General News
10 November, 2025
Tech and AI in focus at Port
DOUGLAS Shire is getting to grips with the fast moving world of technology.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been in the spotlight with a group of residents as part of this year’s ‘Get Online Week’.
Plus technical help is now being offered at the Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre with the recently announced expansion of their assistance sessions.
The centre hosted an AI introductory seminar, led by centre community development worker Chrissy Gilewicz and regular volunteer Catherine Rosenbrauer.
AI has become more popular over the last couple of years, fuelled by the mainstream release of user-friendly tools like ChatGPT and advancements in generative AI that allowed for easy creation of art, music and text. Although AI, in some form, has existed for at least a couple of decades, its rapid growth to over 100 million users by early 2023 is considered a major turning point that brought AI into the public.
The recent seminar aimed to keep the session informal and engaging and organisers were happy with the number of thoughtful questions and the conversation around the table. From the interaction, it was clear that many community members are curious about the benefits and challenges of using AI in everyday life.
“Many people believe that there are certain benefits of Artificial Intelligence, but they also think that there may be some down sides,” Ms Gilewicz said.
“This has been an opportunity to get a better understanding of this fairly new technology” she said.
“In response to this interest, the Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre is open to offering future sessions to help demystify AI and explore its practical applications if demand is sufficient.”
People interested in a future information session about AI can contact Ms Gilewicz on 4099 5518 or email her at chrissy@pdnc.org.au
Michelle Sumner, a skilled and enthusiastic new volunteer with extensive IT knowledge, is leading the centre’s fortnightly Monday afternoon ‘tech’ sessions.
The programs will alternate between two formats: ‘Be Connected to Technology’ and ‘Click and Connect’.
Their long-standing ‘Be Connected to Technology’ sessions allow people to take along their own device.
“Whether you’re troubleshooting a tricky issue or just need help navigating your device, we’re here to support you in a friendly, relaxed environment,” said community development worker Chrissy Gilewicz.
‘Click and Connect’ is a new initiative which features easy, step-by-step tutorials led by Ms Sumner.
The sessions are offered for an optional donation, with booking required by calling 4099 5518.
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