Just a short note to let you know that a specialist team has been working on a project to replace CFA’s 10,000 operational radios (mobile, portable and specialist terminals, but not including base stations).
A tender process is currently under way to purchase the new, digital voice radios that will underpin CFA operations for many years into the future.
A reminder, too, of the probity constraints that the whole of CFA is under at present during the tendering phase. (See my message below and memo from February attached.) Tenderers who seek help or advice from CFA people are likely to be disqualified from consideration.
The project team has consulted extensively with staff and volunteer representatives to ensure that all of CFA’s operational and support requirements have been properly captured and specified in the tender documents. The other emergency response Agencies (Police, Ambulance, DSE, MFB, VICSES and ESTA) and the Dept of Justice continue to participate in reference panels that guide the project’s progress.
The attached Information Sheet provides some more detail on the project, some of the benefits that will flow from the new radios and how they will be rolled out across CFA. Please feel free to distribute it to brigade members in your area. It will also be posted shortly to CFA Connect, where updates on progress will be posted from time to time. CFA Connect is at http://www.cfaconnect.net.au/
The project team will continue to consult with a wide range of CFA people to ensure that the new technology is introduced carefully and with full support and training for our people. Please contact me if any further details are needed.
Regards
Doug Booth
Project Director
Radio Replacement Project
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Emergency Management Team Practice Note
Please find enclosed a copy of the Emergency Management Team (EMT) Practice Note.
The Practice Note has been the culmination of several years work with extensive contribution from Victoria Police, Country Fire Authority, Metropolitan Fire Brigade, Department of Human Services, Ambulance Victoria, Victorian State Emergency Service, and the Department of Sustainability and Environment. A Steering Committee, with membership composed from these organisations endorsed the Practice Note on 27 May 2009.
The endorsed Practice Note will provide guidance to emergency management agencies and other relevant organisations with a standard approach to establishing an EMT. It will also form the basis of a guide to the good practice of managing incidents requiring collaborative decision-making and enhancement of the existing emergency management arrangements.
Copies of the Practice Note have been distributed to all operational heads of agencies.
OESC will assist as required; however, I seek your continued support and dissemination of the Practice Note and its key messages as you deem appropriate. A number of upcoming forums and pre-summer workshops that have been identified by agencies / organisations would also provide ideal situations to promote the principles and application of Emergency Management Team and collaborative decision making.
A presentation pack containing a copy of the Practice Note, and electronic PDF version, an implementation and communications plan and an awareness presentation will also be forwarded in the near future.
Practice Note
EM Team Practice Note
Michael Wassing
A/Deputy Emergency Services Commissioner Policy and Planning
Office of the Emergency Services Commissioner
The Practice Note has been the culmination of several years work with extensive contribution from Victoria Police, Country Fire Authority, Metropolitan Fire Brigade, Department of Human Services, Ambulance Victoria, Victorian State Emergency Service, and the Department of Sustainability and Environment. A Steering Committee, with membership composed from these organisations endorsed the Practice Note on 27 May 2009.
The endorsed Practice Note will provide guidance to emergency management agencies and other relevant organisations with a standard approach to establishing an EMT. It will also form the basis of a guide to the good practice of managing incidents requiring collaborative decision-making and enhancement of the existing emergency management arrangements.
Copies of the Practice Note have been distributed to all operational heads of agencies.
OESC will assist as required; however, I seek your continued support and dissemination of the Practice Note and its key messages as you deem appropriate. A number of upcoming forums and pre-summer workshops that have been identified by agencies / organisations would also provide ideal situations to promote the principles and application of Emergency Management Team and collaborative decision making.
A presentation pack containing a copy of the Practice Note, and electronic PDF version, an implementation and communications plan and an awareness presentation will also be forwarded in the near future.
Practice Note
EM Team Practice Note
Michael Wassing
A/Deputy Emergency Services Commissioner Policy and Planning
Office of the Emergency Services Commissioner
Easy Grants - September 2009
September 2009 newsletter is available. However, I have been advised that I can no longer post it on the blog.
If you wish a copy, please contact Geoff.
Geoff
If you wish a copy, please contact Geoff.
Geoff
Pager holster replacements
Our pager holsters are being replaced with a newly developed one. We need to return the old ones, so you will not receive a new one until the old one is given back. I don't know when we will receive the new holsters, but we need to swap them over quickly. Stay tuned....
