Our next entrant in the Pursuit class is Jack Lupton, driving GP57. Jack is from Waverley, New Zealand. Jack is one of the new young guns in racing, who is sure to thrill the crowds when he sticks it to the old man in the Pursuit and take it right up to the boys in the Image Boats Australian Open and Southport Yacht Club Queensland Cup. This is a must watch boat for the weekend! Good luck Jack! Photo credit: Shot360 Photography.
Our next entrant in the Pursuit class is Ken Lupton, driving Lucas Oil. Ken is from Waverley, New Zealand and is a seasoned campaigner of power boat racing. Ken is also a noted big race contender with multiple major race wins and places in both New Zealand and Australia. Ken will be flying the Kiwi flag high on the weekend for a Kiwi to take out all the major races. Good luck Ken! Photo credit: Shot360 Photography.
Our first entrant in the Pursuit class is Warwick Lupton, driving Annihilator Race Boats. Warwick is all the way from Waverley, New Zealand. Warwick is one of the legends of GP racing in the world and has been a two time World Champion in the GP Hydroplane class. The New Zealand boats will be competing in a brand new format of racing The Pursuit, where its one on one, mate against mate, family against family to see who can scorch around the Liquid Lightning track in the quickest 3 lap sprint. The GPs will also be competing in the Southport Yacht Club Queensland Cup and the Image Boats Australian Open. The GP Hydroplanes will be one of the headline acts for the weekend. Good luck Warwick! Photo credit: All The Torque Photography.
Our next entrant in the Unlimited Inboard class is She's the Culprit, driven by Dean Barry. Dean is from Glenmore Park, Western Sydney (NSW) and his boat will be one of the big bangers for the weekend. She's the Culprit is a consistent major race winner all over the country. Dean has previously been a runner up in the World Unlimited championship and has won major races in QLD in previous visits. He will be a strong contender for our three major trophies for the weekend. Good luck Dean! Photo credit: PureArt Creative Images.
Our next entrant in the Unlimited Inboard class is The Chase, driven by Mal McColl from North Star (NSW). Mal is one of the veterans of the sport, with a major race winning record too long to list. Mal has been at the point end of the field for 30 years and if able to qualify for the finals of the major races, he'll be a force to be reckoned with. Mal knows how to win! Good luck Mal! Photo credit: PureArt Creative Images.
Our next entrant in the Unlimited Inboard class is Chevy Chase, driven by Damon Thurgar. Damon is from Wilberforce (NSW). Chevy Chase is a legendary unlimited boat, which over the years has had a winning record too long to list! The boat was recently re-furbished and fitted with a new capsule and after a few initial problems; the Chevy Chase boat is back to its best and should be suited to the Gold Coast Liquid Lightning course. Chevy Chase will be a strong contender for placings in the major races. Good luck Damon! Photo credit: Quinno's Quick Snaps.
Our next entrant in the Unlimited Inboard class is Decision. Decision is driven by Brent Lewis, from the Gold Coast (QLD) and he has previously won the Queensland Cup in 2012. Decision will be one of the highlight boats for the weekend of Gold Coast Liquid Lightning and will be a serious contender for the Iron Nuts Shield, Queensland Cup and the Australian Open. Brent is starting to find some real speed in the boat now and at his home track, in front of his home crowd, he will be hoping to keep all the major trophies in Queensland. Good luck Brent! Photo credit: PureArt Creative Images.
Our next entrant in the Unlimited Inboard class is Alf Ebborn driving Airborne from Coominya, (QLD). Airborne is a beautifully presented boat that packs a lot of punch and will be one of the quickest boats at Gold Coast Liquid Lightning. Airborne's pure speed should put it in the position to win our 3 major unlimited races for the weekend. We know the Airborne team will particularly be putting in a massive effort to win the Iron Nuts Shield. Good luck Alf! Photo Credit: PureArt Creative Images.
Introducing the driver of Immortal in the Unlimited Inboard class Mark Gauci, from Epping (VIC). Mark is the inaugural winner of the Australian Open and the defending champion of the Iron Nuts Shield. The Immortal team will be hoping for three years in a row of winning the Iron Nuts Shield, retaining his title of Australian Open champion and adding the Queensland Cup to make it a trifecta! Mark will be the undoubtedly favourite all of these events. This is a must watch boat for the weekend. Good luck Mark! Photo credit: PureArt Creative Images.
