Rei Antonio

Civil Engineer - Land & Water
Civil and Environmental Engineering

Location: Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

University: University of Auckland

Degree: Civil and Environmental Engineering

Date of graduation: 2022

Meet Rei Antonio: From civil engineering to stormwater design

Rei Antonio didn’t always know he wanted to be a civil engineer. It was during his final year of university – after completing an internship with Aurecon – that everything clicked.

Working on real projects in stormwater design and land and water engineering opened his eyes to the huge range of opportunities in the field. Now, based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland as part of Aurecon’s Land & Water team, he’s turning ideas into reality and helping shape the built environment in meaningful ways.

How did your journey from uni to industry unfold?

I studied Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Auckland, finishing in June 2021. But thanks to COVID, my graduation got postponed so many times that by the time I finally walked across the stage in August 2022, I was already a year into my grad role at Aurecon.

Growing up, I had two career options – follow my Mum into dentistry or my dad into engineering. Considering the idea of staring into people's mouths all day didn’t thrill me; engineering was the obvious pick. It wasn’t until my final year of uni and my internship at Aurecon that I realised Civil Engineering was my thing. The range of projects and real-world impact was what sealed the deal.

What does your role at Aurecon involve?

I’m a Civil Engineer in the Auckland Land & Water team, focusing on stormwater design for big transport infrastructure projects. That means I get to work with multi-disciplinary teams and see how our work improves communities. Before this, I was in the Tauranga office working on land development projects, helping take subdivisions from design to reality.

On top of my project work, I’m also the Aotearoa Limelight Chair, where I lead both national and regional committees to drive initiatives that support and connect Emerging Career Professionals (ECPs) across Aurecon. It’s been a cool way to meet people, build leadership skills, and contribute to the broader company culture.

What kind of projects have you worked on?

As a grad, I was deep in land development projects, watching subdivisions in Tauranga take shape. More recently, I’ve been involved in delivering detailed stormwater design for the Papakura to Drury transport project. Working with multidisciplinary teams, engaging stakeholders, and honing my technical skills has been an awesome learning experience.

One thing I’ve realised? Engineering isn’t always about having the 'right' answer – sometimes there isn’t one. Problem-solving, adaptability, and knowing where to find the right info (or person) has been a game-changer.

What’s been the highlight of your time in Aurecon's Graduate Programme?

Getting involved with Limelight has definitely been a standout. At first, I was just attending events, but then I joined the local committee, became the regional Chair for Tauranga, and now I’m the Limelight Chair for Aotearoa. Through that, I’ve been able to help shape professional development and networking opportunities for my peers, and I’ve met some amazing people across the business. 

Another highlight was seeing my first land development project go from concept to construction – it was surreal to stand on-site and see something I had helped design take shape in the real world.

How do you balance work with life outside of it?

Outside of work, I love getting outdoors – camping, hiking, or just going for a scenic drive. I’m also big on strength training and currently training for my first powerlifting comp. My personal bests? 100 kg on the bench, 185 kg on squats, and 220 kg for deadlifts!

Aurecon’s flexible work culture means I can balance my job with my personal goals. Whether that’s adjusting my hours to fit in gym sessions or taking time to reset after big project deadlines, I feel like I have the space to do my best work while still living my life.

What kind of music, podcasts, or shows are you into right now?

I love binge-watching shows – currently, I’m hooked on Yellowstone. It’s making me wish I was a cowboy wearing a Carhartt jacket. And when I’m scrolling Facebook Marketplace (which is basically a hobby at this point), I’m usually listening to a podcast like The Huberman Lab or something on strength training.

What advice would you give to future grads?

If I could go back, I’d tell myself it’s totally fine not to have all the answers straight away. When I first started, I’d get anxious in meetings, worried someone would ask me something an engineer 'should' know. Now I realise that learning on the job is normal, and asking questions is actually a strength.

For anyone thinking about Aurecon’s grad programme – just be yourself. Aurecon values diverse experiences, so highlight what makes you unique. My GPA wasn’t anything to brag about, but my eagerness to learn and take on opportunities got me here.

