Many of us have seen the advantages of awe from spending time in nature or doing something extraordinary that leaves us feeling revitalised and inspired.

It turns out studies back this up, showing that having the feeling of awe on a regular basis can enhance creativity and improve decision-making.

Awe is usually experienced as:

• A sense of something being larger in magnitude, vastness, or significance

• The need to assess personal beliefs held to make sense of the vastness or wonder that is being experienced

In other words, we often feel a sense of awe when we feel like a small part of a much larger whole.

Spend time in nature

Awesome experiences compel us to reassess our mental frameworks and force us into the present.

This can reduce the clutter of worries and ‘what-ifs’ so that we can clearly prioritise and make decisions that align with our values.

Listen to music

All of us are drawn to songs or genres of music that tap into our emotions.

To invoke awe, listen to the music that gives you chills or resonates with you on a deeper level.

Look to those whose inspire you

Many of us draw motivation from other people, whether they are family members, ancestors, distant role models, or current colleagues.

Take time to think about their accomplishments, resilience, or any other qualities that fill you with admiration.

Awe-inducing experiences are among the most powerful methods for personal transformation and development.

Make time in your everyday life to seek out experiences that give you the sensation of awe.

You will likely find a positive shift in perspective, along with a deeper connection to yourself and those around you.

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By Tourism Whitsundays

The second Collinsville Tourism Advisory Group meeting took place at the Collinsville Community Association Centre on Tuesday this week.

The town is coming down off another busy caravanning season where travellers in caravans and RVs took advantage of the free 72 hour RV Park.

Representatives gathered from the Council run free 72 hour RV park and community centre for this month’s meeting, a bi-monthly event for businesses in Collinsville to meet with Tourism Whitsundays and discuss what activity is in place and what is coming for Collinsville.

Topics on the day included how to raise the profile of Collinsville and maximise tourism opportunities and events in the area.

“There is so much to see and do in Collinsville,” said Rick Hamilton, CEO of Tourism Whitsundays.

“The Coalface Experience, the Number One mine site, the historical society and multiple places to eat and relax – it is such a great location!”

With the caravanning season drawing to a close, Tourism Whitsundays are now focusing their marketing efforts to attracting people from the local and northern areas and planning for next year’s winter period.

“We are promoting Collinsville in print such as the local newspaper and magazine, digital in our visitor’s guide, in our Visitor Information Centre and also in national publications,” said Rick.

“Collinsville has a lot to offer, and we aim to raise awareness of each of these substantially as part of ongoing campaigns.”

The next Collinsville Tourism Advisory Group is due to take place in November and everyone is welcome to attend.

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Shayne Crump - Collinsville Community Association, Cait Fleming, Brett Murphy – Whitsunday Regional Council, Jenn Honnery – Bowen Tourism and Business, Rick Hamilton

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The Cape Edgecumbe Trail upgrades are set to begin next Monday, September 25, with Murray Bay Road to Rose Bay Lions Lookout closed until late October.

Horseshoe Bay, near the Rotary lookout is also set to be closed from October 30 until late December.

Upgrades to the trail include fixing eroded sections, new handrails, replacing damaged steps, widening the trail to a minimum 1.2 metres.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall said the Council recognise the significance of the trails as recreational assets, and these upgrades will make them safer and more accessible for everyone.

“The trails will be widened in sections to provide resting areas and improved ease of movement to cater for the diverse needs of our community,” she said.

“Works will be carried out within the existing footprint with selective partial re-alignments in specific areas to improve safety, track width, and erosion control.

“Works will be carried out in stages, with the remaining sections to be completed as grant funding becomes available.”

“We look forward to creating an enjoyable trail walking experience to enjoy the amazing views while preserving the natural beauty of this area.”

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said the Cape Edgecumbe Walking Trails were a wonderful asset to the region.

“It is great news that the tracks are being upgraded,” she said.

“This walk has fantastic views and is very popular with our visitors.

“We are very pleased that the track will be widened in some parts and that there will be hand rails and new signage.”

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Sections of Cape Edgecumbe Trail will be closed from September 25 until Christmas for upgrades. Photo supplied

By Paul Gellatly

Both Bowen and Whitsunday Coast Chambers of Commerce held events to promote and raise awareness of fee free education and employment opportunities last week, giving vital information to small businesses on how they can benefit from up to $20,000 of state government funding.

Both chamber's monthly meetings were addressed by Department of Youth Justice, Employment, Small Business and Training speakers, including Kim Carlyon of the Back to Work program; Jo McKee, a Mentoring for Growth (M4G) mentor; Julia Wheway from Bowen and Cannonvale TAFE; wellness coach Kristy Wilson; and Natalie Link of TAFE Mackay/Isaac.

