On the bigger stage, the women’s movement has won hard fought gains including the ‘right to work’, greater equity and opportunity, and let’s not forget the ‘right to vote’.

At the personal level, the enduring challenge for women to ‘give it a go’ and pursue opportunities is lack of self-belief, confidence and courage to act. For all my years working in career development, these issues persist across the generations. Women defer not only to men, but also other women, or simply choose not to act, regardless of career stage, age and experience. Believing in ourselves needs constant attention and this was Sandy’s key lesson.

After working in casual employment, Sandy (located in a prosperous regional centre with a range of industries) was interested in returning to a more permanent office job – but had been holding herself back. With the perception that employment prospects would drop when you get to a ‘certain age’ and also not feeling completely confident in her ability, Sandy was ready to ‘accept’ her current work situation instead of pursuing her goal. An opportunity presented for Sandy to join a personal development program, which took a leap of faith. She found the program to be hugely beneficial, not only the practical elements of job seeking, but also the personal coaching to focus on identifying and leveraging her strengths and building confidence. Finding the courage to apply and secure a new job has helped Sandy also see the advantages of her considerable experience.

“Don’t let age be a barrier – believe in yourself and what you bring to the table.”

Sometimes you just need that someone ’on your side’ to believe in you and provide dedicated support to ‘give it a go’. Many of us have our trusted inner circle to lean on, however there is great benefit in an independent trusted adviser. A personal career guide is totally dedicated to you, providing a confidential space to explore self, and opportunities, including an action plan for career goals and next steps. If you want to take those steps for yourself, visit my website and get in touch.

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Photo credit: Marty Strecker

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The Queensland Government is investing $90 million over three years to rollout around 450,000 free potentially lifesaving meningococcal B (MenB) vaccines for infants, children and adolescents.

Last year, Queensland recorded 36 cases of meningococcal B disease and two cases have been recorded this year to date.

This serious infection can lead to complications from invasive meningococcal disease which can cause significant illness, disability, and death.

Distribution of these vaccines is underway to vaccination providers to manage the rollout of the new program.

Year 10 students are among the first to receive the vaccine through scheduled Queensland School Immunisation Program visits.

All infants and children under two, and adolescents aged 15 to 19, can now access the vaccine, in line with the Queensland Government’s commitment to implement the program in the first quarter of 2024. 

This builds upon the existing program offering the meningococcal ACWY vaccine, providing even broader protection.

The state-funded MenB program will be delivered through registered vaccination service providers including general practitioners, community vaccination clinics, pharmacies, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Services.

Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said these vaccines will save lives.

“As Queensland families face tough decisions as a result of national cost of living pressures, the Queensland Government is ensuring the health of our future generations is not being compromised as a result.”

Minister for Health Shannon Fentiman said, “We know the meningococcal B strain can progress rapidly and cause serious disability or death.

“The health of Queenslanders is our top priority and this investment will ensure nearly half a million infants, children and adolescents will be eligible to receive the MenB vaccine this year for free.

“I would like to thank the brave parents who tirelessly advocated for this program after experiencing unimaginable loss.

“Their courage and determination have directly resulted in this lifesaving initiative.” 

Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard said he encourages all parents with eligible children to take the opportunity to vaccinate their child against all vaccine-preventable strains of meningococcal – A, B, C, W and Y.

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Caption: Deputy Premier Cameron Dick and Minister for Health Shannon Fentiman at Browns Plains State High School, one of the first schools in the state to provide students with the MenB vaccine

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One lucky Queensland kindy will win a visit from iconic children’s band The Wiggles as part of a campaign to help children learn about electrical safety.

Entry into the competition is simple, with children, parents, guardians and educators encouraged to take a photo or video that highlights why electrical safety is important using messages from The Wiggles’ song Electricity!

The Queensland Government first partnered with The Wiggles in 2022 to teach children about electrical safety, with the pair joining forces once again in 2023 to spread the free kindy message to Queensland families.

Thirteen competition runners-up will receive family passes to The Wiggles’ April concert in Brisbane.

Minister for Industrial Relations Grace Grace said the government wants Queensland children to understand the dangers of electricity.

“The Wiggles shared the Miles Government’s Free Kindy message to thousands of Queenslanders and their song Electricity! has been viewed over four million times,” she said.

“This competition is a rare opportunity to dance along with The Wiggles at your local kindy and as the honorary Pink Wiggle, I can’t wait to see plenty of creative entries.”  

Minister for Education Di Farmer said, “We know how important the early years are to a child’s life – that’s why the Miles Government made kindy free.