Joshua Paul

Electrical Engineer - Building Services
Masters in Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Location: Melbourne

University: RMIT

Degree: Masters in Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Year of graduation: 2021

Meet Joshua Paul: Engineering a sustainable future

For Joshua Paul, the path to engineering wasn’t always straightforward. Initially drawn to biotechnology and genetic engineering, he envisioned a future in the medical field. But as he explored the ethical complexities of genetic engineering, he began to question if it was the right fit.

This search for a career that aligned with his values led him to electrical engineering – a field where he could make a meaningful impact while staying true to what matters most.

Since joining Aurecon’s Building Services team in Melbourne in 2022, Joshua has been applying his Master’s in Electrical and Electronic Engineering to help design smarter, more sustainable buildings for the future.

How did you end up at Aurecon?

Almost three years ago, I made the leap to Aurecon after hearing about it from a friend in the rail team. What really drew me in was how different Aurecon felt compared to other consultancies, there’s a strong emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and doing things that make a real impact. Initially, I had my sights set on another area within the company, but I ended up in the Buildings team. Looking back, it was the best thing that could’ve happened. The projects here are truly next level, and I’ve been able to grow in ways I never imagined.

What excites you most about your work?

The shift toward alternative energy sources is what truly drives me. Melbourne still relies heavily on coal, but Aurecon is pushing boundaries with solar battery systems and hydrogen fuel. Watching these innovations take shape, especially in data centres, is incredibly exciting and exactly where I want to focus my career.

Plus, there’s something deeply fulfilling about seeing your projects come to life. Walking through the city, pointing out buildings I’ve worked on, and knowing they impact people’s daily lives makes my job that much more rewarding.

Do you feel supported in your career adventure?

Absolutely, 100%. The learning curve has been incredible, in the best possible way. Especially when it comes to data centres, the design is something you can’t learn in university; you have to be immersed in it. In just three years at Aurecon, I’ve gained more knowledge here than in six years of study. Everyone contributes to a strong culture of collaboration and collective growth, which makes working here an amazing experience.

"When I sort of dove into that world, I realised there's a lot I can do creatively in this area, especially with how the world just needs more sustainable infrastructure in terms of electricity."

If you have a question, you're never left to figure it out on your own. Every day is different, and I love seeing how different personalities and ideas come together to find the best solution to a problem. My team has great leaders who genuinely care about your well-being and growth, which fosters a powerful sense of belonging and appreciation in the workplace. So if you’re looking for a place where people are constantly encouraging you to grow and push boundaries using cutting edge tools but are also keen to be there with you on the journey, this would be the place.

What part of your grad experience really stood out to you?

It would have to be Limelight. Limelight is Aurecon’s Early Careers Professional Network, run by and for Early Career Professionals (ECPs), creating opportunities for career growth, global networking, and meaningful engagement with Aurecon’s future. Connecting with like-minded colleagues, many of whom became friends, inspired, and empowered me to take on new challenges and give back to the community.

For example, last year I had the privilege to volunteer with Empower Australia, contributing to food relief and community outreach. That turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences that not only made a real impact but also helped me to develop valuable teamwork skills.

What’s the coolest project you’ve worked on?

One of the most exciting projects I’ve worked on was designing an mRNA facility for a client leading the way in cutting-edge medical advancements, transforming how we approach vaccines and personalised medicine.

From an engineering perspective, it was a complex challenge, we had to design according to different standards and integrate proprietary technology into the grid without fully knowing its potential impact. But beyond the technical hurdles, this facility is making a real difference, helping save millions of lives in Australia by driving innovations that advance cancer treatment and prepare us for future pandemics. It was a full-circle moment for me, getting to work on something I once aspired to be part of, pretty surreal!

What’s the most unexpected skill you’ve developed?

The most unexpected skill I’ve developed in my role is adaptability. Every project brings its own unique challenges, and I’ve learned to adjust to changing requirements, tight deadlines, and shifting priorities. Being able to pivot, whether it's adjusting designs based on client feedback or finding quick solutions when unexpected issues arise, has been crucial. It’s taught me to stay calm under pressure and think on my feet, which is something I hadn’t fully anticipated.

How does Aurecon support work-life balance?

Aurecon really supports work-life balance through flexibility. If you meet deadlines and collaborate effectively by attending meetings and site visits, you have the freedom to manage your work in a way that suits your lifestyle.

