🤖Google’s AI agent unveiled | Woollam’s 140-Year milestone | Top complained Ad of 2024 | A leap from labs to learning | NASA’s first off-planet crash and more!
Today's newsletter is 1,149 words, a 5.1-minute read.
Welcome to another Rocky News Thursday.
It’s December 12, and, just 13 days until Christmas🎄
In today's email:
One Big Thing: Iconic company 140 years in the making
Google unveils AI Agent: What you need to know
Tatum Parmley’s leap: From labs to learning
Trending: Plate number type
Around The Web (Snippets): Rocky’s new police recruits, a creepy billboard ad, Dorothy’s Wizard of Oz slippers sell for $28m and heaps more.
Upcoming Events
Rockhampton Weather - Weekend Forecast
The Weekly Dream Gig
The Department of Justice in Rockhampton seeks a Regional Victim Coordination Officer and help empower victims of crime. With a salary of $101,174 - $109,783 p/a, you’ll network, train, and support agencies, while directly assisting victims with complex needs.
If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact in the criminal justice system, apply now and be the voice of support and change! 💼🌟
Need to advertise a job? Contact us here👇
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Live National Meat and Livestock Index
1. One Big Thing: Iconic company 140 years in the making
by: Olivia Hatch
Queensland’s oldest private builder believes serving the state’s regions, attention to detail and flying beneath the radar have been key to its 140th birthday.
Since their inception in 1884, Woollam Construction has been associated with some of the most iconic structures in the Sunshine State but it’s been in more recent years they have made their mark in Rockhampton with projects including Yeppoon Lagoon (2018) and Rockhampton Museum of Art(2021)
2. Google unveils Project Mariner, AI agents, and you need to know
What’s Happening
Google has unveiled Project Mariner, its first-ever prototype AI agent designed to navigate the web like a human.
Made by Google’s DeepMind division (which claims to 'Build AI responsibly to benefit humanity’), the project is a massive step in the evolution of AI that we’ve all seen rush onto the scene in the last few years.
Why It Matters
An AI agent will be able to take control of your browser, move your cursor, click buttons and fill out forms just like a human would.
Built with Gemini 2.0, this particular research prototype essentially automates browser tasks, from creating shopping carts to finding flights while keeping users informed and in control.
Basically, this innovation marks the start of a new pivotal shift in user interaction with the internet.
Zooming In On AI Agents
An AI agent is a system capable of perceiving its environment, making decisions, and taking actions to achieve specific goals, often autonomously.
They are pivotal because they can automate multiple complex tasks, enhance efficiency, and provide personalised solutions, allowing humans to focus on creativity, innovation, and problem-solving while handling repetitive or data-intensive activities.
By the Numbers
Only 743 days: Since the first release of ChatGPT back on November 30 2022
90.5% successful performance in autonomous browser interaction tests
Zooming Out
While Mariner can’t yet finalise purchases or multitask in the background, its ability to adapt to complex instructions and offer real-time feedback signals major potential for growth in digital usability.
What The People Say
Google Labs Director Jaclyn Konzelmann calls it a “fundamentally new UX paradigm shift.”
Meanwhile, DeepMind CTO Koray Kavukcuoglu stresses the importance of a “step-by-step approach” for safety.
DeepMind’s Mission says, “As we develop these new technologies, we recognise the responsibility it entails and aim to prioritise safety and security in all our efforts.”
What To Look For Next
If your job involves repetitive or data-heavy tasks, maybe some up-skill options over the summer..
In the meantime, something like the below turning up in the workplace (We asked ChatGPT, based on what it knows, to draw what it feels an AI agent might look like👇 )
3. Tatum Parmley’s leap from labs to learning
The Turn to Teaching Internship Program is helping professionals like cardiac scientist Tatum Parmley transition to teaching careers.
Among 74 recent graduates, Tatum now starts her role as a maths and science teacher in Rockhampton, bringing real-world expertise to the classroom.
“The program removed a big barrier to changing my career with financial support, supervision, and quicker classroom entry,” Tatum said. Her students benefit from engaging scenarios drawn from her previous work as a cardiac and respiratory scientist.
🧐That's weird: 2025 is near, and maybe you’re thinking ‘new career’.
Well, you could be up for some serious robot versus human-competition.
Here’s a bit of a creepy billboard ad wanting you to hire AI over humans.
4. Trending
What's this type of number plate?
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5. Around The Web (Snippets)
Bidgerdii Community Health Service: awarded Dementia awareness grant
Dorothy’s Wizard of Oz Ruby slippers sold at auction for: A record-breaking $28,000,000.00
Rocky is set to welcome: Four new police recruits following the Queensland Police Service's final graduation ceremony of 2024.
Researchers uncover Chinese: Spyware used to target Android devices
Today we honour our fallen officers: whose lives were lost at Wieambilla on December 12, 2022.
Rockhampton Regional Council has announced: the successful applicants for Round 2 of this year’s Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).
AI data centres could trigger roughly 600,000: Asthma-symptom cases a year by 2030.
A little boy found a strange stone on the beach in England, which turned out to be: A Neanderthal’s hand axe
First Ever Aircraft Accident Investigation On Another: Planet Carried Out By NASA
6. Upcoming Events
🎵Carols by Candlelight 2024: December 13, Featuring local performers and musicians, this magical concerts is filled with joyful Christmas songs and carols.
🐂Grand Final Great Western Hotel Bull Riding Series 2024: December 14, Gear up for an explosive thrill ride at the grand Final of the 2024 Great Western Hotel Bull Riding Series! Prepare for the ultimate clash of courage between man and beast in this high-octane sport.
🕺Garret Lyon & Warama Neon Corroborree Live at Yeppoon Town Hall: December 14, an unforgettable night of culture, music, and dance!
🥩Dads Group Christmas Family Gathering: December 15, Dads Group will be supplying the BBQ on the day at no charge - we just want you to come along and join in.
🧵Crafty Christmas- Emu Park: December 18, a festive day of creativity as you explore six different Christmas crafts and activities!
🧺Make Your Own Serving Platter, Doyle Basket and Bauble Wreath: December 20, a hands-on workshop where you’ll get to make three incredible items: A serving platter, doyle basket or pot and a bauble wreath. It’s free — just pack and bring your own lunch.