The Whitsunday Game Fish Club (WGFC), together with its junior arm “Reefies,” is set to host its popular Sweeties & Squires Ladies and Kids Fun Fishing Weekend — a celebration of family, fishing, and fun on the water.

Festivities begin on Thursday, April 9, with registration and briefing from 4 pm at the club. The afternoon opens with an important presentation from Maritime Safety Queensland, followed by a weekend overview, registration, pizza, and family activities.

Fishing will take place at anglers’ leisure from Saturday morning (April 11) through to lines out at 2 pm on Sunday, April 12. The final weigh-in will be held at 3 pm Sunday, with fish either weighed or measured. Photos of released catches are encouraged and will count toward results. All Queensland size and bag limits apply, and fishing is restricted to rod and reel only.

Sunday afternoon will feature presentations and a wide range of prizes awarded on merit — not just size or quantity — ensuring everyone has a chance to win. Highlights include a mystery prize, lucky door prize, raffles, fun activities, great food, and a prize for the best-dressed team.

The event is free for WGFC members, with memberships available at the briefing. WGFC and Reefies are also official Play On providers, offering sports vouchers for juniors aged 5–17, covering membership and event entry through to July 2027.

What: Sweeties & Squires Ladies and Kids Fun Fishing Weekend
When: April 9th–12th (briefing April 9th from 4pm; fishing April 11th–12th)
Where: Whitsunday Game Fish Club, Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale

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Photo source: Facebook

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Gentle, sensitive, and incredibly loyal — Maisie is a beautiful girl who just needs the right home to help her continue building confidence.

• Age: Approx. 2–3 years

• Breed: Dalmatian x

• Sex: Female

• Size: Approx. 25kg

• Energy Level: Medium

Good With:

• Children: Yes
• Dogs: Yes
• Cats: No
• Livestock: Yes
• Chooks: OK under supervision

Personality:

• Gentle
• Loyal
• Affectionate
• Sensitive
• Bonds closely to her people

Ideal Home:

• Secure fencing required
• Calm, patient household
• Someone willing to build trust and continue her confidence
• Family environment preferred

Health:

• Desexed
• Vaccinated
• Microchipped
• Up to date with vet care

Adoption Fee: $400

To apply, please message us Bowen Collinsville Pet Resuce Inc.

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Immediately prior to 1930, Long Island was held by Mrs Frances Altmann under a special lease but following her death in 1930, the island was subdivided into three sections and offered for sale. The central section (240 acres) was bought by William Lewis Grant who eventually sold it in 1935 to Mr Timothy Croft.

The following is an extract from “The Queensland Annual” (November 6 1934)

On the western boundary of glorious Whitsunday Passage is a dot on the map which close at hand becomes an island five miles long running almost due north and south, separated from the coast by a stretch of water about a mile wide for the most part and as calm as broad river – Long Island and its Sound. Early in October 1931, a steamer called at the island, and from it disembarked W.L. Grant and the folk he had chosen to help him. A motor launch, a flattie, building materials, tools and provisions were unloaded also, and the steamer went on her way.

Grant often smiles now when he looks back on the seriousness with which he tackled the problems of those few first weeks.  He had got himself a long lease of a rich scrub area on Clear View Bay, and now faced the job of building an island home. In those first few months, he lived some of the chapters of the Swiss Family Robinson. They chopped a clearing in the scrub; built a temporary shack; planted paw paws, tomatoes and vegetables and they started to grow prolifically. Grant decided that was one department that would run itself.

But he was no vegetarian, and days of more hand blistering and muscle wearying toil followed in the scrub, as young saplings were cut and hauled to the beach. They were to be part of the fish-trap and had to be sturdy to carry the heavy gauge wire netting. “It’s a lot of work and expense,” Mr. Grant says, “but a trap is a good investment, for we have had plenty of fish of great variety, and we always keep a stack of smoked fish which is our standby when spring tides prevent our getting fish.”

Days slid into weeks, weeks into months. Each day had its problems, each its discoveries, each its triumphs. The man whose life had been lived at the grueling pace set by modern business slowed his gait.

The pocket handkerchief of a clearing expanded to a green tablecloth upon which stood all manner of trees and scrubs and vines – bananas, custard apples, figs, mulberries, jackfruit, pomegranates, avocados, Queensland nuts, lychee nuts and citrus; sweet and English potatoes and a dozen other vegetables, maize and kaffir corn. Another clearing was made, and netted, a thatched shelter was built, and one day from opened crates two score Leghorns and Orrington emerged.