I work from home two to three days a week, which gives me more time to do the things I love, like hiking, bouldering, and, let’s be honest, catching up on that much-needed sleep. It’s a great balance that allows me to stay productive while still being available for what matters outside of work.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years, I see myself having grown significantly in my career, taking on more leadership responsibilities and contributing to larger, more complex projects. I want to be in a position where I can mentor others and share the knowledge and skills I've developed over the years.

I also hope to have further specialised in areas that interest me and to be part of innovations that make a real impact on sustainable energy solutions and the future of infrastructure. Additionally, I plan to achieve my chartered engineer status, which will further validate my expertise and open up more opportunities. Ultimately, I see myself continuing to challenge myself while helping others do the same.

What advice do you have for new grads?

My advice for new grads is to stay open to learning and embrace the journey. No one expects you to have all the answers from day one, so come in with curiosity and a mindset of growth. Don’t be afraid to say yes to opportunities, even the ones you didn’t see coming. I never planned to end up in the Buildings team, but taking that chance ended up being one of the best decisions I made.

You never know where those unexpected opportunities might lead you! Also, joining Limelight was a great move, it’s a fantastic way to connect, grow, and make the most of your early career.

No’am Geffen

Engineer, Integrated Transport & Mobility
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Commerce

Location: Melbourne

University: Monash University

Degree: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Commerce

Year of graduation: 2019

What's your background?

I was born in Israel, where I lived until I was seven, when my family moved to Auckland, New Zealand. I then moved to Melbourne, Australia when I was 13 and have been living here ever since. When I was in school, I always loved maths and science, particularly the problem-solving aspects. This is what drew me to study engineering.

I applied for an internship at Aurecon in my penultimate year at the university and did that over the summer of 2018/2019 in the rail team. I was then offered a graduate role for the following year and continued working part time during my final year at university. In 2020, I started as a graduate in the rail team and then transitioned over to the Integrated Transport & Mobility (ITM) team, which I am currently a part of.

What's your job about?

The ITM team aims at providing safer, smarter, and more connected transportation systems.

There are many different roles within the team, however I focus on transport planning and traffic engineering. This involves looking at the best way to move people and goods and what corresponding infrastructure is required. No day is the same for me which I love! This is because, in my role, we provide many different types of services and often work across multiple projects.

Could someone with a different background do your job?

Yes, definitely! Our team is made up of people with lots of different educational backgrounds, such as mathematics, urban planning, data science and more. A lot of the skills are taught on the job, so I think it is more about having a passion and interest in the work we do that is important. Being a good communicator with strong analytical and problem-solving skills is hugely beneficial.

What's the coolest thing about your job?

I love that while my job is often about improving or designing transportation infrastructure, it is all about society and what/how people will use and interact with this infrastructure. It has a human-centred element to it that really appeals to me.

I have also been lucky enough to work on some big projects that have shaped the transportation network of Melbourne. It is really amazing to think that in 50 years’ time, I can look back and know I played a part in that.

What are the limitations of your job?

There’s often not a straight answer or one you get from a calculation. As an engineering student, I like having a clear solution that is based on calculations or standard practices. In transport, planning things are often assessed qualitatively and quantitatively, so the answer is often not as obvious. The good thing is, it gets easier with experience and I can already see how the work I have done on previous projects is helping me with my current projects.

3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...

It’s okay not to know what you want to do and be, or what kind of job you want after life at university. Just take whatever opportunity you get and learn as you go.

Have fun and get involved! University has a lot to offer beyond the lecture hall. Be sure to get involved in any clubs or associations that interest you.

Make connections. This can be with your peers at university, as they will ultimately be your colleagues one day. In every aspect of your life, connecting to other people is so important.

Yifan Qin

Civil Engineer

Location: Melbourne

University: University of Melbourne

Degree completed: Master of Engineering (Civil)

Strongest Aurecon Attribute: Inquisitive

My experience with Aurecon

Over a five-year journey, I obtained a Diploma of Music degree with a Bachelor of Science degree. I combined my love for the arts and science into a more tangible career by then going on to study a Master of Engineering degree. After university, I was fortunate enough to receive an offer from Aurecon – and so my career as a civil engineer officially began.