Our next 6 Litre class entrant is Joe Jnr, driven by Andrew Walmsley from Newcastle (NSW). Joe Jnr has been suffering a few mechanical gremlins of late, but Andrew is confident that he is over that and is looking forward to a great meeting on the Gold Coast. Joe Jnr will be in contention for the East Coast Cup and the coveted Menace Cup. Good luck Andrew! Photo credit: PureArt Creative Images.
Our next entrant in the 6 Litre class is Hostage, driven by Rod Peterson. Rod is from Bundaberg (QLD) and has recently bought a major race winning boat in Hostage. Hostage has had a new capsule fitted to the boat and added a 6 Litre Dodge to power it. Rod is stepping up from the 5 Litre class to the ultra-competitive 6 Litre. We wish Rod all the best for the weekend. Good luck Rod! Photo credit: Shot by Desley.
Our next entrant in the 6 Litre class is Lock n Load, driven by Ryan McIntosh from Taree (NSW). We welcome the return of Lock n Load to Queensland's major events. If you're a Ford fan, than this boat is for you! Lock n Load is probably the outright favourite for the East Coast Cup and the Menace Cup. This is a previous World Championship winning boat. This is a boat to watch over the weekend of Gold Coast Liquid Lightning! Good luck Ryan! Photo credit: PureArt Creative Images.
Introducing our next entrant in the 6 Litre class Impulse, driven by Brendon Mason. The Impulse boat is one of the new heavy hitters in the 6 Litre class. This new boat has come straight off the trailer and straight into the winners circle. With impressive victories at the recent Windsor Spectacular, this will be one of the favourites to win the East Coast Cup and the Menace Cup. This will be the first race meet for Brendon in Queensland and we welcome him to the Sunshine State. Good luck Brendon! Photo credit: PureArt Creative Images.
Our next entrant in the 6 Litre class is Roota's, driven by Mark Ebenreuter. Mark is from Bridgewater in the Adelaide Hills (SA) and this is his first tour to Queensland. The Roota's boat has been recently rejuvenated and looks immaculate. The ultra-competitive 6 Litre class, Mark will be looking for some strong performances and placings in the East Coast Cup and Menace Cup. Good luck Mark! Photo credit: All The Torque Photography.
Our next entrant in the 6 Litre class is Tuff E Nuff driven by David Clark. David is from Adelaide (SA) and is driving a brand new boat for the first time. David is a veteran of the Unlimited ranks, but has stepped back to the ultra-competitive 6 Litre class to sharpen his driving skills for his Unlimited boat. David will be looking for a competitive run in the boats first outing. Good luck David! Photo credit: All The Torque Photography.
Introducing the next competitor in our 6 Litre class Addicted. Addicted is driven by Michael Johnson, who is from Patterson Lakes (VIC). Addicted is a beautifully presented boat that is starting to show some serious speed. With a young up and coming champion at the wheel in Michael Johnson, this boat is set for future victories. At its most recent race meeting at Windsor, it placed in 2 major trophies over the weekend. This is a boat to watch now and in the future! Good luck Michael! Photo credit: PureArt Creative Images.
Our next entrant in the 6 Litre class is Bevan Partridge. Bevan is from Forestdale, Brisbane (QLD) and drives the immaculately presented Karma boat. He has been on the scene of powerboat racing for 4 years. In the past year he had his first major breakthrough win, with a victory in the East Coast Cup at Lockyer Powerfest 2015. Bevan will be looking for another strong performance this year, at his home club's event. Bevan and Hi-Liner Pool and Aluminium Fencing are also one of our course sponsors for this year's event. Good luck Bevan! Photo credit: PureArt Creative Images.
Our first entrant in the 6 Litre Displacement class is Image. Over the Gold Coast Liquid Lightning weekend, Image will be driven by Ryan Hall, Wilberforce (NSW). Image is a serious contender for placing in all the three major trophies for the weekend and the East Coast Cup for 6 Litres. With a couple of drives of Image under his belt, Ryan will ensure that Image will continue to be at the pointy end of the field. The water conditions at Marine Stadium will suit Image and Ryan's driving style (fast). Good luck Ryan!