“It is important to teach children safe habits while they are young and The Wiggles’ song Electricity! does exactly that.”

Blue Wiggle Anthony Field said that for more than 30 years, The Wiggles have educated and entertained children and their families through music, song and dance.

“We’ve created a new song about electricity that we hope will have a positive impact on children and help to keep them safe.”

You can read more about the competition here: https://www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/Wiggles

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Despite the initial setback due to weather, the Australia Day Carnival finally took place on Saturday afternoon under clear skies. The green was bustling with excitement as two groups of bowlers gathered to participate. One group consisted of seasoned bowlers, while the other included a mix of new bowlers and a few experienced ones to guide them.

Sponsored by the Mackay Regional Council and Karyn Shepherd from More Air, the afternoon featured two games of 11 ends each. Following the first game, winners faced off against each other while losers competed in their own bracket.

Laughter and camaraderie filled the air as participants enjoyed the friendly competition and the opportunity to spend time outdoors. Despite the delay, it turned out to be a great afternoon for everyone involved, showcasing the spirit of community and sportsmanship.

Upcoming Events:

On Friday, March 8th, the day begins with Ladies Social Play at 1pm,

Followed by the CH/CH Triples event at 1:30 PM, featuring E. Clemett, J. Nelson, and R. Schatkowski against K. Dunn, C. Savage, and K. Burns.

The weekend continues with a Mixed Fours and Mixed Pairs Carnival on Saturday, March 9th commencing from 1pm, and two games of Mixed Pairs on Sunday, March 10th starting at 11am.

RESULTS
Winners of winners Bowlers: Alan Bartlett, Col Stevens, Tony Hollows.
Winner  of Losers: Doug Wootton, Tony Gibson, Silver Fox.
Non Bowlers More Air Winner of Winners: Ben, Hailey, P Molloy Chris Molloy
Winner of Losers: Cam, Karyn, Janice , Shep. 

Club Results
Thursday Scroungers (16) N.Holt def B.Williams (20-5)
Friday Ladies Social Results:
C.Marks, B.Jenner, R.Schatkwoski def L.JENNER, D.Mezzen, J.Caban.
P.Nelson, M.Mayfield, D.McMamara  de f V.Edwards, J.Nelson, B.Robertson.
Men's A Pairs : A.Lovern, N.Holt def G.Thomsen, T.Mayfield  (28-7)
R.Dunstan, S.McMillan  def  S.Makin, C.Molloy   (30-15)
Men's A Fours: T.Gibson, K.Tranberg, G.Edmonds N.Wilson   def  G.Wynd, A.Shepherd,
D.Wootton, B.BRIDGER.

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Contributed by Mike Irving.

Caption: Players gathered together to play a game of bowls at the postponed Australia day event.

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In a historic move for the Mackay Cutters, this will mark the first ever time that the team will run three female divisions. This significant development comes as the Mackay Airport continues its major sponsorship of the Cutters, coinciding with the start of their season, which aligns with International Women’s Day celebrations, this upcoming weekend.

Leading the charge for the Mackay Cutters is 22-year-old Emma Manzelmann, a highly respected captain and player on the team. Emma expresses her excitement about the upcoming game, emphasizing the unique atmosphere of North Queensland compared to other regions. She believes that people will truly enjoy the experience of rugby league in the region.

“I think being in North Queensland is such a different atmosphere to being down south, I think people would really enjoy it up here,” Emma says.

For Emma and her fellow female rugby league players, the expansion of pathways into professional training from the under-17 level is said to be a game-changer. This opportunity not only enhances their development but also opens doors to a multitude of career opportunities in the sport.

“I think it just helps develop the girls even more, having that pathway where they can get professional training right from under 17s, it just opens up so many opportunities,” Emma explains.  

As the Mackay Cutters gear up for their first game this Friday, Emma acknowledges the significance of being part of the main game for the premiership season opener, highlighting the excitement surrounding the event.

Mackay Cutters Chief Executive Officer, Mitch Cook says “It’s just such a great opportunity for future female rugby league players in Mackay, and we’re pretty excited to see what this upcoming season will bring.”

Reflecting on the expansion of women's rugby league, Emma emphasises the importance of providing role models for younger players. She hopes to inspire the next generation of female athletes and be a source of support and guidance for them as they navigate their own journeys in the sport.

While the expansion of opportunities for female players is a positive step forward, Emma advocates for a steady and sustainable approach to growth. She believes that maintaining a balance between expansion and careful development is crucial for the long-term success of women's rugby league in the region.