In the beginning, all effort had to be concentrated on food and shelter, but once assured, attention was turned to flowers. The story of the orchard was repeated and Clear View Bay became Clear View Gardens. Roses, hardy annuals, ferns, coleus, hibiscus, frangipani, aralia, asparagus, poincianas, crotons, regia, bougainvillea and scores of others flourished side by side.

In time, the island home began to pay its way as cultivated acres yielded ever increasing surpluses which the coast would buy. The idealist in W.L. Grant was strong enough to sever the bonds of humdrum life – the businessman in him organised his own romance. Some of that camping party on Nor-West Island had shaken their heads in doubt, but Grant knew that it could be done – and he did it!

Story sourced from “The Queensland Annual” (November 6 1934) and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum Society.

Captions

1. Mrs Croft holding Keith Holmes and Pam Holmes at Clear View Gardens
2. Long Island in the late 1930s

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Sophia Cross of Shute Harbour Marina Sales is bringing energy, expertise and a genuine passion for the region to the Whitsundays property market. Originally from Perth, Sophia and her family relocated from New Zealand, where they managed a large-scale sheep and beef farm, to embrace the tropical lifestyle and opportunities of the Whitsundays. Alongside her two energetic young boys, she has quickly immersed herself in the local community.

Before entering real estate, Sophia built a strong professional foundation in civil and structural drafting and electrical estimating. Her experience spans a range of projects in Perth, from smaller developments through to major landmarks such as Fiona Stanley Hospital and Perth Arena. This technical background has given her a keen eye for detail and a solid understanding of construction and development.

In early 2020, Sophia made the move into real estate and hasn’t looked back. Combining her engineering knowledge with her growing industry experience, she has found her niche in project sales, playing a key role in the Shute Harbour Marina Resort development. The position has proven to be a natural fit, allowing her to guide clients with confidence and insight.

Sophia is passionate about contributing to the continued growth and revitalisation of the Whitsundays. She is committed to delivering the high level of service the Taylors name is known for, while helping both locals and newcomers find their place in this vibrant coastal community.

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Photo sourced

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In case you missed it, there are currently a number of incredibly exciting writing competitions seeking enthusiastic writers across the region. The Whitsunday Writers Festival is hosting competitions in both poetry and prose with cash prizes up for grabs. Here is the list of competitions you should know about.

Flash Fiction Competition

The flash fiction competition tests writing in highly controlled circumstances. Writers are encouraged to craft an original story of no more than 250 words with the prompt: Something unexpected washed ashore on Whitehaven Beach.

The competition is open and will close at 11:59pm April 3^rd. Entries must be submitted online via the Whitsundays Writers Festival website. The winning writer will receive a $100 cash prize along with a free day pass to the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival.

Stanza Bonanza

Writers are encouraged to submit to an original poem of up to 20 lines, inspired by the prompt: A Whitsundays postcard from 100 years ago, or 100 years from now.

The poet will receive a $100 cash prize along with a free day pass to the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival.

This competition closes at 11:59pm, April 3^rd. Entries must be submitted online via the festival website.

Short Story Competition

This competition is being run as part of the Whitsunday Literary Heart Awards. It contains both an open age and Under 18 Division for original fiction of up to 3,000 words. The first prize is $1000 and the runner up will receive $500.

Submissions close Friday 17 July 2026 and $20 entry applies. See the website for more details.

The winners will be announced at the Writers Festival on 13 September at the Whitsunday Marine Club in Airlie Beach.

Poetry Prize

This competition is also run as part of the Whitsunday Literary Heart Awards. This competition is open to all for poems of any form, topic and length. The first prize is $1000 and the runner up will receive $500.

The winners will be announced at the Writers Festival in September.

For all competitions, the organisers have made it clear that the submission must be the writer’s own work. There will be AI usage checks in place to ensure integrity across all submissions.

Festival Director and author of nine novels Richard Evans, says the competition is designed not only to discover new voices, but to also celebrate the enduring role of storytelling in shaping community and culture.

“Stories connect us. They challenge us, entertain us, and help us understand the world around us. The Heart Awards are about encouraging writers of all ages to put their imagination on the page and share it with an audience”, he said.

The festival organisers have presented some wonderful opportunities to showcase the best writing talent across the region. Don’t be shy – you could be the next literary hero of the Whitsundays.

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Photo source: Shutterstock

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Ingredients:

• 45ml spiced rum
• 15ml cinnamon sugar syrup (recipe below)
• 60ml fresh apple juice
• Ice cubes
• Slice of lemon, for garnish

Cinnamon Sugar Syrup:

1. Combine ½ cup sugar, ½ cup water, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon in a small saucepan.
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
3. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.
4. Cool completely before using. Store any leftover syrup in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Instructions:

1. Fill a short glass with ice.
2. In a shaker, if you have one, combine spiced rum, cinnamon sugar syrup, and apple juice. Shake briefly to chill. No shaker? Serve on the rocks.
3. Strain into the prepared glass.
4. Garnish with a slice of lemon or orange to your preference.

