Latest news with #Affini
ABC News
04-07-2025
- ABC News
In Australia's childcare centres profit comes before safety
It's the stuff of nightmares. Broken bones. Burnt hands. Children strapped into high chairs for hours and force fed until they vomit. Toddlers yanked, shaken, dragged along the ground. Kids found unsupervised in car parks or roaming next to busy main roads. Babies left in soiled nappies all day. Ignored, neglected, left to cry. And then there's the video — just nine seconds long. A defenceless baby, strapped into a bouncer, crying hysterically as a childcare worker slaps her across the face repeatedly for fun. Her colleague films it, laughing, and uploads it to Snapchat. It's hard to believe it's happening in Australia's childcare centres but it's been going on for years, all in plain sight. But there are even more heinous crimes. It took the announcement of a 26-year-old male educator charged with more than 70 counts of child sexual abuse at a Melbourne childcare centre, before people started asking the question: is childcare safe? For those like me who have been investigating childcare for almost a year now, the news was horrifying but not a surprise. In Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia, at least one report of sexual misconduct is made every day. And that's just what's tracked and reported. In Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory, there's no reportable conduct scheme, so we simply don't know. The Victorian man, Joshua Dale Brown, worked at 20 childcare centres, most of them owned by big private operators including private equity-owned Affinity Education, listed ASX giant G8 Education and United States owned Only About Children. Scratch the surface, and you find more. On July 9, a worker from Affinity childcare group is scheduled to face a NSW court charged with nine counts of sexually touching a child. In March, Quoc Phu Tong, who worked at a Seaforth centre run by Only About Children, was sentenced to two years in prison for the intentional touching of a child. Then there's Ashley Paul Griffith, a childcare worker sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to a series of offences at early learning centres, mostly in Queensland. His crimes, described as "depraved," included rape and the production of child exploitation material. Griffith's abuse went undetected for years, despite holding a valid Blue Card, due to systemic failures in the child protection systems. In March I launched a series of investigations into the $20 billion childcare sector, forensically exposing a system in deep crisis. What was revealed is how for-profit providers, now accounting for 75 per cent of the sector, have fundamentally reshaped the sector. According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, on average the big operators pay lower wages, hire more casual and part-time staff, and experience higher educator turnover, than their non profit counterparts. At the same time, they receive the lion's share of the $14 billion a year of taxpayer money spent on childcare subsidies. These are taxpayer dollars propping up a system where some operators spend as little as $1 a day per child on meals, and where educators are placed under KPIs to boost occupancy and cut costs. When you follow the money, the priorities are clear. Profit comes first. Such an obviously stark difference to how we treat primary and secondary education. Childcare is a vital service for families turned into a money-making machine. The childcare sector has exploded in scale but the laws and oversight meant to govern it have not kept pace, particularly with the rise of the big for-profit operators, with their deep pockets and lobbyists in tow. It is also a property play. Children aren't just enrolled, they come with a price tag. They can be worth as much as $350,000 to a centre when you take into account childcare property evaluations, which are calculated based on the number of children the centres are licensed to enrol. Some ads even say "no experience necessary" for owning a centre. The brutal reality is Australia's regulatory system is fragmented and reactive, with each state handling complaints differently and no consistent national oversight. In many cases, regulators are under-resourced and hesitant to use the enforcement powers they do have. Centres with repeated breaches remain open. Serious incidents, including abuse, neglect, and unsupervised children, are often dismissed as "one-offs". They're absolutely not. Affinity Education offers a window into how the regulatory system is failing families. Between 2021 and 2024, its NSW centres racked up more than 1,100 regulatory breaches, averaging more than one a day. Yet in that time, the regulator issued just nine infringement notices, totalling less than $2,000 in fines. In previous statements, Affinity has said it takes concerns from families seriously. Thousands of pages of internal regulatory documents reveal the same problems surfacing again and again: unsafe sleep practices, staff out of ratio, and incomplete records ranging from expired working with children checks to missing staff qualifications and children's medical histories. In most cases, they are told to do better by the regulator. Despite this, since December last year, Affinity was allowed to expand — acquiring 13 more centres in NSW. Then there's the National Quality Standards which are meant to give parents peace of mind, a ratings system or benchmark for safety, care, and education. But they too are broken. One in 10 centres have never been rated and the others are rated on average every four years, with some as many as nine years, according to ACECQA. The flaws in the system are there for all to see. A