The owner of Image is Craig Lewis, Gold Coast local, who is also the current commodore of Gold Coast Power Boat & Sports Club Inc (GCPBSC) and one of the organisers of Gold Coast Liquid Lightning. Craig would like to welcome all the competitors, exhibitors and spectators to the inaugural running of Gold Coast Liquid Lighting and hopes that all enjoy the two days of electrifying racing! Photo credit: PureArt Creative Images.
Our next entrant in the 105MPH class is De Ja Vu, driven by John Cole. John is from Childers (QLD). John will be the main Queensland hope in the 105MPH class for the weekend. John has recently repaired the boat after a minor slipup at our last club meeting. He'll be hoping to keep it upright and claim victory in the 105MPH class. Good luck John! Photo credit: PureArt Creative Images.
Our next entrant in the 105MPH class is Naughty, driven by Mark Andrews from Cardiff, Newcastle (NSW). Mark is a first time runner at a major QLD event. The Naughty boat is one of the most consistent boats in the 105 MPH class and a regular podium placer. Water conditions should suit the Naughty boat and we expect Mark to put in a good performance at the Gold Coast Liquid Lightning weekend. Good luck Mark! Photo credit: PureArt Creative Images.
Our next entrant in the 105MPH class is The Real Culprit, driven by Nathan Barry. Nathan is from Glenmore Park, Western Sydney (NSW) and is a strong contender in the ultra-competitive class of 105MPH. Nathan will be hoping for a good weekend and as long as the trailer makes it (ha ha) he is sure to put on a good show for the Gold Coast Liquid Lightning spectators. Good luck Nathan! Photo credit: PureArt Creative Images.
Our next entrant in the 105MPH class is Haymaker, driven by Gus Vivers. Gus was a seasoned driver over a long period of time and after a few years off from racing, he has returned with vigour. Gus has purchased the current Australian champion boat for the 105 MPH class. We wish him the best on his return to racing and we're sure that he will be ultra-competitive over the weekend. Good luck Gus! Photo credit: Gus Vivers.
Our next entrant in the 105MPH class is Laith Brown driving Convict. Laith is from Gladstone (QLD) and began the year with a new engine combination, successfully competing in the 105MPH support class at both Windsor (NSW) and Berri (SA) for the Aussie/USA challenge. Laith has also been racing this past year at Somerset Dam and Bundaberg and is reaching his milestones as he sets them. Laith is looking forward to racing at the Gold Coast for the first time. Good luck Laith! Photo credit: Shot by Desley.
Our first entrant in the 105MPH class is The Real Thing, driven by Ian Cole from Childers (QLD). Ian is a relatively new driver to the sport of power boat racing. He has competed in major events in Queensland in the last couple of years and is now looking to step up the ladder and possibly win or place at the inaugural Gold Coast Liquid Lightning event. Good luck Ian! Photo credit: PureArt Creative Images.
Our next entrant in the 5.2 Litre class is Melodee, driven by Brian Kilpatrick, from Castle Hill, Sydney, (NSW). Melodee is a legendary name in the sport of powerboat racing and with the next generation of Kilpatrick drivers in Brian, the 5.2 Litre dynasty will continue. Brian will be chasing a victory in the Northern Shield for the 5.2 Litre class. Good luck Brian! Photo credit: PureArt Creative Images.
Our first entrant in the 5.2 Litre class is the ever reliable Trouble, driven by Adam Wood. Adam is from Speers Point (NSW). Trouble is one of the most consistent 5.2 Litre boats in the country over a very long time. Trouble has been a major race winner on numerous occasions and has won previously at Gold Coast Club spectacular events. The course should be well-suited for the Trouble team. Good luck Adam! Photo credit: All The Torque Photography.
Our next entrant in the 5.2 Litre class is Still Cranky, driven by David Freeman. David is from Medowie (NSW) and this is the first time that David has competed in a Queensland event. However, with recent good performances at the Windsor Spectacular Still Cranky should be at the pointy end of the field. The Northern Shield is attracting some good boats this year and Still Cranky is no exception. Good luck Dave! Photo credit: PureArt Creative Images.
Our next entrant in the 4.2 Litre class is Hot n Spicy, driven by David Arthy. David is from Beaudesert (QLD). David was the first to bring back 4.2 Litre racing in QLD. He started with a shell and made most of the parts himself. He has been off the water for some time, but is ready to race with the big line up of 4.2 Litres for this year's Gold Coast Liquid Lightning event! Good luck David! Photo credit: Jim Donovan.