My specific civil design experiences at Aurecon are mainly in the fields of drainage design, road geometric design and earthwork design for large-scale industrial subdivision projects, major infrastructure projects and building development projects.

Drainage design ensures runoff from rainfall is safely conveyed to the desired discharge locations. Road geometric design positions the physical elements of the roadway to optimise efficiency and safety while reducing cost and impacts to the environment. Earthwork design determines how the existing earth surface should be processed and constructed to cater for various engineering projects.

So far, I have been fortunate to work on the Melbourne Airport road design and various Melbourne Water civil assets. These projects will contribute to the city’s liveability now and into the future. It’s really cool to think that my drawing and plans become tangible structures in real life. This excites and motivates me to design innovative solutions which make the world a better place.

A day at Aurecon can involve attending design meetings to collaborate with the architect and the project owner to improve design solutions. On other days, I go onsite to inspect project construction and answer the builders’ queries. By interacting with different stakeholders on a regular basis, I’ve learnt how to effectively present, communicate, and explain complicated technical jargon to teams and clients. My diverse responsibilities are rewarding because it helps build my technical and commercial skills while allowing me to find balance between working independently and as part of a team.

My development doesn’t stop at project work. As a part of Aurecon’s graduate programme, there are no rigid schedules. There’s flexibility and options to pursue your passions and plan your career to achieve your goals. If you want to focus on the technical side of engineering, you could become a technical director and ‘deep dive’ into a specialised field. Alternatively, you could consider a design manager role where you’d manage a large design package for prominent projects.

You could also join the contractor side to learn more about the construction of projects, or morph into an advisory role and project management.

The opportunities provided don’t stop at work – they extend to your interests outside of work too. Aurecon’s networks and ‘Yes Flex’ flexible working policy has allowed me to mentor two university students as part of Melbourne University’s ‘Access Mentorship’ programme. The programme is designed to connect undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds with working professionals. I love being able to help others through this initiative, and to see them grow.

My best advice to graduates

Spend more time pursuing your genuine interests – once you start working full-time, your passions will show, and you’ll be recognised for it sooner.
It’s okay to slow down a little and to purposefully craft your life and career. Remember, “Rome wasn’t built in a day”.
Get to know people within the industry and attend more events. It will help you in the long run. Don’t be shy! Connect with and message them on LinkedIn. The world is willing to help you grow more than you imagine.

Dana Crier

Mechanical Engineer

Location: Perth

University: University of Western Australia

Degree(s) completed: Master of Professional Engineering (Mechanical)

Strongest Aurecon Attribute: Resourceful

My experience with Aurecon

I’ve wanted to be an engineer since I was in Year 10 when my dad took me to an industry panel presentation. After hearing about the work an engineer does, the industries they can work in and the travel opportunities, I decided to pursue engineering. I studied at the University of Western Australia, completing an undergraduate degree in civil and mechanical engineering, and later obtaining a Master of Professional Engineering.

Being a mechanical engineer in the energy and industrials unit, I specifically work on projects regarding bulk material handling and process systems. In the last year I’ve been able to work on a range of projects within this area, such as the upgrade of a tailings pipeline and the design of the compressed air system and hydraulic lines to be installed in a maintenance workshop.

The range of projects and the chance to work with different departments, means there are many diverse learning opportunities at Aurecon. On one big project that involved doing multiple smaller projects to increase productivity and efficiency, my tasks included modelling and doing calculations of the process water. I then looked at how upgrading the pumps, valves or installing new pipelines would improve the process system. While working on this project I gained experience working with vendors, liaising with site personnel, and working with the contractor to determine the cost and schedule of the project – which developed my soft skills, like communication, to collaborate with future clients.

One of the things I enjoy most about my job is working with my team and the chance to work with people who have a range of experiences and different engineering specialisations. We have quite a varied team within the energy and industrials unit, so there are different career options and projects to work on if you’re interested in specialising in a field or managing projects. I also enjoy that you get the mix of the office and on-site experience where you have the chance to see different project sites. It’s good to get out there and see what you are working on, see the layout of the equipment, talk to site personnel, and see what solution might be best for the project outcome. Aurecon has a strict safety procedure for on-site inspections with our safety and wellbeing the priority. Before going for an on-site visit, you need to be fully inducted and attend training sessions to ensure you can watch out for yourself and others.