Geoff
Geoff
Sunday, September 20, 2009
St Andrews Youth Carnival
It’s back! The Nillumbik Youth Services Youth Carnival will be returning to St Andrews these school holidays for four days of fun! There will be free activities for all ages , Skate/BMX Ramps, crafts, free BBQ and more. Please distribute the attached flyer to any interested young person.
For more information phone Nillumbik Youth Services on 9433 3159 or visit http://www.nyp.com.au/
Strathewen Community Renewal Association Inc
For more information phone Nillumbik Youth Services on 9433 3159 or visit http://www.nyp.com.au/
Strathewen Community Renewal Association Inc
Monitoring programs on your property - Expression of Interest
Nillumbik Shire Council has engaged Graeme Lorimer, a well know Melbourne ecologist, to assist with a program to provide on-site assistance to landowners to develop an individual vegetation monitoring program tailored to your needs/wants/time available. Monitoring programs may be fauna lists, plant lists, photo points, quadrats, quick quadrats, population monitoring and/or modified 'habitat hecatres' scoring which are outlined in the attached document.
If you are interested in a site visit with Graeme and/or being involved in a monitoring program, please complete the attached Expression of Interest and return it to Council (via email or mail). This will give us an understanding of the amount of time required at each property so that Graeme can schedule his time most productively.
Depending on your level of interest, you may like to work with Graeme and learn about the monitoring technique and the species on your property or he may work on his own and provide you with a report. He will spend a maximum of 3 hours on each property.
Melbourne Waterwatch are also interested in monitoring changes in water quality in the rivers and creeks following the fires. They are interested in working with landholders from within and downstream of affected waterways to monitor changes in stream health. If you have creek frontage and are interested in monitoring water quality, please tick the relevant box on the Expression of Interest form and we will pass your details onto Trish Grant from the Waterwatch program to contact you.
Please return forms via email to jessica.hickey@nillumbik.vic.gov.au or mail to PO Box 476 Greensborough 3088. Graeme will then contact you in the near future to arrange a time to visit.
If you have any questions about the program, please contact Donna Stoddart on 9433 3216 or donna.stoddart@nillumbik.vic.gov.au
Strathewen Community Renewal Association Inc
If you are interested in a site visit with Graeme and/or being involved in a monitoring program, please complete the attached Expression of Interest and return it to Council (via email or mail). This will give us an understanding of the amount of time required at each property so that Graeme can schedule his time most productively.
Depending on your level of interest, you may like to work with Graeme and learn about the monitoring technique and the species on your property or he may work on his own and provide you with a report. He will spend a maximum of 3 hours on each property.
Melbourne Waterwatch are also interested in monitoring changes in water quality in the rivers and creeks following the fires. They are interested in working with landholders from within and downstream of affected waterways to monitor changes in stream health. If you have creek frontage and are interested in monitoring water quality, please tick the relevant box on the Expression of Interest form and we will pass your details onto Trish Grant from the Waterwatch program to contact you.
Please return forms via email to jessica.hickey@nillumbik.vic.gov.au or mail to PO Box 476 Greensborough 3088. Graeme will then contact you in the near future to arrange a time to visit.
If you have any questions about the program, please contact Donna Stoddart on 9433 3216 or donna.stoddart@nillumbik.vic.gov.au
Strathewen Community Renewal Association Inc
Thursday, September 17, 2009
VFL Grand Final - FREE TICKETS
Hi all,
Please spread this email within CFA far and wide!
CFA members have been invited to attend the VFL Grand Final at Etihad Stadium on Friday 25 September 2009.
What: VFL Grand Final & TAC Cup Grand Final
When: Friday 25 September 2009
Time: Gates open 3.50pm, TAC Cup Grand Final at 4.10pm, VFL Grand Final at 7.10pm
Where: Etihad Stadium, Docklands
Who: All CFA members
The VFL Preliminary Finals are happening this weekend, and will determine which teams will compete in the VFL Grand Final next weekend.
PRELIMINARY FINALS:
* North Ballarat Rosters vs. Collingwood
* Northern Bullants vs. Port Melbourne
PLEASE NOTE: A maximum of 4 tickets per member.