Spice up your Easter weekend with this warm, lightly sweet, and refreshing cocktail perfect for poolside evenings! The cinnamon sugar syrup adds a comforting, baked-goods taste reminiscent of hot cross buns – with no baking required.

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The Whitsunday Sailing Club was thrilled to host this year’s Simon & George Industry Dinner event - an invitation-only industry gathering held just once a year, bringing together chefs, restaurateurs, and hospitality managers from across the region.

While the event naturally brings industry professionals together, it’s also a chance to showcase what a venue can truly deliver - from food and service through to the overall guest experience, while sparking fresh ideas and inspiration across the hospitality community.

Set across the Club’s terrace and balcony, the evening made full use of the venue’s best assets. Guests were welcomed with Mumm Champagne and Aperol Spritz as canapés circulated, before flowing into a relaxed shared dining experience overlooking the water. It was a great example of how a coastal venue can offer something elevated without losing that easy-going, Whitsundays feel.

Chef Rick and his team delivered a menu that reflected exactly that - refined yet approachable, with a strong focus on quality, mostly local produce, and confident execution. Highlights included fresh oysters and standout seafood elements like Hiromasa kingfish, cold-smoked octopus and cuttlefish, alongside generous shared mains such as Cape Grim eye fillet and hibachi-grilled reef fish, all rounded out with clean, well-balanced desserts. The approach was simple: let great ingredients and attention to detail do the work.

For the Whitsunday Sailing Club, hosting the event was both a privilege and an exciting opportunity to showcase the direction the venue is heading. It also gave the team a chance to step into a more premium, experience-led style of dining ahead of the launch of their monthly Supper Club starting in May - an exclusive, ticketed event that will build on the ideas presented during the evening.

The best part for locals is that elements of the menu and overall approach are already starting to make their way into the Club’s offering—bringing a more refined dining experience while keeping the favourites everyone knows and loves.

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Photos supplied

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On May 19th Whales of the Whitsundays and Whitsunday Marine Conservation will be hosting its Whale Heritage Area Information night, an event that spreads awareness about the whale population in the region.

The protected waters of the Whitsundays have been recognised as critically important mating and birthing ground for the Eastern Australian Humpback Whale. Thanks to the advocacy of the Whales of the Whitsundays program the Whitsunday Region has become a Whale Heritage Listed Area with whales due to arrive within weeks.

The Whitsundays is only the second site to be designated in Australia and first to be designated inside the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. It is also the only site in the world to be in a UNESCO World Heritage Area.

The event will feature special guest speakers from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Authority, who will cover topics such as interesting humpback whale facts, how citizen whale sightings help contribute to science and updates on Whitsundays Whale Protection Area special regulations.

The event will convey what a great privilege it is to live in an area where we are able to sight some of the world’s most magnificent and beautiful creatures.

The event is open to all locals, tourism crew and recreational boaties.

Go to the link to register: https://forms.office.com/r/w5M5p9M4xD .

WHAT: Whales of the Whitsundays – Whale Heritage Information Night

WHEN: 19^th May, 6.30pm

WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club

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1. Whale Heritage Information Night to shed light on the magnificent creatures that inhabit our waters. Photo source: Facebook

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An elderly couple received a surprise gift at the newly opened Aldi in Cannonvale this week, when an anonymous do-gooder left $100 at the register to pay for their groceries.

“My mum rang me crying saying what a difference it made for them this week,” their daughter Claire reported.

“They would like to say thank you and, if you are reading this, how much it meant to both them and myself.”

The community responded with similar appreciation for the secret donor.

“How very wonderful that humanity is alive & well,” Kerry wrote.

“Thank you beautiful humans in our wonderful community.”

Jenni added: “99% of people are genuine, kind and compassionate. Sharing kindness should be natural, but is hard these days. Well done to that kind person. I hope it comes back to you in kind, ten fold.”

Locals’ gratitude went out to those in our community who do good, spread joy, and bring smiles, without expecting anything in return.

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A local couple have expressed immense joy and gratitude after winning Set for Life. The lottery winnings mean the couple will receive $20,000 per month for 20 years. They held a mere single division one ticket in draw 3885 and now will be taking home $4.8 million in monthly payments.

Although the couple nearly missed the call, they were ecstatic when they heard the good news.

