GDG Cloud Sydney

Don't miss the special edition of Build with AI workshop by KSUG.AI Australia #40 – Sydney Meetup sponsored by Google!

Agenda and topics preview:

Food, drinks and Socialising

Welcome / Introductions by the Organisers

Technical Talk: Orchestrate the Orchestrator: Gemini Powered Agents for GKE Workflows

Learn to build robust Python tools that empower AI agents to manage the full lifecycle of containerised applications. This workshop guides you through building utilities to automate GKE management tasks.

You’ll learn how to:

Set up your local Agent Development Kit (ADK) environment: Configure your local ADK environment and connect to a Large Language Model

Build GKE & Docker Helpers: Create Python functions to programmatically build Docker images, push them to Artifact Registry, and deploy/manage containerised jobs on your GKE cluster

Implement Function Calling: Define clear, reliable interfaces (tools) that enable your LLM agent to intelligently and autonomously interact with GKE clusters to execute complex workflows

Quiz time: nice swags giveaways; KodeKloud: 6 months access to platform, Google Gemini Swag and AI/ML on Google books by Packt

Agenda Rundown:

Doors Open at 5:pm

Event Kicks off at 5:30

Technical talk from 5:45 - 6:30pm

Food and drinks will be provided between 6.30 and 7.00 pm on a first-come, first-served basis.

Workshop from 7:00pm - 7:30

Quiz / Prizes from 7:30 onwards

This is a great opportunity to learn and network with our peers. Thanks to our sponsors @Google and @KodeKloud!

Agenda

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Hosted By

Reeya Maharjan,

Roshan Ghale, Community organiser

A passionate Software Engineer skilled in JavaScript, React, Node.js, as well as Salesforce Development. Currently I am working as a Software Engineer at Practifi.

Ryan Snowden, Community Organiser

Rohit Maharjan, Community Organiser

Hi, I’m Rohit, a dedicated software engineer with 2 years of experience and a
keen interest in transitioning to a DevOps role. I have a strong background in
building digital solutions using PHP, JavaScript (React.js), and MySQL. My
passion for cloud technologies and continuous integration/deployment
(CI/CD) drives me to further develop my skills in DevOps. I am eager to
leverage my development experience and cloud knowledge to contribute to
a dynamic DevOps team.

Sajan Shrestha, Community organiser

Adhish Panta, Community Organiser

Geshan Manandhar, Community organiser

Geshan is a seasoned software engineer, with over 15 years of software engineering experience. Currently, in Sydney, Australia serving Simply Wall St. as a senior software engineer. He is a language-agnostic software engineer who believes the value provided to the business is more important than the choice of language or framework. With a keen interest in REST architecture, microservices, agile software engineering, and serverless, he has spoken at tech conferences in the Middle East, Europe, the United States, and Australia. He is actively involved with the developer community and is a Google Developer Expert (GDE) for the Google Cloud Platform (GCP). He is a certified scrum master too. Blogging since 2007, he has a well-maintained tech blog where he shares his views and ideas.

Gary Lou, Community organiser

Siddhesh Shivdikar, Senior Software Engineer Android

I'm Siddhesh (Sid), a Senior Software Engineer specialising in Mobile App Development, based in Sydney. My mantra is to merge my love for technology with my desire to make a positive impact on the community. I completed my master's in Information Technology from UNSW.

With over five years of experience in developing mobile apps, I've aligned myself with opportunities that bolster my transformation journey. I helped Agarwal Cars Transport create a PWA to automate payments, invoices, data collection, and delivery status tracking for clients like OLA, Uber, and Cars 24. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I helped an organization establish their e-commerce platform via Flutter for mobile and React for the web. Additionally, I supported Ampol in their transformation from a fuel-based company to an energy-based company, leveraging EV-Charging and HomeEnergy solutions.

My journey continues as I strive to create the same impact through hackathons. I won the SIH Smart India Hackathon by developing an Android Backdoor app to track and navigate criminals. I also developed a POC to stop the spread of misinformation during the Massachusetts Institute of Technology COVID-19 Hackathon.