If you would like to attend, please fill out the below table and reply via email to cfaevents@cfa.vic.gov.au by 12noon Monday 21 September 2009.
Email confirmation will be sent. Tickets will be mailed out by Wednesday 23 September at the latest.
Name
Address
Suburb
Postcode
CFA Member Number
Number of tickets required
Thanks,
CFA Events
Please spread this email within CFA far and wide!
CFA members have been invited to attend the VFL Grand Final at Etihad Stadium on Friday 25 September 2009.
What: VFL Grand Final & TAC Cup Grand Final
When: Friday 25 September 2009
Time: Gates open 3.50pm, TAC Cup Grand Final at 4.10pm, VFL Grand Final at 7.10pm
Where: Etihad Stadium, Docklands
Who: All CFA members
The VFL Preliminary Finals are happening this weekend, and will determine which teams will compete in the VFL Grand Final next weekend.
PRELIMINARY FINALS:
* North Ballarat Rosters vs. Collingwood
* Northern Bullants vs. Port Melbourne
PLEASE NOTE: A maximum of 4 tickets per member.
If you would like to attend, please fill out the below table and reply via email to cfaevents@cfa.vic.gov.au by 12noon Monday 21 September 2009.
Email confirmation will be sent. Tickets will be mailed out by Wednesday 23 September at the latest.
Name
Address
Suburb
Postcode
CFA Member Number
Number of tickets required
Thanks,
CFA Events
Royal Melbourne Show - Emergency Services Day - Sunday 27 September 2009
Hi all,
The Royal Agricultural Society Victoria (RASV) is inviting CFA members and their families to attend Emergency Services Day at the Royal Melbourne Show.
At 4pm on the day there will be a parade in the main arena and CFA members and their families have been asked to join in.
CFA members and their families who would like to be a part of the parade will receive free admission to the show for the entire Sunday ONLY.
What: Emergency Services Day at Royal Melbourne Show
When: Sunday 27 September 2009 ONLY
Time: 9.30am- 8.30pm, Parade from 4-5pm
Where: Royal Melbourne Showgrounds - Epsom Road, Ascot Vale
If you would like to take part in the parade and receive tickets for the day, please fill out the below table and reply via email to cfaevents@cfa.vic.gov.au by Friday 18 September.
Email notifications will be sent to confirm whether you have or have not been successful in getting tickets. Tickets will be mailed out by Wednesday 23 September.
PLEASE NOTE: A maximum of 4 tickets per member.
Name
Address
Town/ Suburb
Postcode
Contact number
CFA Member number
Region
Number of passes required
Further details of the parade will be sent via email and mail if you are successful in getting tickets.
Tickets will be allocated on a first in, best dressed basis, evenly amongst all regions.
Thanks,
CFA Events
The Royal Agricultural Society Victoria (RASV) is inviting CFA members and their families to attend Emergency Services Day at the Royal Melbourne Show.
At 4pm on the day there will be a parade in the main arena and CFA members and their families have been asked to join in.
CFA members and their families who would like to be a part of the parade will receive free admission to the show for the entire Sunday ONLY.
What: Emergency Services Day at Royal Melbourne Show
When: Sunday 27 September 2009 ONLY
Time: 9.30am- 8.30pm, Parade from 4-5pm
Where: Royal Melbourne Showgrounds - Epsom Road, Ascot Vale
If you would like to take part in the parade and receive tickets for the day, please fill out the below table and reply via email to cfaevents@cfa.vic.gov.au by Friday 18 September.
Email notifications will be sent to confirm whether you have or have not been successful in getting tickets. Tickets will be mailed out by Wednesday 23 September.
PLEASE NOTE: A maximum of 4 tickets per member.
Name
Address
Town/ Suburb
Postcode
Contact number
CFA Member number
Region
Number of passes required
Further details of the parade will be sent via email and mail if you are successful in getting tickets.
Tickets will be allocated on a first in, best dressed basis, evenly amongst all regions.
Thanks,
CFA Events
Monday, September 14, 2009
Southern Seasonal Bushfire Assessment 2009-10
Fire Note from the Bushfire CRC providing a summary assessment of the upcoming fire season.
Friday, September 11, 2009
First impressions
After a couple of setbacks including bad acting and a less-than-helpful encounter with Admin Services, CFA Public Affairs yesterday caught up with new Chief Executive Officer Mick Bourke. Watch the video here.
