Although it has been a bit hot, we still had one rinks game on Tuesday. Winners for the afternoon Bron Tolcher, Merle Elphinstone, Robyn Stitt, and Penny Warren defeated Deb Retchless, Lyn Danvers, Irene Laird, Greg Colquhoun. The jackpot didn’t go off.  

Congratulations to Life Member Neil Tracey on reaching a milestone in bowls, receiving his Super Veteran’s badge from Men’s President Mark Drummond on Sunday. Winners for the afternoon were Bill Myers, Graeme Read, and Kevin Daniels defeated Lindy Suann, Dot Slater, Sugar Brunker. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Don’t forget our night Barefoot Bowls and sausage sizzle at the club starting on Friday 23 February at 5.45pm. If it goes well, we will hold it every fortnight. Everyone is welcome. We have plenty of bowls.

Our Mixed Opening Day will be played this Sunday 25 February starting at 10.00am with other clubs visiting. A light lunch will follow. Come a bit earlier and you can have a scone for morning tea.

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Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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Mark Drummond presenting Neil Tracey his Super Veterans badge. Photo supplied

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Last weekend, February 10th and 11th, saw four swimmers, Mae Carter-Attwood, Alex Yuskan, Chloe Eldridge, and Axel Yuskan, from the Whitsunday Swimming Club, attend the 2024 Hancock Prospecting QLD State Sprints at Sleeman Aquatic Centre, Chandler, Brisbane.

Mae had seven swims, having qualified for all 50-meter strokes in her age group (Girls 15 years), and 50-meter Freestyle, 50-meter Breaststroke and 50-meter Butterfly in Open Women. Mae came home with some awesome PB’s and a massive smile for her achievements after swimming for her 6th year at State Sprints. Alex swam in the 16 years Boys Freestyle, finishing with a 0.17 second PB after a great swim, this being his 4th year attending. Chloe smashed her first ever swim at Chandler with a massive 1.63 second PB in the Girls 10-year-old 50-meter Freestyle. Axel attended for his second year and achieved his goal with an impressive 1.20 second PB in the Boys 11-year-old 50-meter Freestyle.

One big highlight of the weekend was catching up with Rilee Mackie from Collinsville Scottville Swimming Club. Rilee is in Brisbane currently undertaking treatment for Leukemia. Rilee, her sister Kodi and mum Wendy came and supported all swimmers on Saturday.

We also had the privilege of seeing Olympians Cate Campbell, Emily Seebohm, Zac Stubbelty Cook, Mitch Larkin and Lizzie Dekker racing in the open swims.

All swimmers enjoyed a great weekend away with their teammates, cheering them on and creating wonderful, new memories.

Now the training is starting again to prepare for NQ Championships in Mackay on the 1st ,2nd and 3rd of March 2024.

A massive thank you must go out to Coach Jenny Rush for helping these swimmers achieve their goals and pushing them to be the best they can be.

For anyone interested in joining the Whitsunday Swimming Club, please contact us at whitsundayfrogs@gmail.com or drop into the Proserpine Pool any afternoon from 4:15pm.

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Contributed with thanks to Amanda Yuskan.

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Caption: Representatives from Whitsunday Swimming Club competed the 2024 Hancock Prospecting QLD State Sprints in Brisbane. Photos supplied

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A record number of children attended the two learn to sail groups in Bowen at Port Denison Sailing Club on Sunday morning.  Fourteen students in the Little Pirates group learned the parts of the boat and then played a game of ‘Sink the Boat’ on the water, followed by games on shore to learn terminology and all about the wind.  Seven students who completed Little Pirates last year have continued to the Big Pirates group which runs afterwards.  This week they went for a buddy sail with Green Fleeter Georgia, followed by a session on steering and using the waves for propulsion in the 15kt conditions.  

Since its inception three years ago, the Little Pirates and Big Pirates programs have shown how teaching the sport of sailing differently can make a big difference to a small club. Traditionally learn to sail begins around ages seven or eight, but when faced with a great demand among young siblings and younger children, then Commodore Gary Bruce tasked instructor Johanna Winstanley with creating a new approach for PDSC.  Since then, numerous children from ages four and five onwards and their families have attended lessons, graduated through Pirates and have become sailing members.  The families are a mix of those with sailing backgrounds and those completely fresh to the sport.  
Being totally reliant on volunteers to operate, family members assist on shore, on the water, and on the committee, and many sailing members have now qualified or requalified as instructors and assistant instructors, helping to maintain the longevity of the programs. Youth sailors are also encouraged to be on-hand role models during lessons.   PDSC keeps lesson fees at a minimum to allow students from all backgrounds the chance to participate.

