People blocking a culvert at Dollys Creek Road crossing on the Moorabool River have contributed to severe flow stress in the lower reaches of the river around Batesford and Meredith.

This blockage exacerbates impacts of the recent hot, dry conditions and makes it very difficult for fish, platypus and other animals that rely on this water to survive.

The Moorabool River is one of the most flow-stressed rivers in Victoria. The construction of reservoirs, water extraction, and a significant number of farm dams in the catchment are all other contributing factors.

The lowest reach of the river surrounding Batesford and Meredith is extremely vulnerable to cease-to-flow events, this is when the river stops flowing completely. These events can lead to poor water quality and impact native plants and animals that rely on river flows.  Jake van Dam, Project Officer of Estuaries and Environmental Water at Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA), said that we all play a part in protecting flow, “It’s up to all of us to look after our beautiful, life-giving Moorabool River and an easy way for everyone to do this is to respect the flow,” he said.  “One of the ways we support the health of our rivers and wetlands is through water for the environment – water set aside in storages that is released into rivers and wetlands to support the plants and animals that live, feed and breed in them.”  “When people prevent flow from moving from one point to another on the Moorabool River, they are blocking both the natural flows, which are very low right now, and water for the environment.”  On the Moorabool River, Corangamite CMA manages water for the environment strategically with support from Central Highlands Water, the operator of the Lal Lal Reservoir near Ballarat. Water is released from Lal Lal Reservoir at different times of the year in different volumes to support a range of ecological processes.  Under state legislation, interfering with water flow in a river can result in fines of up to $244,000 and or imprisonment for up to 10 years.

Hi, I am Jaya, a three-year-old bundle of energy and laughter.
I love to take part in spirited games, and am quite goofy and quirky. My idea of fun includes a bit of rough play, making me a perfect companion for active play sessions – although it means I am best suited to a home with no small children.
Microchip No. 956000016306643
Come and meet me at MAAWs in Castlemaine or call 5472 5277.

Good morning,

Please see below our latest commentary from Compare the Market Economic Director David Koch about why so many Aussie households continue to pay more for power bills.

If you’d like an interview or any further information let me know – I’m happy to help.

“Hundreds more”: Why millions of Aussies are missing out on energy savings 

Almost 2.5 million Australian households are paying more than they need to for their electricity because they are at or above default offers, according to latest data from the ACCC.

The new Electricity Market Inquiry shows that someone who has stuck with the same energy plan for three years or more pays $221 dollars more a year on average than a customer with a new plan.

But while many Australians are missing out on better deals, Compare the Market Economic Director David Koch said the message was starting to sink in.

“Last year, I challenged Australians to compare energy plans to see if we could move the dial on these statistics,” Mr Koch said.

“Just over a quarter (26.7%) of customers are now on their retailer’s best offer – that’s up from 19.3% last year, which is a pretty good effort!

“But there’s still a long way to go with nearly 2.5 million customers still paying prices at or above the safety net. If you are one of the thousands of Aussie bill-payers who haven’t compared plans, it’s time to join the rest of us and start saving.”

Other report highlights include:

• Around 36.5% pay prices on or above the safety net.
• Approximately 434,000 pay 10% more than the safety net.
• More than half the customers analysed were on plans over a year old.
• Customers on older plans paid an average 4.7% more for flat rates and 4.2% more for time-of-use tariffs.

The Default Market Offer (DMO) caps the prices that energy retailers can charge for standing offer electricity plans in New South Wales, South East Queensland, South Australia, and the ACT.

In Victoria, the Victorian Default Offer (VDO) serves as a benchmark for fair pricing on standing offer electricity plans, helping consumers assess whether they’re getting a good deal.

These benchmarks exist to protect consumers but often there are much better offers available.

Mr Koch said the most frustrating thing was that often the savings were right in front of people’s noses.

“Too often we pay our bills without reading them or even opening them because of direct debits, and that means we’re missing out on important details,” Mr Koch said.

“Electricity customers in regulated markets get ‘better offer’ messages from their retailers in their bills.