worker shortage due to burnout and low pay, education providers exploiting the situation by offering fast tracked courses and some selling fake qualifications, which all undermines the quality of care. We've seen review after review. NSW had one and released the findings last week. Now Victoria is scrambling to conduct another. What about the other states? Do we really have to wait for a scandal to break before each state starts paying attention? Education Minister Jason Clare admitted to Sarah Ferguson on 7.30 that governments and ministers haven't done enough. They have been too slow to act. He is right. He is finally taking action introducing legislation to cut funding to childcare centres that fail to meet safety standards and working with children checks. But there are other fixes he can make including the establishment of a national childcare commission, a key recommendation from the Productivity Commission in September 2024. Or an independent review into the National Quality Standards or the performance of its oversight body, ACECQA. None of this addresses the elephant in the room: the dominance of private operators and the inherent conflict of interest between profit and child welfare. Nor does it tackle the widespread fraud and compliance failures uncovered in the auditor-general's recent report into childcare subsidies, which estimated $2.6 billion has been sucked out in the past five years. But as many know it is the tip of the iceberg. The sector is riddled with complexity, failure and risk. While there are some good operators and good, passionate educators, it is getting tougher for families to find quality care. A royal commission or independent inquiry is the only way to truly expose how deep the problems go. The Greens have called for it, alongside educators, parents and some policy experts. But the major parties remain silent. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has dismissed the idea, saying a royal commission would "take too long" as the system spirals further into crisis. It's worth remembering the banking royal commission. The government of the day resisted it too, but in just a year it exposed systemic misconduct, helped restore public trust, and forced long-overdue reforms. Why do children deserve any less?
Trade Arabia
08-03-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Marriott debuts Tribute Portfolio residences with new Dubai project
HAMRK Real Estate Development, has partnered with Devmark, a leading UAE-based real estate marketing consultancy, for the launch of Affini Residences, the world's first standalone residence under Tribute Portfolio, a collection brand within Marriott International. Located in the heart of Al Jaddaf, Affini is the world's first standalone residence under Tribute Portfolio, a collection brand within Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International's travel programme of 30+ extraordinary brands. This branded residence seamlessly blends contemporary elegance, artistic flair, and an exceptional serviced lifestyle. Designed by ADC Architects & Engineers, these homes offer customisable elements and refined details, creating the perfect canvas for modern living. A unique project, Affini redefines urban living by repurposing a former hotel into a distinctive branded residence designed to meet today's market demands, said Devmark which has been appointed as the master agent for the project's sales and marketing. The property has been meticulously refurbished to reflect the individuality and elegance that is signature to the Tribute Portfolio, merging the city's energy with the tranquillity of boutique artistic living. Fully furnished and turnkey-ready, Affini embodies a new perspective in the art of living, offering residents a seamless fusion of world-class service, inspired design, and unparalleled connectivity in Dubai's thriving cultural hub, it stated. The residences at Affini, ranging from expansive studios to bespoke penthouses, are thoughtfully designed to blend artistic sophistication with functional living. Each fully furnished unit features luxurious finishes and vibrant colour schemes, complemented by bold art installations that transform spaces into inspiring sanctuaries for creativity, it added. Expansive layouts adorned with Rango porcelain tiles set a tone of understated elegance, while the kitchens are a standout feature, with sleek Du Pont Corian countertops, Marino Laminates cabinetry, and high-end Whirlpool appliances. Bedrooms are designed as tranquil retreats, and bathrooms adorned with Bagno Design fittings transform daily routines into serene moments of indulgence. "Affini Residences offers an array of sophisticated premium amenities crafted to elevate everyday living. Residents can unwind in the rooftop pool, which offers panoramic views of the Dubai skyline or stay active in the state-of-the-art gym equipped with modern Matrix machines," said a company spokesman. "The curated residents' lounge serves as a chic communal hub, ideal for relaxation or socialising, while families will appreciate the lively children's play area that fosters creativity and fun for younger residents. For moments of leisure, the private cinema and in-house coffee shop provide bespoke experiences, delivering comfort and refinement in equal measure," he stated. Complementing the experience, a comprehensive suite of services promises everyday convenience, including a 24-hour residential concierge to assist with everything from restaurant reservations to spa bookings and local area guidance, he explained. À la carte offerings such as limousine transfers, housekeeping, laundry, grocery shopping, and in-residence dining ensure every need is met with precision and care.