Kim Carlyon talked about the benefits of the Back to Work program, with support for businesses in finding employees, partnered with TAFE.

Employers can receive up to $20,000 for hiring target group workers including youth (15 to 24), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and the disabled, who had been unemployed for eight weeks, and long-term unemployed at 52 weeks.

Jo McKee said mentoring for businesses had proved invaluable after Cyclone Debbie devastated the Whitsundays in 2017 and provided free planning advice for business recovery through a network of 370 mentors, available through videolink or face-to-face sessions, concentrating on nine areas of focus.

"Sometimes you feel you can't open up about your business problems but if you have a plan, it helps ease the anxiety," she said.

Kristy Wilson said business wellbeing coaching had also proved helpful in giving business owners an avenue to discuss their problems.

"Most business owners are very isolated," she said, adding that in some instances the agency could offer access to mental health services.

Natalie Link outlined jobseeker support to get back into employment with job training to Certificate III level guaranteed.

Julia Wheway spoke about TAFE's readiness for Whitsunday area job requirements with its Health Hub and Agricultural Centre of Excellence, the latter of which featured a hydroponic 'vertical garden' capable of growing the equivalent of an acre of conventionally farmed produce into an area the size of a shipping container.

Ms Wheway said fee-free TAFE courses were available in 90 different programs in industry-accessible areas, which allowed people to learn and work in their home area.

A common theme with all speakers was that free supports were going begging in the Whitsunday area and that local support was essential in ensuring that funding was not mopped up by larger centres.

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The Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce event: Julia Wheway from Whitsunday TAFE, wellness coach Kristy Wilson, Jo McKee, a Mentoring for Growth (M4G) mentor, Gus Walsgott Vice President of Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce, Kim Carlyon of the Back to Work program and Natalie Link of TAFE Mackay/Isaac. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

Warren Bunker, CEO of Whitsunday Regional Council and Councillor Clay Bauman. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

Julia Evans from Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce and Fiona Erquiaga from Smooth Sailing Finance. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

Ruby Gorlick, advertising sales representative from Core Publishing, Mayor Julie Hall and Bronte Hodge, journalist with Core Publishing. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Coral Sea Marina has partnered with international not-for-profit The International SeaKeepers Society for marine conservation, promoting education, citizen science, conservation efforts, and research opportunities.

Coral Sea Marina has joined the effort, as a dedicated Marina Partner, the first in the South Pacific.

“We are incredibly excited to join the SeaKeepers’ Marina Partner Program, with a view to raise awareness and promote ocean conservation to our marina guests, visiting Superyachts and the wider boating community,” explained Joscelyn O’Keefe, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Coral Sea Marina.

“We are uniquely positioned on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef to facilitate participation in ocean conservation programs and the citizen science movement to both privately owned vessels and our commercial tourism operators.”

International SeaKeepers Society was founded in 1998 by a small group of yacht owners who were concerned by the deterioration of the natural landscape and has since evolved into a community facilitating scientific discovery, marine sciences, and raising awareness about global ocean issues.

“SeaKeepers is thrilled to have Coral Sea Marina as our first South Pacific Marina Partner,” explained Melissa White, Program Development Manager, South Pacific, SeaKeepers.

“Their efforts in being a Clean Marina and creating Coral Sea Academy as their commitment to educating people on protecting our marine environment, aligns with SeaKeepers’ mission.”

Ms O’Keefe says that by joining the DISCOVERY Yacht Fleet, the boating community can use their vessels and their time to make a real difference on the water.

“Whether by documenting encounters with marine life or capturing important scientific data whilst cruising the waters, partnering with The International SeaKeepers Society provides a way for everyday people to actively contribute to the crucial work of ocean conservation.”

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Coral Sea Marina joins global effort for marine research, conservation, and education. Photo supplied

Mayor Julie Hall will be joining Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker and Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson for a tour of the Gilmour Space Technologies orbital spaceport near Bowen today.

The Greater Whitsunday Council of Mayors (GWCoM) were invited to visit the facility by Gilmour Space CEO Adam Gilmour as the construction of the ground support equipment infrastructure and equipment for a launch is nearing completion.

Formed in 2012, GWCoM is a collaborative partnership between Mackay Regional Council, Isaac Regional Council and Whitsunday Regional Council that is committed to welcoming investment and growing the economic value and diversity of the greater region.

Gilmour Space Technologies are a prime example and CEO Adam said the company plans to launch two orbital space vehicles per year from its Bowen spaceport from 2024 onwards.

In June this year Gilmour Space announced they had signed a $52 million grant agreement with the federal government to advance the development and commercialisation of new space technologies in Australia.