Our next entrant in the 4.2 Litre class is Raider, driven by Jim Beatie from Barmah (VIC). Jim has been a great supporter of our QLD meetings being one of only a few that have attended all 5 years of our Lockyer Powerfest meeting and is now participating in Gold Coast Liquid Lightning. Jim is the 2nd longest standing competitor in the 4.2 Litre class with 23 years under his belt. He has won trophies such as the ASDA multiple times, Victorian champion, the Bruce Jordan Memorial and many other great races. Jim has been the OZ boat registers President for the past 4 years and is doing a great job. Good luck Jim! Photo credit: PureArt Creative Images.
Our next entrant for Gold Coast Liquid Lightning is Harmony, driven by Jeff Bride AKA Ned Flanders from Diddillibah on the Sunshine Coast (QLD). Jeff is the current 2nd place holder for the 4.2 Australian Championships. Jeff has been involved with the OZ boat register since the very beginning back in the 1981/82 season. Over the years he has competed in multiple classes, including 5.2 Litre and 6 Litre classes, but has come back to the ever growing 4.2 Litre class. GCPBSC would like to thank Jeff Bride & the Harmony Racing team for their sponsorship of the Production Cup Trophy. Good luck Jeff! Photo credit: PureArt Creative Images.
Our next entrant in the 4.2 Litre class is Graham Molloy, driving Hurricane. Graham is from Karalee (QLD) and competed for the first time at Taree earlier this year. Despite Graham having had his boat for only a short time, Graham has proved to be a pack leader on the water! Graham has one of the fastest 4.2 Litre boats and will be out for that 1st place podium over the weekend of Gold Coast Liquid Lightning. Good luck Graham! Photo credit: www.gcliquidlightning.com.au
Our next entrant in the 4.2 Litre class is Steve Wassenaar driving Crisis. Steve is from Moorooka, Brisbane (QLD). With a change in boat set up, Steve has proven himself over previous race meets as the other to watch, with the boat consistently getting faster, he will definitely have a strong shot at the 4.2 Litre Oz Boat Production Cup. We wish Steve and his crew all the best at 2016 Gold Coast Liquid Lightning! Good luck Steve! Photo credit: PureArt Creative Images.
The next entrant in the 4.2 Litre class is Krystal Arthy, also from Kooralybyn, Gold Coast Hinterland (QLD). Krystal will be leading the charge for the girls on the weekend and her boat will be one of the favourites for the Production Cup. Krystal has been driving in the 4.2 Class since January this year when she purchased the successful Cauz'n Mayhem. Now re-named Evil Angel, Krystal has been working hard to be highly competitive in the 4.2 Litre class and beat her Dad and all the other competitors. Good luck Krystal! Photo credit: Shot by Desley.
We'd like to introduce our first entrant for Gold Coast Liquid Lightning 2016 - Stuart Arthy driving Voodoo. Stuart is from Kooralbyn (QLD) and is one of our boat racing sponsors for the weekend of Gold Coast Liquid Lighting. Stuart will be competing in the 4.2 Litre class and will be leading the QLD charge to win the Production Cup. We wish him and the Tortured Souls Racing Team a fun-filled Gold Coast Liquid Lightning meeting. Good luck Stuart! Photo credit: PureArt Creative Images.
Our next entrant in the Unlimited Outboard class is Formula 1 Excavations, driven by Mark Staunton. Mark is from Grenfell (NSW) or some might say the bush. Mark returns to racing after a short absence and with a dual job on the Gold Coast Liquid Lightning weekend as co-commentator and as driver, he'll be extremely busy! Mark is the current World waterspeed record holder for Formula 1s and has been a multiple race winner in the country over many years. Mark will be looking for a consistent at Gold Coast Liquid Lightning to get himself back in the groove. Good luck Mark! Photo credit: Paul Williams.
Our next entrant in the Unlimited Outboard class is King's Motorsport, driven by Jason King. Jason is from the Gold Coast (QLD) and has stepped up this year with his new acquisition into the Unlimited Outboard class. Jason is a seasoned competitor and a local Gold Coast entity. Jason will be looking for a good strong result in his first meeting in his new boat. Good luck Jason! Photo credit: PureArt Creative Images.