Trade Arabia
04-03-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Devmark, HAMRK unveil Affini Residences in Dubai
HAMRK Real Estate Development and Devmark have unveiled Affini Residences, Dubai's first standalone residence under Marriott Bonvoy's Tribute Portfolio. Located in Al Jaddaf, the residence offers contemporary elegance, artistic flair, and an exceptional serviced lifestyle. Devmark has been appointed as the master agent for sales and marketing, positioning Affini as a distinguished offering in Dubai's dynamic real estate market. The project is part of Marriott International's Tribute Portfolio collection. Affini redefines urban living by repurposing a former hotel into a distinctive branded residence designed to meet today's market demands. The property has been meticulously refurbished to reflect the individuality and elegance that Is signature to the Tribute Portfolio, merging the city's energy with the tranquillity of boutique artistic living. Fully furnished and turnkey-ready, Affini embodies a new perspective in the art of living, offering residents a seamless fusion of world-class service, inspired design, and unparalleled connectivity in Dubai's thriving cultural hub. The residences at Affini, ranging from expansive studios to bespoke penthouses, are thoughtfully designed to blend artistic sophistication with functional living. Each fully furnished unit features luxurious finishes and vibrant colour schemes, complemented by bold art installations that transform spaces into inspiring sanctuaries for creativity. Designed by ADC Architects & Engineers, these homes offer customisable elements and refined details, creating the perfect canvas for modern living. Expansive layouts adorned with Rango porcelain tiles set a tone of understated elegance, while the kitchens are a standout feature, with sleek Du Pont Corian countertops, Marino Laminates cabinetry, and high-end Whirlpool appliances. Bedrooms are designed as tranquil retreats, and bathrooms adorned with Bagno Design fittings transform daily routines into serene moments of indulgence. Affini Residences offers an array of sophisticated premium amenities crafted to elevate everyday living. Residents can unwind in the rooftop pool, which offers panoramic views of the Dubai skyline or stay active in the state-of-the-art gym equipped with modern Matrix machines. The curated residents' lounge serves as a chic communal hub, ideal for relaxation or socialising, while families will appreciate the lively children's play area that fosters creativity and fun for younger residents. For moments of leisure, the private cinema and in-house coffee shop provide bespoke experiences, delivering comfort and refinement in equal measure. Complementing the experience, a comprehensive suite of services promises everyday convenience, including a 24-hour residential concierge to assist with everything from restaurant reservations to spa bookings and local area guidance. À la carte offerings such as limousine transfers, housekeeping, laundry, grocery shopping, and in-residence dining ensure every need is met with precision and care. Adding further prestige, residents have the opportunity to enjoy exclusive Marriott Bonvoy membership benefits, offering elevated Bonvoy status, preferred rates at Marriott properties, and curated experiences with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. 'We are delighted to launch Affini Residences, a project that embodies our commitment to delivering unique and meaningful living experiences,' said Shaikh Mohamed Abdulrahman Alkhalifa, Chairman, HAMRK Real Estate Development. 'Affini is a testament to the lifestyle we aim to create, blending creativity, sustainability, and modern design. By repurposing an existing building, we not only showcase our innovative approach but also contribute to more sustainable development practices. Our collaboration with Devmark has been pivotal in positioning Affini as an exceptional offering for discerning buyers who value sophistication and innovative living solutions. This project offers an unparalleled lifestyle, setting a new benchmark for urban luxury.' 'We are excited to collaborate with HAMRK on Affini Residences, a development that truly stands out in Dubai's competitive real estate market,' said Sean McCauley, CEO of Devmark. 