I devote my time to giving back to the community and empowering others by volunteering as a co-organiser at GDG Sydney. I share knowledge and organise monthly meetups alongside my fellow organisers. Please feel free to reach out if you want to be part of the community or are willing to empower the community by presenting your knowledge.

Kunal Ostwal,

Luke Moody, Founder

Complete your event RSVP here: https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-cloud-sydney-presents-ksugai-australia-40-build-with-ai-workshop/.

GDG Sydney presents a Build with AI Hands-on Workshop to build an AI Agent.

Explore the land of Agentic AI and experience the transformative potential of Generative AI in this hands-on workshop. Discover how to build an AI-powered timesheet agent that automates time sheet-related tasks.

Discover how to:

Leverage pre-trained models and customize them to your needs with Gemini 2.0
Deploy Generative AI solutions on Google Cloud for scalability.
Create captivating user experiences with AI-powered features.
Address ethical considerations in Generative AI applications.

Requirements:

To follow along with the workshop, you must bring your laptop 💻

Talk by Geshan Manandhar (GDE - Google Cloud)

NotebookLM and other Google Labs products

This talk will be a quick demo of NotebookLM and how to use it. You will also learn about other Notebook LM features, such as audio overview (podcast in 50 languages), mind map, and briefing doc. After that, you will also learn about other experiments in Google Labs like Image FX, Stitch, and Jules, which are free (don't need a Google One AI Subscription) and don't have a waitlist.

About the speaker, Geshan
Geshan is a seasoned software engineer with over 17 years of software engineering experience. Currently, he serves Simply Wall St. as a senior software engineer in Sydney, Australia. He is a language-agnostic software engineer who believes the value provided to the business is more important than the choice of language or framework. With a keen interest in REST architecture, microservices, agile software engineering, and serverless, he has spoken at tech conferences in the Middle East, Europe, the United States, and Australia. He is actively involved with the developer community and is a Google Developer Expert (GDE) for the Google Cloud Platform (GCP). He is a Docker Captain, too. Blogging since 2007, he has a well-maintained tech blog, where he shares his views and ideas.

Workshop by Yash Mehta (GDE Google Cloud)
Build a Timesheet Agent Powered by Gemini
Imagine reclaiming hours each week lost to manual timesheet management—time you could spend innovating, collaborating, or simply enjoying life. If you’re tired of wrestling with spreadsheets and chasing down missing entries, this hands‑on workshop is for you. Join us as we guide you step‑by‑step through building an AI‑powered timesheet agent that automates your data entry tasks, identifies missing entries, and provides proactive suggestions—all powered by Google’s Gemini models.

In this session, you’ll harness Google’s Open Source Agent Development Kit (ADK) and write custom Python functions that let your agent perform real‑world tasks on your behalf. You’ll learn how to:

Set up the ADK: Set up the ADK locally and connect to an LLLM.
Build Python-based SQL helpers: Create functions to read, write, and validate timesheet data in your SQL database.
Implement function calling: Define clear interfaces so your LLM agent can automatically query for missing entries or push updates.

💡 Google Cloud credits will be provided to support the hands-on workshop experience!

About the speaker, Yash
Yash is a seasoned technology consultant with a track record of successfully delivering large and complex projects, specialising in cutting-edge technologies such as AI & MLOps, real-time data processing, cloud architecture, and data engineering. With a deep understanding of Google Cloud Platform (GCP), he is recognised as one of the Google Developer Experts in ANZ, specialising in Cloud AI and ML. Yash has collaborated with diverse clients across telecommunications, media & marketing, financial services, retail, and e-commerce sectors, delivering innovative, tailored solutions.

