ChatGPT, Midjourney AI creates ‘typical’ men, women of Central Qld
Artificial intelligence may be the future, but how good is it right now? Meet the ‘average’ men and women of Rockhampton, Gladstone, Yeppoon, Agnes Water, Emerald, Biloela and Longreach as envisioned by AI technology.
Rockhampton
Don't miss out on the headlines from Rockhampton. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Artificial intelligence software is improving exponentially and is now the subject of worldwide debate.
But how good is it?
News Corp has used AI-software to generate 14 images of what Central Queensland people look like: Two from Rockhampton, two from Gladstone, two from Yeppoon, two from Agnes Water, two from Emerald, two from Biloela and two from Longreach.
A biography was generated for each by ChatGPT, which was asked to write “a short description of an (average man/woman) from (suburb) Queensland”.
This text, which also generated names for these men and women, then formed the basis for each image. It is presented below unedited.
Note: ChatGPT included a disclaimer at the end of each output along the lines of: This description offers a generalised view based on regional attributes, and individual stories and experiences can be diverse.
MEET JOHN FROM ROCKHAMPTON
“Meet John, a typical male resident of Rockhampton, Queensland. Based on the demographics of the city, John is likely in his early 40s.
Living in the “Beef Capital of Australia,” it’s possible that John is employed within the beef industry, or maybe in one of the many sectors supporting this industry, such as transportation, processing, or retail. Alternatively, he could work in other significant sectors in Rockhampton, such as healthcare and social assistance, education, or public administration and safety.
John appreciates the city’s blend of cultural heritage, outdoor activities, and modern amenities. He might be involved in the local community, perhaps through sports clubs or volunteering activities. John may have a strong interest in the region’s rich history and enjoys the local architecture and the cultural festivals Rockhampton hosts.
During his time off, John might enjoy fishing or boating on the Fitzroy River, or he might be an avid supporter of the local rugby or cricket team. As a Rockhampton resident, John might also have a taste for beef and enjoys the city’s annual Beef Australia expo.”
MEET EMMA FROM ROCKHAMPTON
“Meet Emma, a typical female resident of Rockhampton, Queensland. She is likely in her late 30s to early 40s.
Rockhampton is known as the ‘Beef Capital of Australia’, but it’s likely that Emma works in a field like healthcare, education, or public administration, given the area’s employment trends. She’s possibly juggling her career with raising a family, as many women in Rockhampton do.
Emma appreciates the rich cultural heritage and vibrant community spirit in Rockhampton. It’s possible that she takes part in local community events and volunteering opportunities. She may also enjoy the local art scene, with the Rockhampton Art Gallery and various cultural festivals happening throughout the year.
On weekends, Emma might enjoy exploring the Botanic Gardens and Zoo or taking her family to the Rockhampton Heritage Village for an educational day out. Being in Rockhampton, Emma has a taste for good quality beef and enjoys the city’s annual Beef Australia expo.”
MEET DAVID FROM GLADSTONE
“Meet David, a typical male resident of Gladstone, Queensland. He is likely in his early to mid-40s.
As Gladstone is an industrial and mining hub, it’s quite probable that David works in one of these sectors. He could be working at the Port of Gladstone, one of the largest shipping ports in Australia, or in one of the local mines or factories.
Given the trend in Gladstone, David probably has some form of trade qualification. He could also be supporting a family, as many men in this age group do in Gladstone.
David takes advantage of the recreational opportunities in the area. He might enjoy fishing, boating, or camping, taking advantage of the city’s access to the Southern Great Barrier Reef and nearby national parks.
On weekends, he might enjoy visiting local markets, exploring the local Gladstone Art Gallery and Museum, or heading to the marina for some fresh seafood.”
MEET MICHELLE FROM GLADSTONE
“Let’s introduce you to Michelle, an average female resident of Gladstone, Queensland. She is likely in her late 30s to early 40s.
Given the city’s industrial focus, Michelle may work in industries such as healthcare, education, or retail, some of the largest employment sectors for women in Gladstone. She may also be employed in the administrative sector of one of the area’s many industrial businesses.
Likely to have a certificate level qualification, Michelle may also have completed a bachelor’s degree or higher at university, reflecting the educational attainment trends in the area.