Anyone interested in joining Pirates at Port Denison Sailing Club is encouraged to keep an eye on the Facebook site for information about future lesson availability.  Next Sunday the 25th will be off the beach racing.

Contributed with thanks to Port Denison Sailing Club.

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Caption: Little Pirates play ‘Sink the Boat’ with Captain Greybeard. Photo contributed

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On Wednesday night, the Cannonvale Cannons hosted their first Distance Club Night for 2024.  Swimmers had an opportunity to swim a longer distance in two events.  The Cannons would like to commend Matilda Nicholes and Millie Groom for being selected for the NQ team to compete in the Queensland Schools Aquathon/Triathlon Championships in Hervey Bay. Both girls backed up and on the same weekend competed in the Queensland Sprint Championships.  The Cannonvale Cannons are sorry that Matilda Nicholes didn’t appear in the team photo last week.  Congratulations to Eric Mulliss, Harris Delac, Charlie Leeder, Frankie Leeder, Aria Crawford, Jasper Korosec, and Jax Eaves for achieving Upgrades. Congratulations to Zach Trefz for winning the Chocolate Award for the best PB.  

Tora Delac and Jack Ganter swam a 1500-meter Freestyle for the first time, both making the 60 laps in under 21 minutes. Well done to Thomas Ganter, Ruby Harland, and Zachary Trefz who swam their first 800-meter freestyle! Even though Jacob Bell and Nelson Malady didn’t swim a PB, they swam the 800-meter freestyle very smoothly. Well done to Matilda Nicholes, Jacob Bell, Tora Delac and Ruby Harland for conquering one of the toughest swim challenges, the 400-meter IM.  

Other highlights include Harris Delac swimming a 36.54 second PB in his 200-meter freestyle.  Lily Maher and Tiana Bell both swam a fantastic 400-meter freestyle, achieving massive PBs.  Noah Maltby swam a cracking time of 2.47.25 in his 200-meter breaststroke, at a 30.66 second PB.  Leo Mullis, aged 7 years, swam an impressive 25-meter Backstroke in 34.48 seconds. Addie Sanders & Liam Filewood swam super times in their 100-meter freestyle, achieving huge PBs. Indi Smith swam two massive PBs in her 200-meter backstroke and 100-meter breaststroke. Indi’s brother, Levi swam a 14.32 second PB in his 200-meter IM.  

Congratulations to all the swimmers who participated at the Distance Club Night!

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Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Robert Meers had 33 stableford points to beat Scott Mason by a shot to win the Tuesday competition, while Jacqueline Wall had 17 points to beat Tiina Randmae by five shots in the ladies' division. Aaron Prosser won the pin shot.

A wet course prevented further play during the week.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Green.

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Photos supplied

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This week’s 9-hole stableford competition saw Dee Norman take first place with 21 pts, second with 20 pts was Glenn Rees in third place with 19 pts was Michael Bond. 

Friday’s 9 hole stableford saw Tony Spurway in first place on 22 pts, second place with 21 pts was Kev Franke and third place with 20 pts c/b was Darren Lloyd. 

Sunday’s rain didn’t stop Justin Butler from taking first place in our 18 hole stableford with 40 pts, second place was Cooper Lane on 39 pts and third place was Jack Hayes Williams with 37 pts. Nearest the pin was Mark Thompson. 

This Sunday the 25th of Feb will be our 18 hole (stroke) monthly medal tee off at 8.30am – 9.30am, hope to see you all there. 

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green.

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Dee Norman. Photo supplied

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This Saturday, test your skills with the Whitsunday Touch Juniors Youth and Ladies Development Skills Day.

Hosted by Queensland and North Queensland Touch, this development clinic will help prepare Whitsunday youth and ladies with their field skills and get them ready for the 2024 season.

Don’t miss the free sausage sizzle happening at the conclusion of the session.

Register by contacting Whitsunday Touch on Facebook today, ready for this Saturday!