The ladies in league are set to kick off from 6pm on Friday, the 9th of March. As the Mackay Cutters commence this ground-breaking season, they are not only making history but also paving the way for future generations of female rugby league players to thrive. With passion, dedication, and a commitment to excellence, Emma and her teammates are poised to leave their mark on the field and inspire others along the way.

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Caption: Mackay Cutters Chief Executive Officer, Mitch Cook

Caption: Captain of the women’s Mackay Cutters team, Emma Manzelmann

Caption: A team of women’s rugby league players ready to kick-start the game

Caption: The women’s rugby league team with Mackay Cutters Chief Executive Officer, Mitch Cook. Photo Credit: Hannah McNamara

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Figures for this year’s race saw over a whopping 900 total registered runners on the day… an all-time record which organisers and community supporters are thrilled about! The Twilight run is a great precursor for the BMA Mackay Marina Run on June 2. 

Registered Twilight runners are encouraged to lace up again!  Early bird pricing for the BMA Mackay Marina Run ends March 13.

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Photos supplied by Amanda Munn

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A sub-adult Green Sea Turtle was released back into the wild over the weekend, this milestone moment symbolising the collaboration between several entities and the hard work of many volunteers at Eco Barge Cleans Seas.

Floyd was rescued by Port of Airlie Marina staff last month when they noticed he was struggling to swim.

Upon further investigation, it was discovered that Floyd’s front flipper had been entangled with a fishing line, some of which had also been ingested.

Floyd received care at the Turtle Rescue Centre and made an excellent recovery, enabling him to be released back to the ocean on Saturday afternoon.

Upon release, Floyd was fitted with a satellite tracker which was donated by North Queensland Bulk Ports.

This is the first time this technology has been used at the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre and it is already providing critical insights for Eco Barge Clean Seas to study Floyd’s movements, enhance their understanding of Green Sea Turtle behaviour and aid in their conservation efforts.

Libby Edge, founder of Eco Barge Clean Seas said she was thrilled to be involved with Floyd’s release and celebrate this milestone moment with everyone.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to Port of Airlie Marina and North Queensland Bulk Ports for their invaluable contribution in the rescue, care, and release of Floyd,” she said.

To celebrate the success and ongoing partnership, it was also announced this week that Cruise Whitsundays and Eco barge Clean Seas have partnered together again, both entities dedicated to preserving and conserving the marine and ocean life of the Whitsundays.

"As a non-profit, strong partnerships like this are essential for fulfilling our mission," Libby notes gratefully.

"We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with Cruise Whitsundays, which has been instrumental in our joint efforts, including rescuing turtles from various locations across the Whitsundays.

"We are indeed fortunate to have such unwavering support, which enables us to reach and rescue turtles in remote island locations.”

Liza Muller, Sales and Marketing Manager of Cruise Whitsundays, expresses pride in supporting such a vital local initiative.

She remarks, "Libby and her dedicated team at Eco Barge Clean Seas exhibit immense passion and commitment towards preserving the pristine beauty of the Whitsundays.

“This ethos perfectly aligns with Cruise Whitsundays' dedication to safeguarding the remarkable environment in which we operate."

Eco Barge Clean Seas was established in 2009, a not-for-profit organisation looking to safeguard the marine life and environment of the Whitsunday region, with programs such as marine debris removal, recycling, and repurposing ocean plastics, and providing care and rehibition at their Turtle Rescue Centre.

Since its inception, Eco Barge Clean Seas has successfully removed over 250,160 kilograms of rubbish from the Whitsunday waters.

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1: Libby Edge, Founder of Eco Barge Clean Seas holding Floyd with satellite tracker. On the left, a representative from North Queensland Bulk Ports who supplied the tracker. Photo supplied

2: Eco Barge Clean Seas volunteers and Cruise Whitsundays representatives who helped release Floyd over the weekend. Photo supplied

3: The satellite tracker showing where Floyd has been over the last week. Photo supplied.

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And just like that, my final paper for Whitsunday Life has rolled around. It feels like a lifetime ago that I put my resignation in with Rach and the team, where I cried and Rach tried hard to not cry with me.

And it feels like an eternity ago that I was welcomed into this great team, as a fledging journo with big dreams and a bigger need to develop my skills. But this team have been great, allowing me the ability to grow my skills, with tasteful and constructive criticism, dealing with my spelling ‘trail’ as ‘trial’ during my first week, and laughing with me when I somehow use the entirely wrong name throughout an article.

And outside of work, I have flourished in so many ways.