'Land scarcity in highly coveted, well-connected communities like Al Jaddaf presents a rare opportunity for buyers and investors alike. Affini represents a unique vision, transforming an existing structure into a modern, world-class residence that seamlessly blends prime location, thoughtful design, and exceptional amenities. Leveraging our expertise in real estate marketing, we are committed to positioning Affini as a benchmark for exceptional living in Dubai's evolving luxury living landscape.' Jaidev Menezes, Regional Vice President, Mixed-Use Development EMEA at Marriott International adds, 'With the launch of Affini Residences, we are proud that Dubai is home to the world's first standalone residence under Marriott's Tribute Portfolio brand, where design, attention to detail and sincere service stand above the rest. Affini's vibrant spaces create a sense of community sparking connections, and aptly located in Al Jaddaf, Dubai's cultural hotspot, Affini is perfect for those seeking the remarkable, the new and the different.' Affini is strategically located just minutes from the Jameel Arts Centre and Dubai Cultural Village. Its prime location also ensures effortless connectivity to Downtown Dubai, Dubai International Airport, and other premier cultural, retail, and entertainment destinations. With ongoing refurbishment works set for completion in 2026, Affini presents a compelling opportunity for buyers and investors seeking a state-of-the-art urban sanctuary in one of Dubai's most dynamic neighbourhoods. Devmark is now accepting bookings offering both mortgage and payment plan options. -TradeArabia News Servic e
Zawya
04-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Devmark, HAMRK unveil Affini Residences in Dubai
UAE - HAMRK Real Estate Development and Devmark have unveiled Affini Residences, Dubai's first standalone residence under Marriott Bonvoy's Tribute Portfolio. Located in Al Jaddaf, the residence offers contemporary elegance, artistic flair, and an exceptional serviced lifestyle. Devmark has been appointed as the master agent for sales and marketing, positioning Affini as a distinguished offering in Dubai's dynamic real estate market. The project is part of Marriott International's Tribute Portfolio collection. Affini redefines urban living by repurposing a former hotel into a distinctive branded residence designed to meet today's market demands. The property has been meticulously refurbished to reflect the individuality and elegance that Is signature to the Tribute Portfolio, merging the city's energy with the tranquillity of boutique artistic living. Fully furnished and turnkey-ready, Affini embodies a new perspective in the art of living, offering residents a seamless fusion of world-class service, inspired design, and unparalleled connectivity in Dubai's thriving cultural hub. The residences at Affini, ranging from expansive studios to bespoke penthouses, are thoughtfully designed to blend artistic sophistication with functional living. Each fully furnished unit features luxurious finishes and vibrant colour schemes, complemented by bold art installations that transform spaces into inspiring sanctuaries for creativity. Designed by ADC Architects & Engineers, these homes offer customisable elements and refined details, creating the perfect canvas for modern living. Expansive layouts adorned with Rango porcelain tiles set a tone of understated elegance, while the kitchens are a standout feature, with sleek Du Pont Corian countertops, Marino Laminates cabinetry, and high-end Whirlpool appliances. Bedrooms are designed as tranquil retreats, and bathrooms adorned with Bagno Design fittings transform daily routines into serene moments of indulgence. Affini Residences offers an array of sophisticated premium amenities crafted to elevate everyday living. Residents can unwind in the rooftop pool, which offers panoramic views of the Dubai skyline or stay active in the state-of-the-art gym equipped with modern Matrix machines. The curated residents' lounge serves as a chic communal hub, ideal for relaxation or socialising, while families will appreciate the lively children's play area that fosters creativity and fun for younger residents. For moments of leisure, the private cinema and in-house coffee shop provide bespoke experiences, delivering comfort and refinement in equal measure. Complementing the experience, a comprehensive suite of services promises everyday convenience, including a 24-hour residential concierge to assist with everything from restaurant reservations to spa bookings and local area guidance. À la carte offerings such as limousine transfers, housekeeping, laundry, grocery shopping, and in-residence dining ensure every need is met with precision and care. Adding further prestige, residents have the opportunity to enjoy exclusive Marriott Bonvoy membership benefits, offering elevated Bonvoy status, preferred rates at Marriott properties, and curated experiences with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. 'We are delighted to launch Affini Residences, a project that embodies our commitment to delivering unique and meaningful living experiences,' said Shaikh Mohamed Abdulrahman Alkhalifa, Chairman, HAMRK Real Estate Development. 'Affini is a testament to the lifestyle we aim to create, blending creativity, sustainability, and modern design. By repurposing an existing building, we not only showcase our innovative approach but also contribute to more sustainable development practices. Our collaboration with Devmark has been pivotal in positioning Affini as an exceptional offering for discerning buyers who value sophistication and innovative living solutions. This project offers an unparalleled lifestyle, setting a new benchmark for urban luxury.' 