Michelle enjoys the natural beauty of her surroundings in her free time. She loves walking along the Gladstone Marina or enjoying the local parks. She may also be part of a local community group or club, reflecting the strong sense of community in the city.
On weekends, Michelle might be found at the local markets, attending community events, or exploring the local art scene at the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum.”
MEET JAMES FROM YEPPOON
“Meet James, an average male resident of Yeppoon, Queensland. He is likely in his mid-40s.
With Yeppoon being a known tourist destination, James might be involved in the retail trade, accommodation, and food services sectors that cater to the town’s visitors. He might also be involved in construction or other local industries.
James probably holds a certificate level qualification, in line with the educational trends in the area. However, he could also have completed some level of higher education.
In his free time, James enjoys the natural beauty of his coastal town. He might be found at the local beaches, fishing, or boating, given Yeppoon’s reputation as a water lover’s paradise. He’s also likely to participate in community events or local clubs, showcasing Yeppoon’s close-knit community spirit.
During the weekends, James might be found supporting local businesses at the Yeppoon Central Shopping Centre, visiting the local Capricorn Coast National Park, or enjoying some locally sourced seafood.”
MEET SARAH FROM YEPPOON
“Meet Sarah, an average female resident of Yeppoon, Queensland. She is likely in her early 40s.
Being a key part of Yeppoon’s dynamic community, Sarah might work in sectors such as retail trade, education, or health care and social assistance, which are common industries for women in regional Queensland. She may also be part of the growing local tourism industry, serving the area’s many visitors.
In terms of education, Sarah is likely to hold a certificate level qualification or a diploma, reflecting the educational attainment common in the area.
In her leisure time, Sarah enjoys the scenic beauty and outdoor activities Yeppoon offers. This might include beach walks, swimming, or boating. She might also be involved in community events and local clubs, contributing to the vibrant local community spirit.
On weekends, Sarah can be found shopping at the local farmers market, supporting local businesses or enjoying the outdoors at attractions like the Capricorn Coast National Park or Keppel Kraken water play area.”
MEET DAVID FROM AGNES WATER
“Meet David, an average male resident of Agnes Water, Queensland. He is likely in his mid-40s.
David might work in sectors such as construction, retail trade or accommodation and food services, which are common industries in regional Queensland and particularly significant in the Agnes Water area due to the local tourism industry.
Educationally, David might hold a certificate level qualification or a diploma, reflecting the educational attainment common in the area.
Agnes Water offers a wide range of outdoor activities and natural attractions, and David likely takes advantage of these in his leisure time. He might enjoy surfing at Agnes Water Main Beach, hiking in Deepwater National Park, or fishing off the coast.
David may also be a part of local community groups, contributing to the strong community spirit in Agnes Water. This might involve participating in community events or volunteering in local initiatives.
On weekends, you might find David at the Discovery Coast Markets, shopping for locally made goods, or at a beachside cafe, enjoying the laid-back coastal lifestyle.”
MEET JANE FROM AGNES WATER
“Meet Jane, an average female resident of Agnes Water, Queensland. Jane is likely in her mid-40s, as the median age of residents in regional Queensland often tends to be a bit higher than in larger urban centres.
Jane may work in sectors such as health care and social assistance, retail trade, or education and training, reflecting common employment industries for women in the area. The local tourism industry may also provide employment opportunities for Jane in accommodation and food services.
Jane may have obtained a certificate level qualification or a diploma, reflecting the general educational attainment in Agnes Water.
With the area’s natural beauty and outdoor attractions, Jane likely spends some of her leisure time enjoying the outdoors. This could involve relaxing on the beaches of Agnes Water, exploring Eurimbula National Park, or taking part in water sports like surfing or paddleboarding.
She might also be involved in local community groups or initiatives, contributing to the strong community spirit that is characteristic of Agnes Water.
On weekends, Jane might be found at the Discovery Coast Markets, picking up fresh produce and local crafts, or at a local cafe, enjoying the relaxed coastal atmosphere.”
MEET JOHN FROM EMERALD
“Meet John, an average male resident of Emerald, Queensland. He is likely in his early 40s, as regional Queensland areas such as Emerald tend to have slightly lower median ages compared to national averages.