See you online,
The CFA Connect Team
See you online,
The CFA Connect Team
Thursday, September 10, 2009
"Fun, Fearless, Female" Women of the Year
Team,
As you may know, my daughter Nicole is a volunteer firefighter with the CFA. She and her crew were heavily involved in the Black Saturday bushfires. As a result of their tireless efforts during the bushfires, the Female Volunteer Firefighters have been nominated in the Cosmopolitan "Fun, Fearless, Female" Women of the Year competition for Outstanding Contribution (Community).
Nicole and her crew worked for 21 hours straight during Black Saturday saving lives, wildlife and property for countless people they have never met. During this exhausting 21 hours she and her crew experienced a flashover (when the entire vehicle is engulfed in flames). When the flashover passed they simply picked up their hoses and kept on going. We can never underestimate the risk and dangers involved with being a volunteer Firefighter as these courageous people put their lives in direct harm in order to save or protect others. I'm obviously extremely proud of what Nicole did on that day and on many days thereafter...
I therefore ask that you support Nicole and the many other women in the CFA, by voting for them on the Cosmopolitan web site and selecting the Volunteer Female Firefighters, Country Fire Authority (Victorian Bushfires). Vote as many times as you can. The more votes the better chance for them to win.
http://www.cosmopolitan.com.au/funfearlessfemale.htm
The time and effort it takes to vote is nothing compared to the sacrifice these women give every time they're called out.
If the women of the CFA are successful in the voting, Nicole has been nominated by CFA Command to accept the award on behalf of all the Volunteer Female Firefighters.
Not only do they deserve to win, they also deserve our admiration and support so please vote and vote often.
I'm extremely proud of Nicole and her achievements as well as her contributions to the community.
Nicole is on the right in this photo...
Regards
Tim Hands
Project Executive
IBM Global Technology Services
(via Roger Dalton)
As you may know, my daughter Nicole is a volunteer firefighter with the CFA. She and her crew were heavily involved in the Black Saturday bushfires. As a result of their tireless efforts during the bushfires, the Female Volunteer Firefighters have been nominated in the Cosmopolitan "Fun, Fearless, Female" Women of the Year competition for Outstanding Contribution (Community).
Nicole and her crew worked for 21 hours straight during Black Saturday saving lives, wildlife and property for countless people they have never met. During this exhausting 21 hours she and her crew experienced a flashover (when the entire vehicle is engulfed in flames). When the flashover passed they simply picked up their hoses and kept on going. We can never underestimate the risk and dangers involved with being a volunteer Firefighter as these courageous people put their lives in direct harm in order to save or protect others. I'm obviously extremely proud of what Nicole did on that day and on many days thereafter...
I therefore ask that you support Nicole and the many other women in the CFA, by voting for them on the Cosmopolitan web site and selecting the Volunteer Female Firefighters, Country Fire Authority (Victorian Bushfires). Vote as many times as you can. The more votes the better chance for them to win.
http://www.cosmopolitan.com.au/funfearlessfemale.htm
The time and effort it takes to vote is nothing compared to the sacrifice these women give every time they're called out.
If the women of the CFA are successful in the voting, Nicole has been nominated by CFA Command to accept the award on behalf of all the Volunteer Female Firefighters.
Not only do they deserve to win, they also deserve our admiration and support so please vote and vote often.
I'm extremely proud of Nicole and her achievements as well as her contributions to the community.
Nicole is on the right in this photo...