“Are you kidding me? I’m going to cry”, the wife said.

The couple plan to use their money to support their family, travel and call it a day for work.

It’s a remarkable win that will undoubtedly transform their lives in meaningful ways.

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Photo source: Facebook

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By Christian Kruse

Running a business in the Whitsundays today comes with a major challenge: finding the right people.

At Pacific Centre, much of our work focuses on supporting local businesses that want to access international talent but feel overwhelmed by Australia’s complex migration system.

My background is in hospitality, where I worked as a hotel manager and learned firsthand how important good staff are to the success of any business. During my time in Australia, I also experienced the migration system personally and saw how confusing it can be without the right guidance.

Those experiences shaped the way I approach my role today as Business Manager at Pacific Centre.

Hospitality teaches you how to listen, understand people quickly and solve problems under pressure.

Pacific Centre Director Karolina Ferenc explains the focus of the business:

"It is our privilege to work with some of the biggest and best businesses in the Whitsunday region. To strengthen those relationships even further, we appointed Christian to focus on building closer connections with the local business community."

Regional Australia continues to face labour shortages, and industries such as hospitality, tourism and services often rely on international students, backpackers and overseas professionals to fill critical roles.

However, businesses that want to sponsor workers quickly discover that the process can be complex, highly regulated and time-consuming.

Our role is to help guide them through that system.

Migration is an area where the smallest details can make a significant difference, which is why our team works closely together. My role is often the first point of contact with businesses, while our migration specialist and director Piotr brings extensive legal expertise and experience navigating Australia’s migration framework.

One of the things that makes this work particularly meaningful is the impact it has on both sides.

A business gains the staff it needs to grow, and a worker gains the opportunity to build a life in Australia.

At Pacific Centre, we believe migration works best when it strengthens local communities — and that starts with supporting the businesses that drive those communities forward.

If you want to know more about us, you are more than welcome to go to our website www.visatoaustralia.net.au

Captions

Christian helps people navigate Australia’s complex migration system, supporting people looking for work whilst providing businesses with stronger employment opportunities.

Photo sourced

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When you bank with Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine, you’re doing more than managing your money – you’re helping build a stronger Whitsundays.

Community Banks offer the best of both worlds: the products, technology and security of a major bank, combined with the personalised service and local investment of a community-owned model.

The difference is simple – profits don’t leave town. Instead, they’re reinvested into local schools, sporting clubs, events, and community initiatives, creating a cycle of support that benefits everyone.

Established in June 2012, the Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine branch was made possible by local shareholders who raised $800,000 to bring a bank to the region. That effort began in 2009, when a passionate group of locals rallied community support through public meetings, newsletters, and grassroots campaigning.

“Our success is based on our profit-with-purpose model, which sees a percentage of profits invested back into the community,” said Chairman Mark Henry. “Our customers and the Whitsundays community are the real winners.”

Over the past eight years, the branch has invested more than $250,000 into local schools, social programs, sporting groups, arts and cultural events, and conservation initiatives.

Locals will also recognise the Community Bank’s popular BBQ trailer, which is regularly seen at community and sporting events across the region. Fully equipped with cooking facilities, marquees and a PA system, the trailer is available for community groups to use as part of the bank’s ongoing support.

Led by Branch Manager Amanda Anderson, the Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine team offers a full suite of personal, business and wealth banking services, delivered face-to-face by people who understand local needs. Customers can access everything from home loans and everyday accounts to agribusiness lending, equipment finance and financial advice.

The branch also supports local businesses through dedicated expertise, with Senior Business Relationship Manager Luke Sheppard regularly visiting the region to work directly with business owners.

Sponsorship applications are now open for local not-for-profit organisations, with funding and Community Trailer bookings available. Applications are competitive, so groups are encouraged to apply early.

For more information, visit the branch at Whitsunday Plaza Cannonvale or contact secretary@whitsundaycel.com.au.

Your town. Your bank.

Located: Whitsunday Plaza Cannonvale
Call: (07) 4948 3599
Email: cannonvale&proserpinemailbox@bendigoadelaide.com.au

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The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry is pleased to announce that the 2026 Whitsunday Business Conference will be held on Thursday 27 August, across Club Whitsunday and PCYC Whitsunday in Airlie Beach.

Following the success of last year’s sold-out event, the Conference will once again bring together business leaders, industry experts, government representatives, and professional service providers for a day of practical insights, fresh ideas, and meaningful conversations about the future of business in the region.

Call for Speakers Now Open

The Chamber’s Conference Committee is currently designing a dynamic and engaging program featuring keynote presentations, interactive workshops, and thought-provoking panel discussions.