The funding will support a $156 million Australian Space Manufacturing Network (ASMN) project and will be co-funded by the Queensland government, Gilmour Space, and its partners.

“The funding will enable them to progress space manufacturing in Australia and particularly in regional Queensland which is exciting as there is a lot of potential for commercial opportunities globally,” said Mayor Julie Hall.

“Ground-breaking projects like the Bowen Orbital Spaceport will deliver jobs for locals and attract regional investment.

The Bowen Orbital Spaceport launch project has been ongoing since June 2018 and currently employs over 190 people.

More than $4 million has already been injected into the local community through working with local manufacturers, not only to buy more systems associated with the launch, but also to develop local supply chains to support ongoing operations.

Contributed with thanks to Mayor Julie Hall

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Yellow Crazy Ants have been detected across 81 ha in the Whitsunday Region.

These ants have a wide range of harmful impacts on our environment and in large numbers can disrupt entire ecosystems.

Whilst they are not dangerous to humans, they can seriously affect our liveability; invading homes, biting pets or people whilst we sleep.

YCA create what we call super colonies to take over an infested area, decimating native fauna and disrupting the reproductive processes of flowering plants.

YCA can be recognised by their yellow colouring as well as their 'crazy' and erratic movements.

They are often transported by vehicle movement or via construction materials and green waste.

To help reduce the current infestation levels, Council encourages residents to check with your regular pest controller when spraying your property if they inspect for YCA.

Furthermore, for all new builds and constructions, check if the material has come from Townsville or another YCA infestation area.

If so, request that the wood is treated before being used.  

For all sightings, we urge residents to notify Council immediately on 1300 972 753 or via email at info@whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au and to refrain from moving materials or vehicles in the location until an WRC can inspect and treat the area.

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Mangoes were always in Ben Martin’s blood, so it was no surprise that Marto’s Mangoes has skyrocketed to be a big name in the industry.

However, it wasn’t always set in stone, with Ben pursuing an electrical apprenticeship after Year 12, before working in the mines for a few years, then returning to the small family mango farm, and growing the family business.

“My parents started the mango farm in 1990, and it started very small, with only 4,500 trees on the original 20 acres,” Ben explained.

Over the next 30 years, they have purchased a number of other properties and have expanded their operations.  

One particular block, a neighbour came to them and asked to buy them out.

“Dad and I said yes, and Mum said no, so we bought it and called it ‘Mum’s block’!”

Now with around 30,000 trees, the farm continues to grow, with every member of the family is helping with the business.

Being a family business that believes in supporting the local community, Marto’s Mangoes are actively involved in the community.

They sponsor a number of sporting clubs in Bowen and are the Gold sponsor of the Bowen Seagulls Junior Rugby League Club.  

Ben believes that you need to give back to the community that has given him and his family so much.

They are also actively involved in the industry as well.  

Ben is the Chairman of the Australian Mango Industry Association, vice-president of the Bowen Gumlu Growers Association, as well as a director of Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers.  

“All too often you see people sitting there and complaining about the industry, when the only way to see change is to get involved and actually do it,” said Ben when asked about his industry positions.  

“They take a lot of time and effort but can be really rewarding at times”.

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Ben, Ash-lei, Bernadette, and Gary Martin. Photo supplied

Kylie’s Family Dental has been servicing Bowen and the wider Whitsundays community since 2015, growing and evolving to become one of the best and most comprehensive dental practices, covering all dental services, including preventative, restorative and emergency dentistry.

At the helm of the practice is Dr Kylie del Solar, a born and bred Bowen local who returned to Bowen to establish the practice and raise her family.

Having studied at James Cook University for both nursing and dentistry, she is well versed in the medical world.

Initially studying nursing, Kylie returned to university to expand her skillset.

“I decided to return to university to become a dentist as I wanted to give patients the option to see a dentist who will make them feel safe and provide a reliable, honest and genuine service,” Dr Kylie explained.

Dr Cameron Born joined the practice in late 2021, after graduating James Cook University in 2019.

Also a Bowen local, Dr Cameron moved to Alice Springs to practice in rural communities before he made the move back to Bowen to be close to family.

“I always work with my patients to gain a complete understanding of their needs ensuring treatment is provided in a comfortable, relaxed and friendly environment,” Dr Cameron said.

Dr Renee Aitken joined Kylie’s Family Dental in November 2021, after spending two years in the Northern Territory, servicing the Alice Springs community in a private practice.

Developing a keen love of preventative and paediatric dentistry, Dr Renee brings with her a passion for achieving the best outcome for all of her patients.