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WHAT: Juniors Youth and Ladies Development Skills Day
WHERE: Whitsunday Sportspark
WHEN: Saturday, February 24, from 8am

REGISTER: Contact Whitsunday Touch on Facebook

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By Amanda Wright

A massive weekend of footy is coming up for our QCCS Mackay Cutters, followed by an NRL clash of Queensland crowd favourites with the North Queensland Cowboys taking on the Brisbane Broncos at BB Print Stadium, Mackay.

The Cutters’ HPC and BMD squads will play in their first trial against the CQ Capras on Sunday before the NRL trial, and all Junior Reps will have their first home game of 2024 against the Northern Pride on Saturday.

North Queensland Toyota Cowboys Head Coach Todd Payten said it had been a long pre-season and the players were ready to play, however locals were disappointed to see the two co-captains, Reuben Cotter and Tom Dearden, both originally from the Mackay region, were not named as part of the team for the trial.

Mackay Cutters captain Sean Mullany has been named to start at hooker for the Cowboys. Mullany is one of three feeder club players named in the squad alongside Kyle Schneider and Ewan Moore.

Emerging talent Jaxon Purdue will make his first Cowboys appearance in front of family and friends in his hometown. The electric half is in his first year in the Cowboys Young Guns program after starring for St Patrick’s Mackay in their march to Aaron Payne Cup glory in 2023.

Meanwhile, the Broncos are fielding a team with depth and experience, despite facing scrutiny over an incident involving two senior players. Patrick Carrigan and Adam Reynolds addressed media earlier this week to apologise for a public scuffle which unfolded last weekend. Playmakers in the backs like Reece Walsh and Corey Oats will likely create a challenge for the fresh Cowboys squad.

With the Broncos set to leave for the United States soon after the Mackay clash for Round 1 in Las Vegas, Walters will be looking to use this game as an opportunity to test the strengths and weaknesses of players both new and experienced.

Sunday 18th February Footy

BMD Kick-off: 11.00am

Hostplus Cup Kick-off: 12.30pm

NRL Trial Cowboys v Broncos Kick-off: 3:00pm

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Photo credit: Mackay Regional Council

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In a massive signing coup, Mackay Basketball are thrilled to announce that U.S import player Sam Haiby, will join the McDonald’s Mackay Meteorettes roster for the 2024 NBL1 season.

24-year-old Haiby will head to the Sugar City in March for her first professional playing contract, following a stellar basketball career at the University of Nebraska.

In 2021, the dynamic guard was named the Nebraska Most Valuable Player and earned All-Big Ten Second Team honours.

McDonald’s Mackay Meteorettes Head Coach Jamiey Doevendans was delighted with the addition of the 176cm playmaker.

“Signing Sam Haiby to the McDonald’s Mackay Meteorettes is exciting and a credit to the program,” he said.

“Sam has a creative skill set and brings leadership to our group. Sam is also an outstanding all-round athlete, which suits our up-tempo and disruptive style. I can’t wait for her to get here and show what she can do.”

Haiby shared her eagerness about playing her first season abroad in Australia.

“I’m so excited and grateful for this opportunity. I can’t wait to get to Mackay, meet my teammates and coaches and interact with the community.

“I’m so excited to get this season going,” Haiby said.

Haiby finished with a Nebraska school-record of 139 games played, while ranking No. 12 in Husker history with 1,618 points, No. 6 in assists with 477 and No. 16 in career rebounds with 642. She is the only player in Husker history to achieve the combined career milestones of 1,000 points, 500 rebounds and 400 assists.

Haiby closed her final college season in 2023, averaging 10.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.5 steals over 22 games.

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Caption: Welcoming Sam Haiby to the Mackay team for the NBL1 Season. Photo Credit: Mackay Basketball

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Monday 5 February 2024 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1st

Ming Ting / Pamela Finger

1st

Lorna Shuttlewood / Faye Wright

2nd

David Ting / Eric Goodchild

2nd

Monica Darley / Nancey Martin

3rd

Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris

3rd

Marilin Robins / Mick Robins

Tuesday Evening 6 February 2024 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points

1st

Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia

2nd

Ted Cullinan / Mary Rose Ramsden

3rd

Helen Van Den Broek / Terrence Sheedy

4th

Faye Wright / Marilin Robins

Wednesday 7 February 2024 –Wee 3 of 24 Nation Wide Pairs - 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1st

