Unlocking the power of AI in the Outback: free workshops for regional Queensland

Artificial intelligence (AI) is drastically changing the way people work, create, and solve problems. For regional communities, AI offers practical benefits—helping small businesses streamline operations, assisting farmers to optimise productivity, enabling healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes, and empowering creatives with new digital tools.

Recognising AI’s potential to drive innovation and economic growth, State Library of Queensland has teamed up with Central Queensland University (CQU) Regional Arts Services Network (RASN) to deliver a series of free AI workshops designed specifically for regional Queenslanders

Bringing AI to the Bush

Regional communities often face unique challenges, from access to digital resources to staying ahead in rapidly evolving industries and AI presents an opportunity to bridge these gaps.

Louise Gronold, State Library Regional Digital Development Officer for Central West Queensland, highlights the growing interest in AI across the region.

“I’ve recently travelled throughout Central West Queensland—from Barcaldine to Bedourie—and everywhere I’ve been, people of all ages and all walks of life have expressed a curiosity about AI,” she explains.

“AI is not just about automation—it’s about creating smarter, more efficient ways for regional communities to thrive and there’s a real appetite to learn how it can help in people’s work, businesses and community life.

“This series provides an opportunity for anyone to gain hands-on experience with AI tools, helping them to integrate digital solutions into their industries and daily lives with confidence.”

Co-organiser Emma Read is the Western Queensland Regional Arts Officer with CQU RASN located in Longreach, as well as an established business owner and regional artist. She says AI is already making an impact in regional communities.

"AI has definitely become a valuable tool across all areas of my work from streamlining business administration and communication, to boosting my own creative practice.

“Through my role with CQU RASN, I support artists and regional businesses looking at how AI can be meaningfully included into everyday processes. I’m excited to share practical insights and start conversations across our local communities and see what opportunities AI can offer."

Meet the expert 

Guiding the workshops is Tracy Sheen, a renowned AI coach, author, and digital strategist with more than 30 years’ experience in digital transformation. Having delivered over 2,000 presentations on AI and digital tools, Tracy is recognised for her ability to break down complex technology into accessible, actionable solutions. Her latest book, AI & U: Reimagine Business (set for release in May), dives even deeper into the role AI plays in shaping the future.

Book a place at a free ‘Ai for ALL’ workshop:

The free workshops will be jargon-free, accessible, and practical, and are offered in different formats to introduce participants to AI at their own pace.

• Online teaser session: 6.30pm to 7.30pm, Wednesday 30 April: a quick, engaging introduction to what AI is, why it matters, and how it can be used in regional and remote settings. Make a booking.
• Online workshop: 10am to 12pm, Wednesday 7 May: dive deeper into practical tools and AI applications, with a focus on content creation, automation, digital marketing, and business efficiency. Make a booking.
• In-person workshop, Longreach: 9am to 12pm, Saturday 17th May: digital strategist and AI coach Tracy Sheen will be your digital guide as you learn how to apply AI to your industry, create time-saving workflows, and explore ethical and creative uses of this fast-evolving technology. Three one-on-one sessions are also available in the afternoon. Make a booking.

Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity! Register for the workshops through the State Library Digital and You app www.digitaland you.com.au/app or use the links above to take the first step towards integrating AI into your work and life.

The Ai for ALL workshops are an initiative of CQU Regional Arts Services Network and State Library's Regional Digital Development project.

The Regional Digital Development project is funded through the Queensland Government’s Our Thriving Digital Future: Queensland’s Digital Economy Strategy 2023-2026