But no matter, I have evolved into an entirely different person, one that is less afraid to sign up for team sports, or joining a Pilates class, or going on friend-dates. I’m not going to lie, these situations still make me nervous as all heck, but I have proven to myself that I can do these things, that I can make friends through these avenues, and that I actually enjoy getting out and about.

Now, I am about to start a new chapter in my life.

I am moving to be closer to my family, in regional New South Wales. I am starting a new job, in a community engagement role with youth mental health, which will see me organising events and hosting workshops for children between the ages of 12 and 25.

I will have to embrace the chill of a New England winter, but considering I was able to survive a Whitsunday summer, this will not be hard! And I will be sharing pics of me all rugged up in thick winter coats with the Whitsunday Life team.

So yes, this will probably be the last time you’ll hear from me, but you never know what the future holds.

I wish to thank everyone over the course of this past year for everything you have helped me with, for allowing me to grow, to challenge, and to flourish in the beautiful Airlie Beach.

Signing off,

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Bronte

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Over 60 do-gooding locals braved the high temperatures and great humidity over the weekend to participate in the Clean Up Australia Day held at Coral Sea Marina

This annual event is part of the broader national event which takes place on the first week of March each year and has seen 21 million Australians participate over the last 33 years.

Our local event is hosted in partnership with Tangaroa Blue and Reef Clean and this year, over 100 kilograms of litter was collected from Cannonvale Beach through to the Airlie Beach foreshore.

The passionate team from Tangaroa Blue and Reef Clean sorted a huge sample of the litter collected and entered the data into the Australian Marine Debris Initiative database, which then provides a valuable source of measured information from which education and source reduction programs can be developed.

From discarded clothing to food packaging and car parts, all types of litter were collected throughout the day.

Joscelyn O’Keefe, Coral Sea Marina’s Head of Marketing and Business Development, said she was happy with the turnout.

“This was our biggest year yet in terms of volume collected - 100kg of litter in two-hours is a terrific effort from all those who participated.

“We are incredibly grateful to all who gave up their morning in the sweltering heat to give back to our beautiful region.”

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Volunteers from the Coral Sea Marina Clean Up Australia Day. Photos supplied

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Residents of Bowen are welcome to step forward and help shape Bowen’s lasting legacy and the future of the Bowen Jetty, by taking part in the Enquiry by Design (EbD) process and complete in a community wide survey.

North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) CEO Brendan Webb said around 50 key stakeholders from diverse backgrounds will be brought together over two days of workshops for the EbD.

“We’re already engaging with a range of stakeholders from local government, community groups, local businesses, and landowners,” Mr Webb said.

“There’s an additional five positions available for community members demonstrating how critical the community is to the decision-making process.”

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to participate in one of two workshops facilitated by global consultancy firm, Arup, scheduled for March.

“The workshops will help inform a draft concept which will be shared with the Bowen community for feedback in June by survey,” Mr Webb said.

“We want to work with the local community to hear their ideas so we can create a Jetty that meets their needs.”

Arup’s Project Director Shy Tay said participants will explore and test design ideas and gain an understanding of local issues, opportunities, and constraints.

“It is an inclusive, consultation-led process and an impactful way to build consensus and understanding,” Mr Tay said.

“It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a Bowen Jetty that will honour the past and serve the generations of today and tomorrow.”

On the other hand, the community survey will act to uncover how the community want to use the Bowen Jetty.

“Before the design process starts, tell us what you think is important, how you want to see the jetty used in the future, and any ideas you have for the new design,” Mr Webb said.

“This community survey will inform the Concept Design and is open from 4-31 March.

“In June, we will be coming back to the community with a draft concept of the future Bowen Jetty for their feedback.

“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a Bowen Jetty that will honour the past and serve the generations of today and tomorrow.”

The community survey opens Monday March 4 till March 31, and nominations for the Enquiry by Design open Monday March 4 till March 18.

To find out more, visit nqbp.com.au/our-ports/abbot-point/bowen-wharf-project

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The Bowen Jetty is steeped in Bowen history. Photo supplied

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Whitsunday Water Police have revised and are now enforcing a new six-knot speed limit in Lake Proserpine.

This new speed limit is in waters adjacent to the public use area, extending from the shoreline of the dam’s heavy use area out to approximately 100 metres.

The new six-knot speed limit applies to all vessels, including jet skis and other personal watercraft.

All water users are urged to follow the new speed limit, with penalties up to $365 applying.

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The region’s Lions Clubs have celebrated their 2024 Zone Youth of the Year competition, with a lively speech competition held in Collinsville last weekend.

The four regional Lions Clubs, Bowen, Proserpine, Whitsunday, and Home Hill-Ayr each sent a local student to Collinsville for the Zone final.