Our next entrant in the Unlimited Outboard class is JNJ Motorsport, driven by Nathan Jeffree. Nathan is from western Sydney (NSW) and has been racing for the past 4 years. He has previously raced in the prostock class, but beginning of 2016 moved to Formula 1/Unlimited outboard. Whilst making the adjustment to the new style of boat Nathan has been consistent enough to take home placing at major meetings such as the Taree and Windsor spectaculars. Nathan enjoys the change in style of boat and likes the feeling of being strapped into a capsule boat. Nathan's boat JNJ motorsport is continuing to be developed and is picking up speed every time it hits the water. Nathan is looking forward to racing at the Gold Coast and is very thankful to his club the Gold Coast Power Boat and Sports club for the opportunity. Good luck Nathan! Photo credit: All the Torque Photography.
Our next entrant in the Unlimited Outboard class is Butler Vehicles driven by Rhys Coles. Rhys is from Wisemans Ferry (NSW) and is one of the marquee players for this year's event. The Butler vehicles F1 of Rhys Coles has been a multiple Australian champion in F1 and F2 events over many years. This boat is showing some incredible speed at the moment and would have to be considered as a favourite for the Unlimited Outboard Gold Coast Trophy race, the Southport Yacht Club Queensland Cup and the Image Boats Australian Open. Good luck Rhys! Photo credit: PureArt Creative Images.
The next entrant in the Unlimited Outboard class is Express Design Racing, driven by David Ainley. David is a local from the Gold Coast (QLD) and Express Design Racing is one of our valued sponsors for the weekend. The ever reliable Express Design Racing boat is always a strong competitor and David will be hoping for a place in the new trophy race this year, the Gold Coast Trophy. He will also be hoping to achieve a start in the other major races for the weekend. Good luck David! Photo credit: Shot by Desley.
Introducing our next entrant in the Unlimited Outboard class Monster Homes, driven by Grant Trask. Grant is from Woody Point (QLD) and is one of the major Queensland hopes to keep all the big trophies in the home state. Recently at the Windsor Spectacular the Monster Homes boat showed great speed and quick lap times. Grant is a renowned as a big race competitor and will be hoping to claim some victories in the major trophies for the Queenslanders. Good luck Grant! Photo credit: Trent Duvall.
Our first entrant in the Unlimited Outboard class is McKenzie Racing, driven by Damien McKenzie from the Gold Coast (QLD). Damien was the inaugural winner of the Queensland Cup in 2011 and is also the current defending champion, having won it at Lockyer Powerfest last year. Damien is one of the outright favourites this year to retain the Queensland Cup and win the Australian Open. As a local Gold Coast boy, he will be flying the flag for those who live on the GC and we're hoping he helps to keep all major trophies on QLD soil. Good luck Damien! Photo credit: PureArt Creative Images.
Our first entrant in the Formula 2 class is Jason King, driver of Marine Tech. This boat will also be driven by Jason and with 2 boats on the weekend, he will have his work cut out for him. Jason has been a long time campaigner in the F2 class and has previously won the F2 class at our club's major events. We wish him well for both his driving duties for the weekend. Good luck Jason! Photo credit: PureArt Creative Images.
Our next entrant in the Formula 3 class is Fully Sick Mate, driven by Kaine Casson, from Lake Munmorah (NSW). Kaine has been given the opportunity to pilot the F4 this season in the AFPGP series. He particularly would like to thank owner Alan Baker for a chance of greater exposure in this field and his new sponsor "Monster Homes" and long-time sponsors "Stock Bar & Grill" and "Coldy's". This coming weekend Kaine will be stepping up into the F3 class and hoping to achieve some personal bests. Good luck Kaine! Photo credit: PureArt Creative Images.
Introducing our Formula 3 entrant - Greentree Racing, driven by Jake Greentree. Jake is from Sippy Downs on the Sunshine Coast (QLD) and returns to defend his Coastal Cup title. Jake has previously won this race three years in a row and will now be looking to make it four! Jake has got some competitors nipping at his heels, but we are confident he will do Queensland proud. Good luck Jake! Photo credit: PureArt Creative Images.