Kylie’s Family Dental has a team of skilled, professional dentists, dental assistants, and reception staff to take care of you and your family dental needs in a relaxed and caring clinic.

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Dr Renee Aitken, Dr Cameron Born and Dr Kylie del Solar, delivering exceptional dental services, to the Bowen community. Photo supplied

Bowen Community Person Of The Year Recognised

Bowen Neighbourhood Centre Coordinator, Stephanie Cora, has been awarded the Bowen NAIDOC Community Person of the Year, during National NAIDOC Week.

Awarded for her dedicated and continuous work for the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre, which she has been running for the past 14 years, Stephanie was surprised by the accolades.

“It is the greatest honour of the year,” Stephanie said.

A born and bred Bowen local, Stephanie began her time with the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre as an office manager, working her way up the ranks to become the Centre Coordinator.

She is a proud Traditional Owner and is always advocating for indigenous rights, social justice, and reconciliation, ensuring that the Bowen community is supported with every individual given the best opportunities on offer.

Receiving the award during the Bowen NAIDOC Week Celebrations, she is still unsure who nominated her.

“I have no idea who put my name forward; everyone I’ve asked says it wasn’t them!” she laughs.

The panel of judges said, “[Stephanie’s] selfless dedication to improving the lives of her community members makes her a deserving recipient of the 2023 Bowen NAIDOC Community Person of the Year award.

“Her unwavering commitment and passion continue to ignite hope, fostering a sense of pride and unity within the NAIDOC community, and leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.”

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As the warmth of summer begins to resettle on the region, look toward Arabon Seafood for premium, freshest seafood offering.

Especially for oyster fans, with Arabon Seafood being the exclusive supplier of Bowen Blacklip oysters, farmed and harvested by John Collison.

Farmer John Collision began his oyster farm nine years ago, starting the operation from scratch, using techniques he learned from his southern New South Wales oyster farms.

Arabon Seafood owner operators Claire and Terry Must have been the exclusive selling partners ever since and the prime retailer of the big homegrown Bowen Blacklip rock oysters.

Now a consistent product in the region, Arabon Seafood regularly see the oysters fly from their shop counter.

“John harvests 30 to 40 dozen oysters a day, and we would sell that much a day too!” said Claire.

Shucking the oysters in house, and selling them by the dozen, the oysters are as fresh as you can get, with John harvesting them early in the morning, and dropping them by Arabon as soon as possible.

“They are absolutely delicious,” Claire said.

Being able to be stored in the fridge for a few days, Claire still recommends eating them the same day as catch.

“Kilpatrick is still a great option as well, to add a bit of flavour, but raw from the shell is my way to go!”

Ensuring the best fresh, farm to table Blacklip oysters, Arabon Seafood is keeping Bowen and the Whitsundays well stocked, perfect for summer.

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Mackay is celebrating a remarkable milestone in multiculturalism as 84 individuals from 22 different countries proudly became Australian citizens at a special ceremony held at the MECC earlier this week. This event marks a significant achievement for the region, as it signifies that since 2013, a total of 100 unique countries have been represented among those who have chosen to make Mackay their permanent home with Australian citizenship.

Mayor Greg Williamson and council members were on hand to extend their warm congratulations and welcome the new Aussie citizens into the Mackay community. The occasion was a testament to the rich diversity and unity that characterises Mackay, highlighting the city's commitment to embracing people from all corners of the globe. These new citizens now proudly call Australia home, adding their unique cultural backgrounds to the tapestry of this thriving region.

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Photo credit: Mackay Regional Council

84 individuals from 22 different countries proudly became Australian citizens earlier this week. Since 2013, 100 countries have now been represented at citizenship ceremonies. Photo credit: Mackay Regional Council

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In a heart-wrenching development, Matthew Ireland, convicted of the tragic death of 18-month-old Hemi Les Goodwin-Burke, is poised to be released from prison on September 22, 2023, without any restrictions or oversight, leaving the victim's family devastated and outraged.

The harrowing ordeal began when Hemi's life support was tragically turned off by his father in March 2015, leading to the initial charges of murder and torture against Mr Ireland. The court heard that Mr Ireland was babysitting Hemi while his mother was in Brisbane undergoing medical treatment. The toddler's body was covered in 78 bruises from being beaten over a two-hour period, it was alleged in court. However, these charges were later downgraded to manslaughter in March 2017, echoing a concerning trend in child homicide cases across Queensland.

Despite the gravity of the crime, Ireland received a sentence of a mere 8 ½ years, with eligibility for parole after serving just four years. Although his 2019 parole plea was denied, he is now slated for release.

Hemi’s Nana, Lyn Burke, said while Mr Ireland is able to be set free, their family is still serving a life sentence.

