
BREAKING NEWS How to get disaster recovery allowance if you are impacted by flooding in Kempsey, Port Macquarie, Dungog and Mid Coast
The allowance is available for workers who will lose income, such as those who are unable to go to work or whose employer has had to cease operating.
The allowance has been made available for four impacted LGAs.
These are the Kempsey, Port Macquarie, Dungog and the Mid Coast Council areas.
'That is to assist people who have been impacted with up to 13 weeks' allowance in lieu of them being able to undertake their usual course of employment,' Federal emergency management minister Kristy McBain said.
Impacted residents will be able to apply via the MyGov website.
'If you're eligible, you'll get the maximum equivalent rate of JobSeeker Payment or Youth Allowance, depending on your personal circumstances,' Services Australia said
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Geeky Gadgets
6 days ago
- Geeky Gadgets
10 Mind-Blowing Ways AI Agents Are Solving Real-World Problems
What if machines could not only think but also act—independently, intelligently, and in real time? From coordinating disaster relief efforts to predicting crop yields with pinpoint accuracy, AI agents are reshaping the way industries solve problems and seize opportunities. These autonomous systems go beyond traditional automation, combining reasoning, planning, and adaptability to tackle challenges that once required human intuition. Imagine an AI agent analyzing satellite imagery during a flood, orchestrating rescue operations while another predicts supply chain disruptions caused by the same disaster. This isn't science fiction—it's happening now, and the implications are profound. In this comprehensive breakdown, IBM Technology explore ten fantastic use cases for AI agents, showcasing their versatility across sectors like IoT-driven agriculture, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) for content creation, and real-time disaster response. You'll discover how these systems integrate innovative technologies, from predictive analytics to multi-agent collaboration, to deliver smarter, faster, and more resilient solutions. Whether you're curious about how AI is transforming healthcare workflows or optimizing transportation routes, this exploration will reveal the extraordinary potential of AI agents to enhance efficiency, save lives, and redefine innovation. The possibilities are vast, but the question remains: how far can we push the boundaries of what AI agents can achieve? AI Agents Driving Innovation Agriculture: Smarter Farming with IoT Integration AI agents are transforming agriculture by combining IoT devices and sensor data to optimize farming operations. These agents monitor critical environmental factors such as soil moisture, temperature, and humidity to make informed decisions. For example, they can schedule irrigation, adjust fertilizer application, and predict crop yields with precision. By analyzing weather forecasts and real-time sensor inputs, an AI agent might determine the ideal time for planting or harvesting, reducing waste and maximizing productivity. Through iterative learning, these systems continuously improve, making sure more efficient resource use and higher yields over time. This integration of AI and IoT is allowing farmers to meet growing food demands sustainably. Content Creation: Precision with Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) In content creation, AI agents use Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) to produce accurate, contextually relevant material. These agents access up-to-date information from vector databases, allowing them to gather, synthesize, and refine content tailored to specific needs. For instance, an AI agent tasked with drafting a market analysis report can retrieve relevant data, create a draft, and refine it based on feedback. This process ensures both precision and relevance, making RAG an invaluable tool for businesses, media organizations, and researchers. By automating repetitive aspects of content creation, AI agents free up human creators to focus on strategy and creativity, enhancing overall productivity. 10 Use Cases for AI Agents Watch this video on YouTube. Here are more detailed guides and articles that you may find helpful on AI agents. Disaster Response: Real-Time Coordination with Multi-Agent Systems AI agents play a critical role in disaster response by analyzing satellite imagery, social media feeds, and sensor data to assess situations in real time. Multi-agent systems collaborate to create situational maps, recommend evacuation routes, and allocate resources efficiently. For example, during a flood, one agent might analyze water levels using satellite imagery, while another coordinates rescue operations based on population density. This collaborative approach ensures swift, effective responses to emergencies, saving lives and minimizing resource wastage. By integrating real-time data and predictive analytics, AI agents enhance disaster preparedness and response strategies, making communities more resilient to crises. Banking and Finance: Strengthening Security with Anomaly Detection In the financial sector, AI agents enhance security by monitoring transactions in real time to detect anomalies and prevent fraud. These agents analyze patterns in transaction data to identify irregular activities, such as unauthorized access or unusual spending behaviors. For example, an AI agent might flag a sudden, high-value transaction from an unfamiliar location, prompting further investigation. This proactive approach not only prevents fraud but also builds customer trust by making