Forum in Torquay to unlock AI for regional businesses

06/06/2025

A Lara-based seedling supplier which has grown to become one of Australia’s largest, is part of a minority of businesses harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and will share their learnings at a forum for regional businesses across the Barwon South West.

The AI Forum in Torquay, will be hosted by Regional Development Australia (RDA) Melbourne on 20 June, and explore the practical applications and transformative nature of AI for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs).

With an impressive line-up of speakers, industry experts and practical examples, the forum will show how businesses are using the technology to add value to their operations by improving efficiencies, solving problems and building competitive edge.

It comes as findings released by the National AI Centre (NAIC) show the significant divide in AI readiness among Australian businesses and the need to tailor strategies to boost its understanding and adoption.

NAIC’s findings reveal that 40 per cent of SMEs are adopting AI, while 21 per cent are not aware of how to use the technology and 38 per cent are not planning to adopt AI in their business.

One business bucking the trend is Boomaroo Nurseries - an award-winning commercial supplier of vegetable seedlings to the fresh food industry.

Boomaroo’s CEO Peter Smith will present at the forum, sharing the challenges, benefits and realities of adopting AI and how it is shaping their business operations and future strategy.

Starting as a small family business in Werribee and growing to a 20-hectare operation across two states, Boomaroo can produce up to 400 million vegetable seedlings annually across more than 150 individual varieties.

Boomaroo Nurseries is developing an AI strategy to improve quality and productivity across its sites. This includes training its staff in how to use AI, working closely with fellow forum presenters – Deakin University and AI Agency Enterprise Monkey.

The business is also using AI to develop an energy efficient heating system at its Lara site.  The AI-driven system will revolutionise the way its boiler operations are managed, using real-time weather and temperature data.

It will allow the boilers, which are central to the nursery’s heating system and essential for supporting year-round plant growth, to only turn on when needed rather than running all the time.

The system will support the business to cut energy use by up to 30 per cent, lower fuel bills and reduce emissions – helping Boomaroo to run more efficiently and sustainably while also saving costs.

Fellow presenter Rita Arrigo is a leading expert in digital strategy and AI, known for making complex tech ideas easy to understand.

As Strategic Engagement Manager at NAIC, Rita helps support and drive Australia’s adoption of trusted, secure and responsible artificial intelligence.

Rita's discussion at the forum will provide national perspectives on the opportunities and adoption of AI in the years to come.

The AI Forum will be held at RACV Torquay Resort on 20 June 2025.

The forum is supported by RDA Barwon South West and the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industries and Regions.

For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

The RDA program is an Australian Government Initiative. For more information about the work of the RDA committees, visit www.rda.gov.au