Agenda

5:30 PM: Doors open

5:45 PM: Event starts

6:00 PM: Notebook LM and other Google Labs products - By Geshan Manandhar

6:30 PM: Food and networking time

7:00 PM: Build a Timesheet Agent Powered by Gemini (Workshop) by Yash Mehta

8:00 PM: Event wraps up

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Speakers

Geshan Manandhar - Simply Wall St. (Sr. Software Engineer)

Geshan is a seasoned software engineer, with over 15 years of software engineering experience. Currently, in Sydney, Australia serving Simply Wall St. as a senior software engineer. He is a language-agnostic software engineer who believes the value provided to the business is more important than the choice of language or framework. With a keen interest in REST architecture, microservices, agil…

Yash Mehta - Vivanti (Consultant)

Yash is a seasoned technology consultant with a track record of successfully delivering large and complex projects, specialising in cutting-edge technologies such as AI & MLOps, real-time data processing, cloud architecture, and data engineering. With a deep understanding of Google Cloud Platform (GCP), he is recognised as one of the Google Cloud Champion Innovators in ANZ, specialising in…

Hosts

Subi Shrestha - Revio Cyber Security (Cyber Security Analyst)

Subi is a skilled Cyber Security Analyst at Revio Cyber Security with practical expertise in threat detection, incident response, and third-party risk management. Actively supports clients in strengthening their security posture through tailored guidance and cybersecurity training. Brings a good grasp of industry standards and is passionate about efficient approaches to modern cybersecurity ch…

Shasanka Acharya

Kening Hu

Rohit Maharjan

Shital Shrestha

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Partners

Google Cloud (https://cloud.withgoogle.com/next/sf/)

Dented Code (https://dentedcode.com)
At Dented Code, we have developed an innovative coding Bootcamp approach to empower candidates with cutting-edge technology and skills to thrive in the Australian multi-billion-dollar digital economy. In 2021, Dented Code began transferring its programming skills to students through BootCamp courses, in-school workshops, community upskilling initiatives, and online tutorials. Through Dented Code’s BootCamp, students get equipped with in-demand coding and web development skills.

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Complete your event RSVP here: https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-cloud-sydney-presents-build-with-ai-notebooklm-and-build-a-timesheet-agent-with-gemini/.

GDG Cloud Sydney is back for a meetup this July! Join us for an evening of interesting technical talks.

Come Hire!
The meetup allocates 10 minutes to people seeking technical jobs or with open roles at their company.

This meetup is in the in-person format; there are no plans to stream the event.

Please arrive before 6 p.m. The lift timings have changed, and we cannot take you up to L21 from the ground floor if you arrive after 6 p.m.

Partners
This meetup is organised in partnership with Mantel Group. They harness technologies that transform business operations in the real world. With capabilities spanning Cloud, Data, Digital and Security, they merge emerging technologies with innovative design and industry expertise to enhance your business. With deep technical specialisation and as leading Amazon, Google and Microsoft cloud partners, the depth and breadth our solutions offer is unparalleled. Mantel Group is your partner for end-to-end digital transformation.

Ranked in Australia's top 10 Best Workplaces by Great Place To Work Australia for four years in a row, we are people-focused and uphold strong values. Our culture champions trust, empowerment, and diversity with a lean structure emphasizing collaboration, direct communication, and equity.

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"Dented Code teaches coding skills that you need to become a full stack developer and help you advance your career, pursue your dream job, or enjoy the freedom of life as a freelancer." - Learn more on their website.

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We will also give out two 1-year subscriptions from JetBrains to any of JetBrains' IDEs in a raffle. You can use the 100% discount code on CLion, DataGrip, DataSpell, GoLand, IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate, PhpStorm, PyCharm, ReSharper, ReSharper C++, Rider, RubyMine, WebStorm, or dotUltimate.

Talks
Talk 1: Building Futuristic Android Apps with XR and Gemini - Cedric Ferry

Unlock the future of mobile interaction by preparing your Android apps for the converging worlds of spatial computing and generative AI. This session delves into the steps for updating existing Android apps to leverage the Android XR platform, utilizing familiar tools like Jetpack Compose alongside new spatial APIs to create immersive mixed-reality experiences that break free from traditional screens. Furthermore, discover how to seamlessly integrate Google's powerful Gemini models using the Vertex AI SDK for Firebase for robust integration, enabling your apps with natural language processing, and dynamic content generation. Join to learn the techniques that empower you to build the next generation of truly futuristic user experiences on Android.