sure the safety of financial assets. Additionally, AI agents assist in compliance monitoring and risk assessment, helping financial institutions navigate regulatory requirements efficiently. Customer Experience: Personalizing Interactions with Sentiment Analysis AI agents improve customer interactions by using sentiment analysis to understand emotions and tailor responses. Whether through chatbots or call centers, these agents analyze tone, language, and context to provide empathetic and effective support. For instance, an AI agent might detect frustration in a customer's message and escalate the issue to a human representative, making sure timely resolution and enhancing satisfaction. By personalizing interactions, AI agents help businesses build stronger relationships with their customers, fostering loyalty and trust. This capability is particularly valuable in industries such as retail, telecommunications, and hospitality, where customer experience is a key differentiator. Healthcare: Streamlining Operations with Multi-Agent Systems In healthcare, multi-agent systems manage complex workflows, such as analyzing lab results, coordinating prescriptions, and scheduling appointments. For example, one agent might process patient test results, while another ensures prescriptions are sent to the correct pharmacy. This division of labor reduces administrative burdens on healthcare providers, allowing them to focus on patient care and improving overall outcomes. AI agents also play a role in predictive diagnostics, identifying potential health risks based on patient data and recommending preventive measures. By streamlining operations and enhancing decision-making, these systems contribute to more efficient and effective healthcare delivery. Human Resources: Boosting Efficiency with Workflow Automation AI agents streamline HR processes by automating repetitive tasks such as employee onboarding, performance reviews, and payroll management. By integrating with enterprise systems, these agents ensure seamless data flow across platforms. For example, an AI agent might automatically generate onboarding schedules, send reminders, and track task completion. This automation allows HR teams to focus on strategic initiatives, such as talent development and organizational planning, rather than administrative tasks. Additionally, AI agents can analyze workforce data to identify trends and provide insights that support better decision-making in areas like recruitment and retention. IT Operations: Resolving Issues with Root Cause Analysis In IT operations, AI agents enhance system reliability by identifying and resolving issues through root cause analysis. By analyzing logs and performance metrics, these agents can pinpoint the underlying causes of alerts and autonomously implement fixes. For instance, an AI agent might detect a server outage, identify a misconfigured setting, and apply the necessary correction, minimizing downtime and making sure smooth operations. This proactive approach reduces the workload on IT teams and helps organizations maintain high levels of service availability. AI agents also assist in capacity planning and system optimization, making sure that IT infrastructure can scale to meet future demands. Supply Chain Management: Predicting Demand with Analytics AI agents optimize supply chain operations by using predictive analytics to forecast demand. By analyzing market trends, historical data, and external factors, these agents help businesses anticipate inventory needs and adjust production schedules. For example, an AI agent might predict increased demand for a product during a holiday season, allowing timely stock replenishment and reducing shortages. This proactive approach minimizes waste, enhances customer satisfaction, and improves overall supply chain efficiency. By integrating real-time data from IoT devices and other sources, AI agents provide businesses with the agility needed to respond to changing market conditions. Transportation: Enhancing Efficiency with Dynamic Route Optimization In transportation, AI agents improve efficiency by dynamically optimizing routes. By analyzing traffic patterns, weather conditions, and delivery schedules, these agents recommend the most efficient paths in real time. For instance, a logistics company might use an AI agent to reroute delivery trucks during a traffic jam, making sure on-time deliveries and reducing fuel consumption. This adaptability makes transportation systems more reliable and cost-effective. AI agents also contribute to the development of autonomous vehicles, where real-time decision-making is critical for safety and efficiency. The Core Framework Behind AI Agents AI agents operate using a consistent framework that enables their adaptability across industries. This framework includes: Goal Setting: Defining clear objectives for the agent to achieve. Defining clear objectives for the agent to achieve. Planning: Developing workflows using available tools and data. Developing workflows using available tools and data. Memory: Storing and retrieving relevant information for context. Storing and retrieving relevant information for context. Execution: Generating and refining action plans. Generating and refining action plans. Action: Implementing tasks and adapting based on feedback. By using this framework, AI agents can address a wide range of challenges, delivering solutions that are both efficient and scalable. Their ability to learn and adapt ensures continuous improvement, making them an indispensable tool for modern industries. Media Credit: IBM Technology Filed Under: AI, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.