'We are excited to collaborate with HAMRK on Affini Residences, a development that truly stands out in Dubai's competitive real estate market,' said Sean McCauley, CEO of Devmark. 'Land scarcity in highly coveted, well-connected communities like Al Jaddaf presents a rare opportunity for buyers and investors alike. Affini represents a unique vision, transforming an existing structure into a modern, world-class residence that seamlessly blends prime location, thoughtful design, and exceptional amenities. Leveraging our expertise in real estate marketing, we are committed to positioning Affini as a benchmark for exceptional living in Dubai's evolving luxury living landscape.' Jaidev Menezes, Regional Vice President, Mixed-Use Development EMEA at Marriott International adds, 'With the launch of Affini Residences, we are proud that Dubai is home to the world's first standalone residence under Marriott's Tribute Portfolio brand, where design, attention to detail and sincere service stand above the rest. Affini's vibrant spaces create a sense of community sparking connections, and aptly located in Al Jaddaf, Dubai's cultural hotspot, Affini is perfect for those seeking the remarkable, the new and the different.' Affini is strategically located just minutes from the Jameel Arts Centre and Dubai Cultural Village. Its prime location also ensures effortless connectivity to Downtown Dubai, Dubai International Airport, and other premier cultural, retail, and entertainment destinations. With ongoing refurbishment works set for completion in 2026, Affini presents a compelling opportunity for buyers and investors seeking a state-of-the-art urban sanctuary in one of Dubai's most dynamic neighbourhoods. Devmark is now accepting bookings offering both mortgage and payment plan options. -TradeArabia News Servic e Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
04-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Devmark and HAMRK unveils Affini Residences In Dubai, the world's first standalone tribute portfolio residence
Dubai, UAE: HAMRK Real Estate Development, in partnership with Devmark, the UAE's leading real estate project sales and marketing consultancy, proudly unveils Affini Residences, a transformative addition to Dubai's luxury living landscape. Located in the heart of Al Jaddaf, Affini is the world's first standalone residence under Tribute Portfolio, a collection brand within Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International's travel program of 30+ extraordinary brands. This branded residence seamlessly blends contemporary elegance, artistic flair, and an exceptional serviced lifestyle. Devmark has been appointed as the master agent for the project's sales and marketing, leveraging its expertise to position Affini as a distinguished offering in Dubai's dynamic real estate market. A unique project, Affini redefines urban living by repurposing a former hotel into a distinctive branded residence designed to meet today's market demands. The property has been meticulously refurbished to reflect the individuality and elegance that Is signature to the Tribute Portfolio, merging the city's energy with the tranquillity of boutique artistic living. Fully furnished and turnkey-ready, Affini embodies a new perspective in the art of living, offering residents a seamless fusion of world-class service, inspired design, and unparalleled connectivity in Dubai's thriving cultural hub. The residences at Affini, ranging from expansive studios to bespoke penthouses, are thoughtfully designed to blend artistic sophistication with functional living. Each fully furnished unit features luxurious finishes and vibrant colour schemes, complemented by bold art installations that transform spaces into inspiring sanctuaries for creativity. Designed by ADC Architects & Engineers, these homes offer customisable elements and refined details, creating the perfect canvas for modern living. Expansive layouts adorned with Rango porcelain tiles set a tone of understated elegance, while the kitchens are a standout feature, with sleek Du Pont Corian countertops, Marino Laminates cabinetry, and high-end Whirlpool appliances. Bedrooms are designed as tranquil retreats, and bathrooms adorned with Bagno Design fittings transform daily routines into serene moments of indulgence. Affini Residences offers an array of sophisticated premium amenities crafted to elevate everyday living. Residents can unwind in the rooftop pool, which offers panoramic views of the Dubai skyline or stay active in the state-of-the-art gym equipped with modern Matrix machines. The curated residents' lounge serves as a chic communal hub, ideal for relaxation or socialising, while families will appreciate the lively children's play area that fosters creativity and fun for younger residents. For moments