Regards
Tim Hands
Project Executive
IBM Global Technology Services
(via Roger Dalton)
New National Fire Warning System
The Premier, John Brumby, today announced that Victoria was implementing a new national framework for fire warnings for the next bushfire season following an agreement by all Australian States and Territories. Read more here.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Royal Commission Daily Updates
SENT ON BEHALF OF GILL METZ, GENERAL MANAGER
Good afternoon all,
Please find attached the latest Royal Commission Update. It’s requested that these email updates be printed/distributed to members, either at the brigade or passed on via email (or some other mechanism)
* 27 August
* 31 August
* 1 September
* 2 September
* 3 September
Regards
Kris Perkovic
Media & Marketing Coordinator
CFA Outer Metro Norwest Area
Good afternoon all,
Please find attached the latest Royal Commission Update. It’s requested that these email updates be printed/distributed to members, either at the brigade or passed on via email (or some other mechanism)
* 27 August
* 31 August
* 1 September
* 2 September
* 3 September
Regards
Kris Perkovic
Media & Marketing Coordinator
CFA Outer Metro Norwest Area
Area Calendar - September-November 2009
Kris Perkovic
Media & Marketing Coordinator
CFA Outer Metro Norwest Area
Media & Marketing Coordinator
CFA Outer Metro Norwest Area
Bushfire Preparedness Program update
Hi All,
The Bushfire Preparedness Program Office is working with our staff, volunteers and a range of other agencies to deliver a number of key projects and prepare Victoria for the coming fire season.
With the official launch of the fire season less than 60 days away, and over 26 projects underway, there are new achievements occurring all the time.
The Bushfire Preparedness update aims to keep volunteers, staff and interested parties up-to date on projects and advice to the community.
The latest news from the Bushfire Preparedness Program is now published on CFA Connect, including news on;
* Household self assessment tool
* Community Sirens
* Neighbourhood safer places
* Stories on the latest training and volunteers involved in the program
To visit the Bushfire Preparedness Program section of CFA Connect, click here.
For more information, feedback or comments, please contact the Bushfire Preparedness Program Office.
The Bushfire Preparedness Program Office is working with our staff, volunteers and a range of other agencies to deliver a number of key projects and prepare Victoria for the coming fire season.
With the official launch of the fire season less than 60 days away, and over 26 projects underway, there are new achievements occurring all the time.
The Bushfire Preparedness update aims to keep volunteers, staff and interested parties up-to date on projects and advice to the community.
The latest news from the Bushfire Preparedness Program is now published on CFA Connect, including news on;
* Household self assessment tool
* Community Sirens
* Neighbourhood safer places
* Stories on the latest training and volunteers involved in the program
To visit the Bushfire Preparedness Program section of CFA Connect, click here.
For more information, feedback or comments, please contact the Bushfire Preparedness Program Office.
Energy Efficiency Forum
Flyer attached. Please note the date has altered from that adverised in the Nillumbik Bushfire Recovery Bulletin.
Date: Sunday 13th September
Time: 2.00 - 4.00pm
Strathewen Community Renewal Association Inc
Date: Sunday 13th September
Time: 2.00 - 4.00pm
Strathewen Community Renewal Association Inc
Thermo Gel
Hi All,
I recently had a look at a new product for property protection which is successfully used in USA and is available here also. It appears to be better than A-Class Foam as it lasts 6 hours or more although quite a lot more expensive.
Anyway, you way like to have a look at their website:
http://www.thermogel.com.au/
They will have a stand at the Diamond Creek Town Fair with display and sales.
Best Regards
Urs Biedermann
Communications Officer
Whittlesea Diamond Valley Group
I recently had a look at a new product for property protection which is successfully used in USA and is available here also. It appears to be better than A-Class Foam as it lasts 6 hours or more although quite a lot more expensive.
Anyway, you way like to have a look at their website:
http://www.thermogel.com.au/
They will have a stand at the Diamond Creek Town Fair with display and sales.
Best Regards
Urs Biedermann
Communications Officer
Whittlesea Diamond Valley Group
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Hurstbridge Farmer's Market Results
Many thanks to everyone that helped out with the Farmer's Market.
The results were well down on the previous market - only $1678 this time. But it is still a very good little earner for a few hours work.
Geoff
The results were well down on the previous market - only $1678 this time. But it is still a very good little earner for a few hours work.
Geoff
Saturday, September 5, 2009
EO Contact Officer
Dear all
An opportunity to be an EO Contact Officer has arisen for those that are interested in providing information, assistance and support to CFA members concerned about harassing or discriminatory behaviour.
Available to all members, if you are interested in becoming an EO Contact Officer and being provided full training and support, please read the attached documents and enter your expression on interest, emailed or addressed to me, by the end of September.
I look forward to hearing from any interested members.
Regards
Shane Leversha
Manager Human Resources
CFA Region 14
* EO Contact Officer Role Statement
* Expression of Interest
Dear all
Further to the email below (above) I wish to clarify that the EO Contact Officer is a voluntary position, similar to that of the CIS Peer Support role.