Monica Darley / Kath Poole

1st

David Ting / Eric Goodchild

2nd

Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia

2nd

Geoff Taylor / Ted Cullinan

3rd

Joy Brunette / Don Poole

3rd

Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

4th

Debra Goodchild / Ming Ting

4th

Terry Sheedy / Eric Lievesley

5th

Diane Stokes / Joy Block

5th

Lorna Shuttlewood / Susan Wright

Thursday Evening 8 February 2024 – 3 Table One Winner

1st

Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore

2nd

Noel Bugeia / Terrence Sheedy

3rd

Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

4th

Susan Ross / Jan Harris

5th

Janelle Conroy / Janine Rodgers

6th

Vicki Howard / Richard Wix

Friday 9 February 2024 - 11 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1st

Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

1st

Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor

2nd

Antonia Taradas / Graham Smith

2nd

Lorna Shuttlewood / Debra Goodchild

3rd

Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

3rd

Joy Block / Griffin Bancroft

4th

Ted Cullinan / Mary Rose Ramsden

4th

Kath Poole / Nancy Martin

5th

Monica Darley / Gwen Liddell

5th

Christine Nice / Diane Cox

Saturday 10 February 2024 – 11 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1st

Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger

1st

Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless

2nd

Monica Darley / Kath Poole

2nd

Ming Ting / David Ting

3rd

Susan Wright / Lorna Shuttlewood

3rd

Joy Brunette / Helen Van Den Broek

4th

Mick King / Jan Harris

4th

Frances Brown / Alan Brown

5th

Max Holewa / Diane Holewa

5th

Julie O’Neill / Patricia Garner

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Contributed by Joy Block

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Caption: Twenty-six Mackay Contract Bridge members are going to the Gold Coast International Congress for 2024 being held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre from Saturday 17th to Saturday 24th February 2024. Good luck to all participants

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Emerging Mackay rugby league forward Nehemiah Wuatai-Davis can realise his
childhood dream of playing in the NRL after signing a two year contract with
the Wests Tigers.

The rampaging 18-year-old Mackay Magpies prop is part of Benji Marshall¹s
new breed of Tigers in 2024 after impressing the club¹s talent scouts with
powerhouse performances in the Queensland junior development system.

Wuatai-Davis, a teak tough front rower with a huge motor, was named in the
Balmain S.G Ball squad that will compete in this year¹s Under 19 NSWRL
junior representative series.

He joins the Tigers after a decade with his beloved junior Magpies that
achieved tremendous success in the Mackay Junior League competition.
The former Mackay State High School student starred in the Magpies’
premiership-winning Under 20s team last season that defeated rivals Brothers
26-18 in the Grand Final at BB Print Stadium.

Strong-running Miah was one of the best players on ground with the deserved
trophy win capping a fruitful Junior League career for the talented forward.
He joined the club after his family relocated to Mackay from Townsville and
figured prominently as a back rower in the Magpies’ champion teams that won
the Laurie Spina Under 11 Shield; Jason Hetherington Cup (Under 12s) and the
Under 13s Mackay premiership and Nate Myles Cup double under the tutelage of
leading junior coach Scott Thorpe.

A fierce competitor and punishing defender, Miah represented Capricornia
Schoolboys and was part of the Mackay Cutters Junior Pathways squads.
Prominent Magpies coach Scott Thorburn predicts a bright future for the
promising front rower.

“Miah is tough and resilient with the power and skills to go a long way,”
revealed Thorburn.

 “He shows a great attitude to training with a strong work ethic and now has
a tremendous opportunity to impress the likes of Benji Marshall and his
Tigers’ coaching staff,” he added.

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Caption: Nehemiah Wuatai-Davis. Photo credit: Mackay Magpies Senior Rugby League, Facebook

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A huge weekend unfolded for Mackay Road Runners last week as they begun a parkrun last Saturday morning, followed by the set-up of the Jet Group Mackay Sports and Rec Expo held at the MECC, in which continued on through Sunday morning, not to mention their kick off of the first official Social 2024 Mackay Road Runners program that afternoon.

With the outcome of a very successful weekend filled with running, sporting and other recreational activities, the Mackay region’s amazing strength and depth presented itself within all ages, abilities and interests. 

A big thank you to all volunteers who assisted throughout the events as well as Mackay Regional Council and Jet Group Mackay for sponsoring the Expo. Thank you to Colin Meng OAM for accepting our invitation once again to be our amazing Patron for another great year.