John might work in one of the prominent industries in the area, which could include mining, agriculture, or construction, reflecting the significant employment sectors in Emerald and surrounding areas.
For his education, it’s probable that John holds a certificate level qualification, which is common for men in Emerald, reflecting the vocational needs of the dominant industries.
Given Emerald’s location in the Sunflower State, John likely spends some of his free time outdoors. He might enjoy fishing in the nearby Fairbairn Dam, taking family outings to the Botanic Gardens, or even partaking in local sports clubs.
As a resident of a regional community, John might be actively involved in community events and local initiatives, fostering a strong community spirit that is characteristic of Emerald.
In the weekends, John might be found at the local pubs, enjoying a laid-back afternoon with mates, or at the Emerald Market, purchasing fresh local produce.”
MEET SARAH FROM EMERALD
“Let’s introduce Sarah, an average female resident of Emerald, Queensland. She is likely in her late 30s, as regional areas like Emerald tend to have slightly lower median ages compared to the national averages.
Sarah might work in the health care and social assistance sector or education, as these are common industries for women in Emerald and Queensland more broadly. Alternatively, she could also be involved in the significant local industries such as mining or agriculture.
As for her education, it’s likely that Sarah holds a certificate level qualification, mirroring the vocational needs of the primary industries in Emerald, or she could be one of the many residents who’ve pursued higher education.
Sarah enjoys the community feel of Emerald. She may be involved in local activities, whether that‘s volunteering at school events, participating in community initiatives or attending local sports games.
In her free time, Sarah might enjoy the beautiful outdoor amenities Emerald has to offer, such as picnicking at the Emerald Botanic Gardens, taking walks by the Fairbairn Dam, or browsing the local markets for fresh produce and crafts.
Weekends might find Sarah at the local cafes, enjoying a coffee with friends, or perhaps at one of the town’s many events, such as the annual Sunflower Festival, which celebrates the region’s significant role in agriculture.”
MEET JAMES FROM BILOELA
“Meet James, an average male resident of Biloela, Queensland. He is likely to be in his late 30s to early 40s, as regional areas like Biloela tend to have slightly lower median ages compared to the national averages.
James is probably employed in one of the local key industries, which include mining and agriculture, reflecting the town’s rural setting and proximity to significant coal reserves. He might work on a local farm or at one of the nearby mines.
Educationally, James might hold a vocational education and training (VET) qualification, which is common in areas where industries such as agriculture and mining are prevalent. Alternatively, he might have completed high school, or gone on to tertiary education.
In his leisure time, James might enjoy outdoor activities, which are abundant in and around Biloela. This could include fishing at nearby Callide Dam, exploring the bushwalking trails in Kroombit Tops National Park, or simply enjoying a BBQ at a local park with his family or friends.
As a member of a close-knit community, James might also be involved in local sports clubs, community groups or events. This could include cheering on a local rugby team or participating in community initiatives.
Weekends might find him at the local market, picking up fresh produce, or enjoying a quiet drink at one of the town‘s pubs. He might also attend the annual local events, like the Biloela Show, a traditional Australian agricultural show.”
MEET JANE FROM BILOELA
“Meet Jane, a typical woman from Biloela, Queensland. She’s likely in her mid to late 30s, reflecting the slightly lower median age common in rural regions like Biloela.
Jane might be employed in health care, education, or retail trade, sectors which commonly employ women in Australia. However, she could also work in the local mining or agricultural industries, given Biloela’s rural setting and resources-based economy.
Jane likely holds a certificate from a vocational training course or a high school degree. Some women in Biloela also pursue tertiary education, so Jane might be among those who have achieved a bachelor’s degree or higher.
In her free time, Jane might participate in community events, a vital part of small town life. She may also enjoy outdoor activities, such as bushwalking in Kroombit Tops National Park or picnicking by the Callide Dam.
As part of Biloela’s close-knit community, Jane may also be involved in local organisations or clubs, such as women’s groups, sports clubs, or volunteer initiatives. These organisations often play a key role in maintaining the social fabric of small towns.