“On 22nd September, Mr Ireland will be set free with no restrictions, no follow up, no nothing. As Hemi’s nanna I will be in the carpark at the Wacol prison where he will be collected from,” she said.

“I do not wish to cause a scene, I want him to know by only my presence that Hemi’s family is still watching and still living our life sentence.”

The day after Mr Ireland is due to be released, on September 23, Hemi would have celebrated his 10th birthday, a stark reminder of the stolen years and justice delayed.

This unsettling case of Hemi is not an isolated incident. Recent reports have unearthed alarming statistics about child murders in Queensland. In the past 12 years, 62 innocent children aged 0-17 have lost their lives—the highest fatality rate among Australian states.

The criminal justice system's response to these heinous crimes has raised significant concerns. Despite legislative amendments in 2019 intended to impose more stringent sentences for child killers, several perpetrators have received shockingly lenient prison terms. These include individuals responsible for the deaths of children like Lily Cataldo (7 weeks old, 8 years), Matthew Baxter (6 weeks old, 9 years), Kyhesha-Lee Joughin (3 years old, 9 years), Tyrell Cobb (4 years old, 9 years), Kye Randall (10 weeks old, 9 years), Paige Humphries (31 days old, 9 years), and Lennox Smith (4 months old, 9 years).

“All of these killers had their charges downgraded from murder to manslaughter, any other charges that were there initially seem to have vanished,” Ms Burke said.

“Mr Potts (Former president of the Queensland Law Society, Bill Potts) said there are ‘very real practical concerns’ about the provision of reckless indifference, and it was now demonstrating ‘the law itself is ineffective’.”

Such cases highlight the urgent need for a critical re-evaluation of the legal framework governing child homicide cases. Families left grappling with grief and despair, like Hemi's, demand answers as those responsible for their children's deaths walk free with minimal consequences.

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Hemi Goodwin-Burke was killed in March 2015 by his babysitter Matthew Ireland. Photo supplied

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Soroptimist International Mackay club hosted over 70 guests for high tea at Ocean International, Saturday 12th August. The club’s main aim is to educate, empower and enable women and girls.

Service Leader of Orange Sky Laundry, Lisa Jamison, shared with guests at the event details of how they can help to support the vulnerable women and children of Mackay.

Safe Sleep Mackay have been fundraising to secure a pink Sleepbus for our region, as well as one in Sarina. This will provide up to 20 beds each night for women and children who are sleeping rough.

Soroptimist International made a contribution of $3000 to the cause after their High Tea fundraiser.

Soroptimist International stated, “Congratulations Mackay community, for raising awareness and taking steps to reduce homelessness.”

Sleep Safe Mackay thanks the women’s organisation and attendees of the event for their tremendous fundraising efforts and community spirit.

To find out more about the Safe Sleep Bus Project, visit www.sleepbus.org.

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Soroptimist International raise $3000 for Sleep Safe Mackay rough-sleeping initiative

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As we bid adieu to one of our own, Sam Gillespie, it's a bittersweet moment for the Mackay Life team. Sam's journey with us began in early 2022, and from the get-go, it was evident that he was destined for a vibrant future in journalism.

His fervour for music and entertainment was truly infectious. Sam was never one to shy away from the pulsating rhythms of a mosh pit at a festival, and his enthusiasm for music spilled over into his work. He became the driving force behind our music and entertainment coverage, sharing his passion with our readers.

But Sam's involvement in the local media scene didn't stop there. He eagerly volunteered at 4CRM Mackay Community Radio, hosting the popular "Prekend" show every Thursday at 8 pm. Emerging artists quickly gravitated toward him, seizing the opportunity for double exposure in both our community newspaper and Sam's radio program.

A musician himself, Sam's talent behind the drum kit added yet another layer to his multifaceted personality. His band recently celebrated their debut performance at the Red Dog Brewery, marking a milestone in his musical journey.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Sam's eagerness to explore Mackay's rich indigenous culture and immerse himself in nature was truly admirable. Camping and venturing into the vast wilderness of our region became his passion.

As we bid farewell to Sam in Mackay, it's important to remember that this is not a final farewell. Sam is embarking on an exciting new chapter as the head journalist for our upcoming newspaper, Burdekin Life. With Rachael Smith and I as co-managing editors, we have no doubt that Sam will become an integral part of the Burdekin community, just as he did here in Mackay a year and a half ago.

Mackay will undoubtedly miss Sam's vibrant presence, but we are eager to watch him continue to flourish in the Burdekin. Farewell, Sam, and here's to the next thrilling chapter in your journalistic journey!

Amanda

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