Thank you to all of those people that have shown an interest in being an EO Contact Officer - there are multiple opportunities to support other members in this capacity across the region.
Any further queries, please feel free to contact me.
Regards
Shane
An opportunity to be an EO Contact Officer has arisen for those that are interested in providing information, assistance and support to CFA members concerned about harassing or discriminatory behaviour.
Available to all members, if you are interested in becoming an EO Contact Officer and being provided full training and support, please read the attached documents and enter your expression on interest, emailed or addressed to me, by the end of September.
I look forward to hearing from any interested members.
Regards
Shane Leversha
Manager Human Resources
CFA Region 14
* EO Contact Officer Role Statement
* Expression of Interest
Dear all
Further to the email below (above) I wish to clarify that the EO Contact Officer is a voluntary position, similar to that of the CIS Peer Support role.
Thank you to all of those people that have shown an interest in being an EO Contact Officer - there are multiple opportunities to support other members in this capacity across the region.
Any further queries, please feel free to contact me.
Regards
Shane
Hurstbridge Farmer's Market
Community Meetings
DIAMOND CREEK
Community Meeting (public) Saturday 12 Sep 2009 10.00AM-3.00PM Diamond Creek Town Fair - Main Road
PLENTY
Community Meeting (public) Wednesday 14 Oct 2009 6.00PM-7.30PM Kurrak Gorge Park - Kurrak Gorge Rd
YARRAMBAT Community Meeting (public) Thursday 15 Oct 2009 6.00PM-7.30PM Yarrambat Park - Parks Vic
DOREEN
Community Meeting (public) Thursday 14 Jan 2010 6.00PM-7.30PM Laurimer Estate WCC Delfin Hall - Hazelglen Dr & Brookwood Ave
Community Meeting (public) Saturday 12 Sep 2009 10.00AM-3.00PM Diamond Creek Town Fair - Main Road
PLENTY
Community Meeting (public) Wednesday 14 Oct 2009 6.00PM-7.30PM Kurrak Gorge Park - Kurrak Gorge Rd
YARRAMBAT Community Meeting (public) Thursday 15 Oct 2009 6.00PM-7.30PM Yarrambat Park - Parks Vic
DOREEN
Community Meeting (public) Thursday 14 Jan 2010 6.00PM-7.30PM Laurimer Estate WCC Delfin Hall - Hazelglen Dr & Brookwood Ave
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Group HQ training
Hi All,
The Group is arranging a training session on ICC/Div Com usage as well as other Group HQ activities on Wednesday 30th September at Diamond Creek. We would like to have all of following personnel attending:
* All IMT qualified personnel
* All DGOs
* All Captains plus any Lieutenants interested
* All current Group Staff
* Any new possible Group Staff (older, retired members, members not keen on turning out, anybody)
The expected program includes:
* brief introduction to AIMS
* brief presentation on Planning, Logistics and Operations
* demonstration of systems used at D/C including Smart-Board, computers, radio logging etc.
* demonstration how Group operates for TFB preparations including arranging S/T etc.
It is important to get as many members to this session as possible. Please reserve this date now and spread the word, especially to any possible new Group Staff members.
Urs Biedermann
Communications Officer
Whittlesea Diamond Valley Group
The Group is arranging a training session on ICC/Div Com usage as well as other Group HQ activities on Wednesday 30th September at Diamond Creek. We would like to have all of following personnel attending:
* All IMT qualified personnel
* All DGOs
* All Captains plus any Lieutenants interested
* All current Group Staff
* Any new possible Group Staff (older, retired members, members not keen on turning out, anybody)
The expected program includes:
* brief introduction to AIMS
* brief presentation on Planning, Logistics and Operations
* demonstration of systems used at D/C including Smart-Board, computers, radio logging etc.
* demonstration how Group operates for TFB preparations including arranging S/T etc.
It is important to get as many members to this session as possible. Please reserve this date now and spread the word, especially to any possible new Group Staff members.
Urs Biedermann
Communications Officer
Whittlesea Diamond Valley Group
Dr Rob Gordon
An event from the Strathewen Community Renewal Association.
Location: St Andrews Hall
Date: 9 September
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: St Andrews Hall
Date: 9 September
Time: 6:30 PM
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