On weekends, you could find Jane at the local market picking up fresh produce or enjoying a coffee at a local cafe. Annual local events, such as the Biloela Show, are also likely to be a highlight in her social calendar.”
MEET JOE FROM LONGREACH
“Meet Joe, an average man from Longreach, Queensland. He’s likely in his early 40s, reflecting the median age in this Outback town.
Joe is possibly employed in sectors such as agriculture, health care, or education, given the economic activities in Longreach. Being an Outback town, cattle and sheep farming are significant industries here, and Joe may be involved in such work.
Joe likely holds a certificate from a vocational training course or a high school degree. Some men in Longreach also pursue tertiary education, but distance and regional factors may impact this.
In his free time, Joe may be found engaging in outdoor activities, such as fishing or camping by the Thomson River. Given Longreach’s Outback location, he might also enjoy exploring the nearby wilderness areas or visiting the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame.
Being part of a close-knit community, Joe could be involved in local organisations or clubs, such as sports teams or volunteer groups. He might also enjoy attending community events, as they are central to the social life of rural towns like Longreach.
On weekends, you may find Joe relaxing at a local pub, enjoying a cold beer with mates, or attending a community barbecue. He might also be found at local events like the Outback Queensland Masters, an annual golfing event.”
MEET JANE FROM LONGREACH
“Introducing Jane, an average woman from Longreach, Queensland. She is likely in her early 40s, reflecting the median age in this rural community.
Jane may be employed in sectors such as education, health care, or retail trade, which are key employers in the region. She may also be involved in agriculture, given the significant role of farming in the local economy.
Jane might hold a certificate from vocational training or a high school degree. Like many in her community, she might face challenges in pursuing higher education due to the regional and remote nature of Longreach.
In her leisure time, Jane could be found taking part in outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, or fishing in the Thomson River. She might also be an avid gardener, given the region’s warm climate and the prominence of gardening in Australian culture.
Jane is likely to be a vital part of her local community. She could be involved in community organisations, local clubs, or volunteering efforts. Attending local events, such as town fairs or the annual Outback Queensland Masters, could also be a significant part of her social life.
During weekends, Jane might be spotted at a local cafe catching up with friends over a cup of coffee, or at a community barbecue, enjoying the camaraderie of her small-town community.”
CQUNIVERSITY LECTURER SHARES HIS OPINION
CQUniversity Digital Media lecturer Brendan Murphy said the AI generated images were “certainly getting good” but were “mixed” in terms of realism.
“The first thing that strikes me is that everybody is white,” he said.
“They are very homogeneous in a lot of ways.
“There is nobody here at that looks like they’re from a non Anglo-Celtic kind of background.
“CQ is a very white place but in my day-to-day experience I do mix with people from lots of different ethnic backgrounds.”
Mr Murphy, who is from Yeppoon, said when he looked at the image of the Yeppoon man he thought it looked “pretty reasonable”.
“If they’re presented as personas to give a visual feel to an area I think they are doing the job realistically enough,” he said.
“For the most part they look pretty authentic.
“But there are some vices there that are either in the system that was used or in the prompting that has certainly skewed it unrealistically towards very generic white looking people.”
Concerning ChatGPT, he said it was “very easy to generate totally plausible stories that are actually factually completely inaccurate” and that it was “best used to streamline people’s writing”.
“It is really important that people realise that ChatGPT is all about making content that reads well and follows established ways of writing and that it’s very dodgy when it comes to factual information,” he said.
“It’s problematic when you use it to generate content in itself because there are errors inherent in the system.
“And we see that with that selection of images that all turned out to be white, good-looking people. Nobody with scars, nobody with hearing aids.
“If we understand that and use it as a tool and not as a way to get out of having to learn stuff ourselves so that we do know what’s true and what’s not true it’s a really useful tool we should all probably be learning to engage with.
“The technology is getting quite realistic quite quickly.”
Revealed: The 21 players who made the Capricorn Claws 2025 squad
Head coach Anna Young said it was a tough assignment settling on the final make-up of the squad, which was decided after final trials were held on Saturday.
Two men seriously injured in back-to-back park attacks
Detectives are calling for help to identify two people who may be able to help after two men were assaulted in a Rockhampton park.