Depending on what projects I’m working on at the time, my typical day at Aurecon can vary quite a lot – from meetings with the project team or clients, to doing calculations, modelling, or writing reports. I’m also currently one of the Perth Co-Chairs of the Limelight committee, which is our network of emerging professionals and graduates at Aurecon. Between my normal tasks, I also help organise fun and inspiring events and initiatives for our Perth office such as ‘Coffee Roulette’, where graduates and senior leaders pair up to have a casual chat about their career, experience or advice, or project showcases - a series of presentations from different projects to give graduates an insight into what other teams are working on.

It’s really rewarding being able to run events that can help recent graduates acclimatise to working fulltime and provide them with opportunities to meet senior leaders around the company. Management fully support Limelight, as the feedback sessions with senior leadership have opened their eyes to new ways of thinking, new ideas, and hearing the voice of the future thought leaders of our company and within the wider industry. I think it’s a great way to get involved and I enjoy meeting graduates from other teams who I don’t typically work with.

As well as the development opportunities you can get from Limelight, Aurecon provides other more formal learning and development, too. Aurecon values career development and supports it with the Mentoring for Success Programme and initiatives like Let’s Talk, which allow us to chat about our role expectations with our managers, helping us align our passions to our goals and working on projects that will provide learning experiences. As a graduate this gives us the chance to develop our skills in the areas we want to pursue further down the line, such as developing relationships with clients, learning technical skills and adapting to the changing market. I value these meaningful talks with manager because it means I can continue to set and achieve my goals and progress my career in a supportive space.

My best advice to graduates

Take advantage of all opportunities that come your way. You never know who you may meet or what skills you will gain; networking may lead to future opportunities.
Get in the habit of separating work from personal time so that you achieve a healthy work/life balance.
Make the most of the time you have after work to play a sport, find a new hobby, or catch up with friends. Having plans after work makes the day go faster and you have something to look forward to.

Hunter Wardman

Consultant, Advisory’s Risk & Assurance Strategy

Degree: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical & Biomolecular) & Commerce (Finance)

University: The University of Sydney

What does a Risk & Assurance Strategy consultant do?

Risk & Assurance Strategy consultants work with clients to make sense of uncertainties in the future. I work closely with specialists and experts in project management, sustainability, climate change, and engineering to understand key project, portfolio and enterprise risks our asset-intensive clients may face.

I work with a diverse range of stakeholders in client organisations, from project managers to directors and executives, to better understand, communicate, and mitigate risk.

What skills have you learnt as an early career professional so far?

I have been heavily involved in projects in the water and health industries, specifically dams, pipelines and weirs in New South Wales, as well as regional hospital and health centre development projects in Queensland. It has been awesome learning about the intricacies of these different environments and I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge on future projects in markets such as Defence, Resources and Energy.

Alongside client delivery work, my team has helped me develop my technical skillset in data management, visualisation and dashboarding, by giving me the time I need to upskill, as well as the opportunity to deliver new and innovative solutions for our clients. My team regularly encourages me to take charge of my professional development and invest time in honing my communication, organisation and strategic thinking skills.

I have advised several clients on how to better utilise technology in managing project risk and increasing the transparency of processes and systems. This has helped me to ‘get my name out there’ among my colleagues, which has been great for my career progression.

Could someone with a different background do your job?

Absolutely! My team comprises of individuals from varied backgrounds, such as engineers and people who have served in the Armed Forces, to lawyers and accountants. If you are curious, eager to develop your communication skills, and not afraid to ask difficult questions, then this is the team for you!

Do you normally work from home, in the office or a bit of both?

I love Aurecon’s approach to hybrid working. Aurecon offers a lot of flexibility and values everyone’s autonomy to make decisions about their working style. I work roughly 3 to 4 days in the office (either at the Aurecon office or the client office), and the other days from home. I love working with people, but also value being able to focus with minimal distractions when working from home.

What has been the highlight of the Aurecon graduate programme?

