October 28, 2024 — AI and Australian Businesses: Global Trends and Local Realities
Held during Tech Week 2024 and recognized as part of Australia’s National AI Month (organized by the National AI Centre), this event brought together public and private sector leaders to explore how AI is influencing Australian industries.
It was a key moment in the national AI discourse, highlighting the convergence of global innovation and local implementation. Speakers shared insights into adoption challenges, workforce implications, and the evolving regulatory environment.

Location: Cremorne Digital Hub, Melbourne
Speakers:
- Dr. Borhan Kazimipour (Director of Data Science, Australian Taxation Office)
- Dr. Simon Kinsella (Director, CP Consulting)
- Gavin Phuah (Chief Architect, EnergyAustralia)
- Dr. Stefan Harrer (Director, AI for Science, CSIRO)
- Moderator: Prof. Rahil Garnavi (Victoria Chapter Lead, AI4Diversity​; Director, RMIT University)
- MC: Prof. Sophia Duan (Associate Dean, La Trobe University)

Partner: Cremorne Digital Hub
Powered by: ACM & AI4Diversity

June 17, 2024 — The Future of Work: Navigating the Impact of Generative AI
This event explored how AI is reshaping the way we work, manage teams, and prepare for a tech-driven economy.
With voices from academia, banking, public research, and startups, the discussion focused on AI’s influence on leadership, digital fluency, and employment policy.

Location: Cremorne Digital Hub, Melbourne
Speakers:
- Prof. Jon Whittle (Director, CSIRO's Data61)
- Pritida Vinode (ANZ)
- Prof. Iven Mareels (Federation University Australia)
- Prof. Joanna Batstone (Director, Monash Data Futures Institute)
- Gretchen Scott (CEO, Kaleida)
- Moderator: Dr. Rahil Garnavi (Victoria Chapter Lead, AI4Diversity)
- MC: Dr. Paul Cooper (Deakin University)

Partner: Cremorne Digital Hub
Powered by: ACM & AI4Diversity

August 31, 2023 — Generative AI: Opportunities and Ethical Considerations
This session examined how organizations can adopt generative AI responsibly, balancing innovation with trust, transparency, and safety.
Speakers provided deep insights on ethics, enterprise adoption, and international standards.

Location: Cremorne Digital Hub, Melbourne
Speakers:
- Prof. Matt Kuperholz (Professor of Practice, Deakin University)
- Dr. Rahil Garnavi (Senior Technical Staff Member, IBM)
- Harm Ellens (Director, Virtual Ink Australia; ISO SC42 WG3 Co-Chair)
- Ashwani Chandhok (Vice President, Oracle Cloud Solutions, JAPAC)
- Saeed Tasbihsazan (CTO Enterprise, Government & BFSI, Telstra)
- Steve Nouri (Founder, AI4Diversity and GenAI Works)

Launch: Global Responsible AI Initiative (ACM & AI4Diversity)
Partners: Oracle Database & Cremorne Digital Hub