Daily Mail
03-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Newsom accepts Trump's offer to 'bail him out' of LA riot damage
California Gov. Gavin Newsom swallowed his pride and officially applied for disaster relief assistance from President Donald Trump. In a statement on the approval for aid, Trump's Small Business Administration (SBA) said it took weeks for Newsom to ask for federal disaster relief in the midst of violent and destructive pro-illegal immigration riots in Los Angeles. SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler approved $2 million in an Economic Injury Disaster Loan for businesses to apply for in order to support their normal operating expenses like payroll, rent and utilities. Newsom spoke disparagingly about Trump and his administration's reaction to the riots as leaders in the state sought to downplay the violence and bump up the reason for unrest – mass deportation policies and crack down on illegal immigration. Loeffler said the California Democrat finally asked for the administration to 'bail him out.' 'After weeks of no real solutions and inflammatory social media statements, Governor Newsom finally requested federal disaster relief to bail him out – again,' she said. The statement claims that normal expenses could 'not be met' by California businesses 'due to the destruction enabled by Newsom's failed governance.' 'Unlike Gavin Newsom, the Trump Administration will always put the American people above partisan political stunts,' the statement concludes. Newsom's office did not immediately respond to the Daily Mail's request for comment Thursday morning. Storefronts and businesses in Los Angeles were ransacked, robbed, mobbed and faced with vandalism and destruction by thousands of rioters who took to the streets last month in protest against Trump's anti-illegal immigration policies and specifically the growing number of raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Rioters threw rocks and other weapons at law enforcement and set fires while waving Mexican flags. It's estimated that they caused $1 billion in damages to downtown Los Angeles. Loeffler said on her X account on Tuesday that Newsom last week requested federal aid to help small businesses recover from the 'migrant riots.' Small businesses impacted by the riots can apply from EIDL loans up to $2 million. 'Governor Newsom allowed a mob to rampage Los Angeles – standing with violent rioters, paid protestors, and criminal illegal aliens over law-abiding citizens,' Loeffler wrote in a statement on the approved relief request. 'Despite an estimated $1 billion in damage, he refused federal relief for weeks, insisting that the riots were peaceful even as small business owners stood in the rubble,' said Loeffler.


Daily Mail
03-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Gavin Newsom meekly accepts Trump's offer to 'bail him out' of LA riot damage
California Gov. Gavin Newsom swallowed his pride and officially applied for disaster relief assistance from President Donald Trump. In a statement on the approval for aid, Trump's Small Business Administration (SBA) said it took weeks for Newsom to ask for federal disaster relief in the midst of violent and destructive pro-illegal immigration riots in Los Angeles last week. SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler approved $2 million in an Economic Injury Disaster Loan for businesses to apply for in order to support their normal operating expenses like payroll, rent and utilities. Newsom spoke disparagingly about Trump and his administration's reaction to the riots as leaders in the state sought to downplay the violence and bump up the reason for unrest – mass deportation policies and crack down on illegal immigration. Loeffler said the California Democrat finally asked for the administration to 'bail him out.' 'After weeks of no real solutions and inflammatory social media statements, Governor Newsom finally requested federal disaster relief to bail him out – again,' reads a Tuesday statement from the SBA. The statement claims that normal expenses could 'not be met' by California businesses 'due to the destruction enabled by Newsom's failed governance.' 'Unlike Gavin Newsom, the Trump Administration will always put the American people above partisan political stunts,' the statement concludes. Newsom's office did not immediately respond to the Daily Mail's request for comment Thursday morning. Storefronts and businesses in Los Angeles were ransacked, robbed, mobbed and faced with vandalism and destruction by thousands of rioters who took to the streets last month in protest against Trump's anti-illegal immigration policies and specifically the growing number of raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Rioters threw rocks and other weapons at law enforcement and set fires while waving Mexican flags. It's estimated that they caused $1 billion in damages to downtown Los Angeles. Loeffler said on her X account on Tuesday that Newsom last week requested federal aid to help small businesses recover from the 'migrant riots.' Pro-immigration rioters took to the streets of Los Angeles engaged in violent clashes with law enforcement last month Small businesses impacted by the riots can apply from EIDL loans up to $2 million. 'Governor Newsom allowed a mob to rampage Los Angeles – standing with violent rioters, paid protestors, and criminal illegal aliens over law-abiding citizens,' Loeffler wrote in a statement on the approved relief request. 'Despite an estimated $1 billion in damage, he refused federal relief for weeks, insisting that the riots were peaceful even as small business owners stood in the rubble,' said Loeffler. She insisted that while the SBA is sending aid to 'innocent victims,' Newsom should be held accountable for his 'state-sanctioned crisis.'