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Byron Shire
June 2, 2026

Free workshop for dementia carers to learn AI and tech tools in Ballina

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Getting on board to learn a range of AI technologies. Photo supplied

Living with dementia is challenging and for those people caring for people with dementia, they can use all the help they can get. 

According to Dementia Australia ‘In 2024, it is estimated that more than 1.6 million people in Australia are involved in the care of someone living with dementia. 2 in 3 people with dementia are thought to be living in the community’.

Taking up the challenge of helping caregivers Dementia Inclusive Ballina is running a free AI and technology workshop on Friday, 23 February, 9.30-11.30am Crowley Education Centre, 154 Cherry Street, Ballina to help give people the opportunity to explore a range of online tools that can help them provide the best care they can. 

A free workshop for dementia careers helps them learn new AI tools to make life a bit easier. Photo supplied

‘Participants can enjoy hands-on training, demystify AI myths, and meet fellow carers over a morning tea. We’re excited to show how tools like ChatGPT can enhance daily tasks and creativity. It’s a hands-on opportunity to learn, share, and also to connect with other carers,’ program manager, Dr Sabrina Pit told The Echo. 

‘There is a lot of hype around it. We would like to demystify some of the myths around AI. We will show some examples of how we can use it ourselves to make our lives easier and use it for fun! You can “talk” to some programs and tell it what you want it to do for you, such as planning your holiday, writing a poem or a story, write a complaints letter for you, tell you a joke and much more.

‘For those interested, we will then break into small groups and test out how we can use ChatGPT or Bard or people can stay with the trainers.

‘Our previous training digital training programs have shown an increase in social connections and confidence in using technology. Previous participants started to use tools such as WhatsApp, videoconferencing more frequently after attending the training program,’ she said. 

Open to all carers

The free workshop is open to anyone caring for a person with dementia including children or grandchildren, siblings, partners, and other members of their care network. 

The workshop is made possible by NSW Government, Investing in Women Program and participants can register to attend by texting or calling Sabrina: 0429 455 720, or or emailing [email protected].



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