University gave me a taste of what it is like to collaborate with others, but it was not until I entered the workforce that I realised how critical teamwork and communication is to my own professional development and my team’s success. Since starting as a graduate at Aurecon, I have had the opportunity to grow my soft skills, gain exposure to a whole range of interesting client projects, and contribute to Limelight, Aurecon’s early career professional network.

Limelight provides a unique opportunity for graduates and others in the early stages of their career to lead and advocate within the wider business. Being involved in Limelight has enabled me to network with other graduates, colleagues and leaders across the business.

In July 2023, I became the New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory Career Development Pillar Lead. The Career Development Pillar seeks to support early career professionals to develop the confidence to take charge of their careers by helping them to network, find a mentor, and share stories with one another about career progression. I get to plan events, drive initiatives, advocate for the early careers cohort and get involved in workshops with senior leaders in the business. It is an amazing opportunity to gain exposure!

What advice would you give to someone thinking about applying for Aurecon’s graduate programme?

Aurecon is so much more than your run-of-the-mill engineering firm. We are an innovative, passionate, and daring organisation. Irrespective of your background, don’t overthink it – apply and give it your best shot!

Fiona Wyer

Mechanical Engineer

Degrees: Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours)

University: Queensland University of Technology

Tell us about your role and the team you are part of.

I am a mechanical engineer in the Brisbane Buildings team where I work on mechanical services, hydraulic systems, fire protection and ecologically sustainable design for the built environment. My role involves designing and modelling building services such as heating, ventilation, air-conditioning (HVAC), plumbing and drainage. I do this by working with colleagues to develop schematic design mark-ups before finalising them in computer aided design (CAD) software such as Revit and AutoCAD.

What kind of projects do you work on?

One of the first major projects I worked on was developing a Building Condition Assessment report for the Swanbank Power Station administration and warehouse buildings. Our team was asked to provide an assessment of all the building services’ assets. We had a two-day site inspection at the power station which is set to be redeveloped into a clean energy hub.

More recently, I have been involved in designing drainage services for rural housing across Queensland. My team was tasked with modelling the sanitary drainage and potable water services of modular dwellings. This involved engaging with many stakeholders, including local government area councils and the civil land and water teams.

I am currently working closely with the electrical team to upgrade building services for the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC). I am designing the mechanical ventilation and air-conditioning systems for the upgraded switchboard and dimmer rooms. This project has included site visits to QPAC and modelling coordination with Aurecon’s overseas offices. I have really enjoyed going behind the scenes of building services design and of QPAC’s backstage areas. It is exciting to see how much engineering goes into a performance!

What’s the best thing about your job?

The people. I work with highly knowledgeable and encouraging colleagues who are always happy to help with technical queries and support my professional development. Aurecon has a welcoming and supportive work environment and I enjoy coming into the office for the coffee catchups, kitchen conversations, lunchtime chats with other graduates and Limelight events. Getting to know other early career professionals and making friendships that go beyond the professional workplace has been a highlight of my Aurecon experience.

What are some of your interests or passions outside of work?

Besides playing the flute in a wind symphony and competing in gymnastics, I am also the Chair of Canteen Australia’s Youth Advisory Team. As a Youth Leader, Advisor and Ambassador, I advocate for improved cancer care and support services for young adults. This volunteer role complements my day-to-day work as it allows me to apply professional skills such as leading teams and facilitating meaningful discussions. In my spare time, I enjoy learning Australian Sign Language (Auslan) and being creative through writing poetry.

What has been the highlight of the Aurecon graduate programme?

From attending my first Limelight event, to now being part of the Queensland committee; Limelight has been a key highlight of my graduate experience. I currently run public speaking workshops for early career professionals in Brisbane, which came into fruition because several of my colleagues were looking to improve their presentation skills.

I wanted to foster a safe and supportive environment for my peers to learn tips, tricks and techniques for building confidence when speaking. I have organised and facilitated two practical workshops so far and will be running more in the future. It has been a very rewarding experience seeing so many early career professionals partake in these events!

What advice would you give to someone thinking about joining Aurecon’s graduate programme?

If I can give two pieces of advice, it is to find your courage and to take ownership of your career. Being able to lean into discomfort and advocate for yourself will lead to great opportunities.

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