Expressions of Interest are now open for speakers and workshop facilitators who can deliver practical, relevant sessions that help businesses navigate challenges, seize new opportunities, and work smarter.

The Committee is particularly interested in presentations that showcase real-world examples of innovation, including the use of technology and artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, enhance decision-making, and drive business growth.

Whitsundays Chamber President Allan Milostic said the Conference continues to grow as a key platform for the region’s business community.

“The Whitsunday Business Conference has quickly become a flagship event for our region, bringing together businesses to share ideas, build connections, and focus on practical outcomes. We’re excited to build on this momentum in 2026 and continue supporting our business community to grow and thrive.”

Conference Committee Chair and Chamber Vice President Jannah Baker said the locally driven approach remains central to the program’s success.

“We’re proud to design a program that reflects the real needs of local businesses. By opening expressions of interest for speakers, we’re inviting our community to be part of shaping the conversation – ensuring sessions are relevant, practical, and grounded in real-world experience.”

Submitting an Expression of Interest is quick and easy, requiring only a short response to a series of key questions.

Those interested in contributing to the 2026 Conference are encouraged to apply and be part of shaping this important annual event for the Whitsunday business community.

Conference Themes

Do you have a presentation or workshop idea that aligns with one of the themes below?

• The Future Workforce – Hiring, keeping, and motivating great people.
  The Numbers That Matter – Pricing, profit, and cashflow in the real world.
• Your Brand in Action – Digital marketing, social media, and standing out online.
• Future-Ready Business – Systems, tools, automation, and AI.
• When Things Go Wrong – Respond, recover, and build stronger for what’s next.

Other Ways to Get Involved

Not up for presenting? There are still plenty of ways to be part of the conference.

Businesses can provide a special conference offer or contribute a prize or giveaway.

A detailed sponsorship prospectus will be released soon, highlighting additional opportunities to partner and be part of the 2026 Conference.

Express Your Interest Now!

Please complete the Expression of Interest form below by  5:00pm Friday 17 April 2026: https://www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/2026-whitsunday-business-conference-eoi/

Conference Details

What: The 2026 Whitsunday Business Conference
When: Thursday 27 August 2026
Where: Club Whitsunday and PCYC Whitsunday, Airlie Beach
Registrations open in May.

Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry

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On Friday 27^th March, the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network hosted its monthly barbeque in Cannonvale, bringing people together to raise awareness of a vital issue. President Matt Stokes hosted the event, signifying the importance of transparency and communicating with others when we feel down.

The morning featured two guest speakers, Jai and Sophie from Dynamic Chiropractors. They spoke of the difficulties of work-place injuries, highlighting how chronic pain can contribute to isolation and dark thoughts – demonstrating the necessity to communicate with others in times of great need.

These breakfasts are part of a crucial ongoing initiative which seeks to bring community awareness and ensures that no one has to suffer alone.

What: Next WSPN BBQ
Where: ShirtFront Solutions, Macarthur Drive, Cannonvale
When: Friday 24th April, 6:30am

Captions

1 – All are welcomed to attend the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network monthly barbeques on the last Friday of every month.  
2 – The event focused on the importance of transparency and communicating with others when we feel down.

3- Guest speakers, Jai and Sophie from Dynamic Chiropractors spoke highlighted how chronic pain can contribute to isolation. Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi

Whitsunday Prosocial Support Services have been supporting tourism within our region by providing care and support for Airlie Beach holidayers with additional needs.

“Our commitment to providing accessible tourism in the Whitsundays continues to flourish as our latest guest from interstate joined us for their holidays.” They shared.

“You may have seen our recent collaboration with Whitsunday Tourism where our amazing participants and team showed off to Australia and the world how easy it is to have a holiday in Airlie Beach with the right support team in place.

“We are excited to say we have facilitated many independent travellers and families visiting the Whitsunday Islands, Whitehaven Beach and Great Barrier Reef as well as providing quality daily living and respite supports at hotels across the region.”

The latest visitors, siblings Master and Miss, enjoyed two wonderful days at the lagoon with their WPSS Support team, Mile, Zak, Millie and Carly.

“This was a return visit for the family and their third time being supported by our team during their holidays. We were thrilled to have the family join us again.” Whitsunday Prosocial shared.

Through this ongoing work, the team at Whitsunday Prosocial Support Services are not only supporting individual visitors but also strengthening Airlie Beach’s reputation as a welcoming and accessible destination for all.

1,2 - Recent interstate visitors Airlie Beach, Master and his family, were supported by Whitsunday Prosocial Support with informed, professional care. Photo source: Facebook

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