About the speaker - Cedric Ferry

Cedric is a seasoned software engineer with a strong passion for mobile technologies. His career spans Europe, Australia, and the US, working in both the financial industry and at Big Tech companies, including Google.

Always looking ahead, Cedric is also keen on emerging technologies—diving into AI, mixed reality, and electronics to build innovative applications that offer a glimpse into the future.

Talk 2: Don’t forget your roots! Move faster with AI by getting the basics right - Elaine Gao

AI presents incredible opportunities - it feels like it’s all the hype right now! You can maximise chances of success by building on strong foundations. This talk explores how getting the basics right accelerates AI adoption and delivers better outcomes, covering essential elements like business up-skilling, robust data fundamentals and platform architecture, and strategic use case discovery and prioritisation. Elaine will also share valuable learnings from two years of successfully building and deploying generative AI products in production environments, offering practical insights for moving confidently in the AI space.

About the speaker - Elaine Gao

Elaine is a Machine Learning Engineer at Mantel Group with machine learning implementation experience across a range of industries, including financial services, retail, education technology, and media. Also an organiser for GDG Auckland, she is passionate about practical and sustainable applications of AI/ML, with a strong focus on enablement and empowering knowledge sharing.

Event Schedule
5:30pm - Event doors open

5:45pm - Introduction and hiring connect for those hiring/wanting to be hired (5 mins for each group, and every individual gets 1 min max)

6:00pm - Building Futuristic Android Apps with XR and Gemini - Cedric

6:45pm - Don’t forget your roots! Move faster with AI by getting the basics right - Elaine

7:30pm - Raffle for the 2 JetBrains IDE licenses

8:00pm - Event end

Agenda

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Speakers

Cedic Ferry - TikTok (Senior Software Engineer)

Cedric started Android Development in 2007 with first android beta. His passion for the little green robot took him around the world, where he has been working for leading companies in Financial Industry in Australia and big tech, including TikTok and Google.

Elaine Gao - Mantel (Machine Learning Engineer)

Hosts

Reeya Maharajan - The Butcher's Block Group (Junior Developer)

Gary Lou - GDSC USYD (AI/ML Technical Lead)

Bachelor of Science (Data Science) and Bachelor of Laws at The University of Sydney.

Sajan Shrestha

Rohit Maharjan

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Partners

Mantel Group (https://mantelgroup.com.au/)
Mantel Group harnesses technologies that transform business operations in the real world. With capabilities spanning Cloud, Data, Digital, and Security, they merge emerging technologies with innovative design and industry expertise to enhance your business. With deep technical specialisation and as leading Amazon, Google and Microsoft cloud partners, the depth and breadth our solutions offer is unparalleled. Mantel Group is your partner for end-to-end digital transformation.

Ranked in Australia's top 10 Best Workplaces by Great Place To Work Australia for four years in a row, we are people-focused and uphold strong values. Our culture champions trust, empowerment, and diversity, with a lean structure that emphasises collaboration, direct communication and equity.

JetBrains (https://www.jetbrains.com)
At JetBrains, code is our passion. Ever since we started, back in 2000, we have strived to make the strongest, most effective developer tools on earth. By automating routine checks and corrections, our tools speed up production, freeing developers to grow, discover and create.

Our Mission
We make professional software development a more productive and enjoyable experience.

Dented Code (https://dentedcode.com)
At Dented Code, we have developed an innovative coding Bootcamp approach to empower candidates with cutting-edge technology and skills to thrive in the Australian multi-billion-dollar digital economy. In 2021, Dented Code began transferring its programming skills to students through BootCamp courses, in-school workshops, community upskilling initiatives, and online tutorials. Through Dented Code’s BootCamp, students get equipped with in-demand coding and web development skills.

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Complete your event RSVP here: https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-cloud-sydney-presents-gdg-sydney-meetup-july-2025/.