of leisure, the private cinema and in-house coffee shop provide bespoke experiences, delivering comfort and refinement in equal measure. Complementing the experience, a comprehensive suite of services promises everyday convenience, including a 24-hour residential concierge to assist with everything from restaurant reservations to spa bookings and local area guidance. À la carte offerings such as limousine transfers, housekeeping, laundry, grocery shopping, and in-residence dining ensure every need is met with precision and care. Adding further prestige, residents have the opportunity to enjoy exclusive Marriott Bonvoy membership benefits, offering elevated Bonvoy™ status, preferred rates at Marriott properties, and curated experiences with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. 'We are delighted to launch Affini Residences, a project that embodies our commitment to delivering unique and meaningful living experiences,' said Shaikh Mohamed Abdulrahman Alkhalifa, Chairman, HAMRK Real Estate Development. 'Affini is a testament to the lifestyle we aim to create, blending creativity, sustainability, and modern design. By repurposing an existing building, we not only showcase our innovative approach but also contribute to more sustainable development practices. Our collaboration with Devmark has been pivotal in positioning Affini as an exceptional offering for discerning buyers who value sophistication and innovative living solutions. This project offers an unparalleled lifestyle, setting a new benchmark for urban luxury.' 'We are excited to collaborate with HAMRK on Affini Residences, a development that truly stands out in Dubai's competitive real estate market,' said Sean McCauley, CEO of Devmark. 'Land scarcity in highly coveted, well-connected communities like Al Jaddaf presents a rare opportunity for buyers and investors alike. Affini represents a unique vision, transforming an existing structure into a modern, world-class residence that seamlessly blends prime location, thoughtful design, and exceptional amenities. Leveraging our expertise in real estate marketing, we are committed to positioning Affini as a benchmark for exceptional living in Dubai's evolving luxury living landscape.' Jaidev Menezes, Regional Vice President, Mixed-Use Development EMEA at Marriott International adds, 'With the launch of Affini Residences, we are proud that Dubai is home to the world's first standalone residence under Marriott's Tribute Portfolio brand, where design, attention to detail and sincere service stand above the rest. Affini's vibrant spaces create a sense of community sparking connections, and aptly located in Al Jaddaf, Dubai's cultural hotspot, Affini is perfect for those seeking the remarkable, the new and the different.' Affini is strategically located just minutes from the Jameel Arts Centre and Dubai Cultural Village. Its prime location also ensures effortless connectivity to Downtown Dubai, Dubai International Airport, and other premier cultural, retail, and entertainment destinations. With ongoing refurbishment works set for completion in 2026, Affini presents a compelling opportunity for buyers and investors seeking a state-of-the-art urban sanctuary in one of Dubai's most dynamic neighbourhoods. Devmark is now accepting bookings offering both mortgage and payment plan options. About HAMRK Real Estate Development: HAMRK Real Estate Development is a visionary leader in the UAE's real estate sector, renowned for its innovative approach and commitment to excellence. Known for its unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and design excellence, HAMRK consistently delivers projects that set new standards in the industry. Their ability to blend sophisticated design with cutting-edge technology has earned HAMRK a prominent reputation in high-end developments. Leveraging strategic relationships, HAMRK continues to create exceptional living spaces that exceed the expectations of discerning investors and residents alike. Iconic projects such as Marriott Executive Apartments, Manama Bahrain, Residence Inn Manama Juffair and One Bahrain stand as testaments to HAMRK's dedication to excellence. About Devmark: Devmark is the UAE's leading real estate project sales and marketing consultancy, known for providing value through a developer-centric, results-driven approach. Devmark delivers an integrated consultancy across the entire developer value chain from project conceptualisation to the final sales process. With a proven track record of working with established global real estate brands, Devmark has become a trusted partner for developers in the market, with a market-leading and diverse senior leadership team. With a leadership team that has over 100 years of combined real estate experience and a sell-out volume of AED15.2 billion, Devmark is one of the most experienced real estate project sales and marketing consultancies in the UAE. For media enquiries, please contact: devmark@
