does not mean handing over private customer records or accepting an AI answer without checking it.

The workshop gives local operators a chance to see demonstrations and ask questions before deciding whether a tool suits their work. It may be particularly useful for owners who have heard about AI but are unsure what it can do or how to assess its risks.

When, where and how to attend

The free session is on Thursday 29 October 2026, from 6pm to 9pm, at Rocksia Hotel in Banksia. It is aimed at small business owners and their teams. Registration is required through the organiser’s booking link.

See the Bayside Council event details or the organiser’s program and registration page for the latest information before attending.

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Bayside Council