Congratulations to the club’s most experienced and respected member who turns 80 this week, Stuart Sprott, who has been a great advocate and role model for his family and has been a valuable contributor to the club for approximately twenty-two years!  Additional congratulations to 2023 Male Club Champion of Mackay Road Runners, Paul MacKenzie who has been invited to a very prestigious endurance running event to be held in France in August, 2024.

This Sunday’s Mackay Road Runners Club event takes place from Wallmans Rd cul de sac, Rural View at 6.30am.  This will be a scratch start race with handicap points on offer. Ensure you are a registered member to start accruing points immediately towards end of year awards. 

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Caption 4193 – Masters runner, Stuart Sprott celebrates his 80th birthday milestone. Photo Credit: Janelle Tilse

Caption 4196 – Mackay Road Runners Club Patron, Mr Colin Meng OAM (far left) cuts the ribbon to the first race of the 2024 program

Caption 4273 - (left to right) Club Secretary and Treasurer, Julie Whibley and Tim Magoffin welcome new runner Mr Ogilvie to Mackay Road Runners first official run of the year

Caption 4199 – Alana Knezevic (centre foreground) gets a great start in the longer distance event

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Next Stars Sport Academy has returned for 2024 with a range of exciting new programs and an enthusiastic turnout of participants, revelling in the joy of staying active and healthy. Founder and Head Coach, Tim Oberg, expressed his delight, stating, "We were blown away by the levels of enthusiasm and participation across all of our programs.

“From Ninja to basketball and our running squads, all have seen record attendances which shows just how many families in the Whitsundays are focused on helping their children improve at sport and at life."

Established in 2022, the Next Stars Sports Academy has swiftly become a front-runner in sports coaching and mentorship for children in the Whitsunday region. The academy offers a diverse range of sports, including running, basketball, netball, and ninja, along with engaging school holiday programs.

The mission of Next Stars is to "inspire youth in regional and remote Australia to reach their full potential through sport."

The term 1 schedule is packed with exciting activities. The Ninja Squad, featuring functional fitness training and games for 5–12-year-olds, takes place every Monday at 4:30pm at Cannonvale Lakes Park (aka the Duck Pond), and these sessions are free of charge, courtesy of Next Stars' partnership with Move It NQ.

Tuesdays include Running Rookies/Momentum Speed Squad at 6:30am and back-to-back basketball sessions in the afternoon (Tip Off 4:30pm / All Stars 5:30pm) at Cannonvale State School.

The Momentum Speed Squad meets again on Thursday at 6:15am at Galbraith Park for Cross Country training.

For more information about Next Stars, visit www.nextstars.org or follow them on Facebook/Instagram @nextstarssportsacademy.

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Contributed with thanks to Next Stars.

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Bowen’s Port Denison Sailing Club had its first 2024 race and training session on Sunday the 11th of February, with sailors of all ages gathering together on the water.  

Making the most of the extreme high tide, the Green Fleet junior sailors had a practise session, sailing a long leg from the clubrooms on the Bowen foreshore towards the Big Mango and homeward again. Georgia Jeffrey, age 7, recently graduated from the beginner learn to sail programme run at PDSC and is enjoying sailing independently. She is well known among the other sailors for her sense of fun and smile every time she is on the water. Georgia’s highlight of the day was capsizing early on and righting the boat with a little assistance from instructor and coach Gary Bruce.  

Six junior sailors in Optimists, two teenagers in Lasers and three Windsurfers lined up for the windward leeward races which followed. Three season warm up races were conducted in the wavy 10 – 15 knot conditions to ease participants back into the racing calendar. The Green Fleet participants joined coach Gary on the coach boat to follow the race and learn by watching the more experienced children sailing their Optimists. Dave Martin, PDSC instructor, fresh from supporting his son Reid at the 2024 Musto Australian Optimist Championships in January in South Australia, cast his eye to the Optimist fleet on the water, giving them helpful tips for improvement.

Long term PDSC member Matt Bath stated that he was excited to be back on the water for 2024 and racing his Windsurfer LT.    

PDSC is a completely volunteer run club and would like to extend its thanks to the canteen volunteers for keeping members well fed and to the on shore and on water volunteers who ensure the weekend activities run smoothly.  

The next Bowen racing session is Sunday the 25th February and all members and affiliated club sailors are warmly welcomed.  Please see the Port Denison Sailing Club Facebook page for further details.  

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Georgia Jeffrey sailing her Qube dinghy. Photo supplied

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