Our next entrant in the Formula 3 class is PC Racing, driven by Peter Cochrane. Peter is from Adamstown Heights, Newcatle (NSW) and decided to return to boat racing after a 30 year break. He is stepping into and F3, after previously racing in the 1250cc mono class. This is Peter's first year back competing, where he competed in the 4 rounds of the AFPGP series. Peter is looking forward to racing at Gold Coast Liquid Lightning. Good luck Peter! Photo credit: Robyn Cleary.
Our next entrant in the Formula Future class is Warrior, driven by Kirra-Lee Eglington. Kirra-Lee is from Bundaberg (QLD). Kirra has been racing for almost 2 years and won the J3 class at Lockyer Powerfest last year. Kirra has been competing at Bundaberg recently and this will be her first spectacular event for the year. This will be Kirra's last season as a J3 junior, as she will be stepping up to the 850 class next year. Good luck Kirra! Photo credit: PureArt Creative Images.
Our next entrant in the Formula Future class is Zac Atkinson, driving Ideal Solutions. Zac is from the Gold Coast (QLD), but has his boat based in Sydney (NSW). In the last year he has improved majorly and achieved highly, winning a large number of races. At the Australian titles in January this year, he came 1st in the J3 class and recently came 2nd in the AFPGP series. We wish Zac all the best for his first race on home soil. Good luck Zac! Photo credit: Brian Armstrong Photography.
Our next entrant in the Formula Future class is Little Liberty driven by Tate Williamson. Tate is from Yarrawonga (VIC) and this will be Tate's first season of racing Formula Future. Tate has a lot to learn, but is looking forward to the challenge. His boat's name and colours were inspired by Brian McCosker's Liberty boat after his World cup win and was first put together by Greg Holland in 2007. It was previously driven by Liam Holland, but was purchased from HBR in June this year. Tate's grandfather Sam Smith is one of our racing commentators and we're sure he will get excited as Tate comes down the first straight. We wish Tate all the best for his first race meet at Gold Coast Liquid Lightning. Good luck Tate! Photo credit: Sam Smith.
Our next entrant in the Formula Future class is Lil Chev, driven by Karla Foody. Karla is from Wilberforce (NSW) and began racing 18 months ago in a J2. In April she moved up to the J3 class. She has won many races and came 3rd overall in NSW APBA point score for 2015 2016. Karla's boat is out of the "Thurgar-Pratt" stable and is called Lil Chev as a tribute to her Dad's boat (Chevy Chase). Good luck Karla! Photo credit: Quinno's Quick Snaps.
Our next Formula Future entrant is Stephanie Cooper. Stephanie is from Wamuran (QLD) and has raced this year at Bundaberg, Somerset Dam, The Australian titles at Deepwater and in the 2016 AFPGP series, where she claimed 3rd overall for the J3 class. Stephanie has been racing since 2014, with her first meet being on the Brisbane River. She has done exceptionally well over her 2 years of racing with many awards from different race meets. Stephanie is always willing to improve her knowledge and skills from experienced drivers in higher classes. Good luck Stephanie! Photo credit: PureArt Creative images.
Our next entrant in the Formula Futures class is Beau Brown driving Bushranger. Beau is from Gladstone and has been successfully competing only in QLD this year at Somerset Dam and Bundaberg. Beau is keen to look at stepping up in the near future and following in his brother's footsteps and making his own mark in the sport. Beau's looking forward to his first spectacular of the year. Good luck Beau! Photo credit: PureArt Creative Images.
Our next entrant in the Formula Futures class is Shelbee Sonter driving Giddy Up. Shelbee is from Bundaberg (QLD) and is the recently crowned champion of the J3 class in the AFPGP series. Earlier in the year she came 2nd in the Australian championships. At only 13 years old, Shelbee already has a large number of racing achievements, but is always willing to learn more from even more experienced drivers. Shelbee will ensure we showcase the drivers of the future in their best light. Good luck Shelbee! Photo credit: PureArt Creative Images.
Our first entrant in the Formula Future class is Madison Yarroll driving Girl Power. Madi is from Old Bar (NSW) and earlier this year placed 2nd in the Australian championships. She is the current champion of the J1 class in the AFPGP series. At just 9 years of age, Madi's already has one year of racing under her belt. She will be welcomed to the Gold Coast by all her Queenslander competitors. Good luck Madi! Photo credit: Daniel Yarroll.
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CORINDA QLD 4075
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