Each student spoke with confidence and poise, their prepared speech eloquently spoken and performed, and their two impromptu speeches delivered with educated knowledge.

All the students should be commended on their excellent performance.

Bowen’s Lions candidate, Ryland Gaffney of Bowen State High School returned home as the overall winner of the event, with Mia Vloedmans of Proserpine State High School receiving the award for Public Speaking.

Mia delivered the same speech she delivered at the local Club competition last month about her journey with Type 1 Diabetes but came up against different impromptu questions about school attendance and preferences on being an employee to being a boss.

Mia said she was grateful for the experience the Lion’s Youth of the Year Competition provided.

“I’ve been able to improve my public speaking skills and having to think on my feet,” she said.

“I also had to be up to date with news and current affairs for answering questions in my interview.”

Ryland’s prepared speech explored the role the media has on domestic violence and reporting against women and their children, particularly with the murder of Australian woman Hannah Clarke and her three young children.

“This topic is important to me as the media has a profound impact on shaping public perceptions and a topic such as domestic violence deserve accurate reporting for those impacted,” Ryland explained.

For the impromptu questions, Ryland took the questions in his stride, relating the topics to his personal life.

Ryland will now represent the Zone in Townsville at the District Final on March 16.

“I am very keen to move onto the district finals and am very privileged,” Ryland explained.

“I have had immense support from my school and community which has motivated me to strive for the best.

“While the competition is bound to be tough, I am prepared to give the other competitors a run for their money fuelled by the support I’ve received.

“A special mention to my grandma who has supported me along this journey!”

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1: Jacob Machin of Collinsville State High School, Mia Vloedmans from Proserpine State High School, Ryland Gaffney from Bowen State High School, and Maeve Hornstra of St Catherine’s Catholic College

   1. Mia Vloedmans and Ryland Gaffney at Zone Finals of Youth of the Year

   2. Ryland with his grandmother. Photos supplied

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Abbot Point Operations has celebrated 40 years of exports from their terminal just north of Bowen, with the 6,902nd vessel safely berthing and loaded with 60,000 tonnes of coking coal.

It was 1984 when the Fukukawa Maru, the first vessel for the terminal, arrived at the facility, loaded with coal from Bowen or the Galilee Basin mines, to be exported across the world.

Abbot Point Operations General Manager Port Operations Allan Brown said the milestone was a credit to the hundreds of local workers who had maintained the Terminal for more than a generation.

“Our people are our business, and they are the foundation of 40 years of dedicated best practice in operating and maintaining this critical piece of national infrastructure,” Mr Brown said.

“From the production crew to the pilots, the tradespeople to the train drivers, and the engineers to the enviros, each member of our dedicated team has played a vital role in shaping the success story of the North Queensland Export Terminal.

“We’re proud of our role in helping transport high-quality Queensland metallurgical and thermal coal to the world where it advances development and provides affordable and reliable energy that lifts people out of poverty.

“And as Bowen locals we are equally proud of our efforts to ‘Grow Local’ and provide jobs, training, and corporate giving that contribute to the economic and social fabric of our community.

“It’s been wonderful to come together as a team to celebrate this milestone, reflect on the journey so far, as well as chart a course for the next 40 years.”

Abbot Point Operations celebrated the milestone with an anniversary cake at a 400-strong team morning tea.

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1. APO General Manager Port Operations Allan Brown and NQXT General Manager Mark Smith cut the 40th anniversary cake.

2. APO HSEC Manager Kate Mee and NQXT General Manager Mark Smith hand special anniversary gifts to the captain and crew of the BBG Liuzhou. Photos supplied

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The first stage of Cape Edgecumbe’s upgrades has finally been unveiled, by the Whitsunday Regional Council.

Over 1,100 metres of walking tracks along the trail have been improved, including drainage, track widening, signage, safety rails at lookouts and new steps.

These works have taken place across the 750 metre trail from Rose Bay to Murray Bay, Mother Beddock lookout, and over 350 metres of Murray Bay ascent to Rotary Lookout.

Engagement and Place Coordinator Jonathan Cutting is proud to unveil the completed works.

“The trails are now significantly safer and more accessible for users to enjoy this beautiful habitat and some of the best views of Bowen surrounds,” he explained.

“We thank the community for their patience and our contractor Dirtscapes for their hard work in difficult terrain and hot weather.”

The Cape Edgecumbe Trail upgrades were supported by the Commonwealth Governments Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

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The Cape Edgecumbe Trail upgrades, boasting improved trails and steps. Photo supplied

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