“I have been banging on about this since I got the tip off the comparison experts from Compare the Market. It’s been two years, and I still get shocked reactions from people who don’t know it’s there.

“And it only takes a few minutes to see how your retailer stacks up by running a comparison.

“This year there are no excuses – I want everyone with the power to switch to do themselves a favour and really get on top of this.

“If those 2.5 million customers on old plans can make the change, that could represent massive savings.”

The most prestigious night for our state’s sport and active recreation community, the VSAs recognises and celebrates those who made an outstanding contribution to Victorian sport during 2025. Grassroots heroes who excelled at a community level will be honoured alongside high-performance athletes who shone at a national and international level as well as everyone in between.

With 18 awards presented, individual and team athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, administrators, media personnel and the initiatives that ensure Victorians remain active will all be recognised. The nomination process is open to all members of the public.

Nominations can be submitted via the Vicsport website between Wednesday 14 January and Friday 13 February 2026.
Submitting Nominations

Vicsport members and the broader sports community are encouraged to submit nominations for the 2025 Victorian Sport Awards, to ensure their sport is well represented on the night. Submitting a nomination is an easy process and is completed all online. Use this guide of a ‘good nomination’ to help you fill out the nomination form.

Council is preparing a Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve Masterplan to guide future improvements, remediation and new works within the reserve.

Mayor, Cr Tony Clark, said that the draft Masterplan focuses on the grounds, walking trails and visitor amenities, and does not include the Hepburn Bathhouse, which is managed separately.

“There is limited funding available to carry out the actions, but the Masterplan gives Council a clear plan to apply for future grants and push for investment in the reserve,” said Cr Clark.

A copy of the draft Masterplan and proposed actions is available on Participate Hepburn, and Council is encouraging community members to review the document and share their feedback.

“The Masterplan reflects ideas raised during earlier community engagement, and this consultation phase provides an opportunity for the community to comment on how those ideas have been incorporated,” said Cr Clark.

Residents and visitors can provide feedback by completing the online survey at
www.participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/hmsr or by attending one of the following drop-in sessions:

• Wednesday 28 January, 10-11:30 am
  Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve, near Soda Spring
• Saturday 31 January, 11 am to 12:30 pm
  Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve, near Soda Spring
• Thursday 5 February, 11 am to 12 pm
  Council Chamber, 24 Vincent Street in Daylesford

Community feedback is open until midnight on Friday 6 February.

The Labor Government will deliver close to $100 million in additional support for the recovery of communities and businesses across Victoria devastated by bushfires.

The expanded support package is jointly funded by the Albanese and Allan Governments under the Commonwealth‑State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

It builds upon previously announced support and responds directly to needs identified by affected communities as they start their recovery.

Community Recovery Officers and Hubs

Recovering from bushfires can be overwhelming – and for many Victorians, it’s hard to know where to start. That’s why the Albanese and Allan Governments are investing more than $15 million to establish Community Recovery Officers and Recovery Hubs across bushfire affected areas.

Recovery Hubs will be a one-stop shop for residents to access services and information from government and community organisations. Dedicated Community Recovery Officers will work within councils to identify community needs, develop tailored programs, and provide on-the-ground support to help locals rebuild.

Councils will receive between $450,000 and $1.3 million to employ recovery staff and deliver local programs, while community organisations can apply for grants of up to $75,000 for locally led initiatives. This investment ensures communities have the resources and support they need to start the long road to recovery.

Prolonged Power Outage Payments

The Albanese and Allan Governments will provide up to $16 million in financial assistance for households impacted by extended power outages following the bushfires.

Eligible households who have been without power for seven or more days within a two-week period will receive $2,380 per week for up to three weeks, helping families manage during this challenging time.

Applications can be made through electricity distribution businesses, with full details available at  energy.vic.gov.au/about-energy/safety/power-outages.

Primary Producer Recovery Grants

Primary producers are the backbone of local economies and their recovery is critical after the devastation of these bushfires.

An initial $40 million in grants of up to $75,000 will be provided to eligible primary producers, to help cover the costs of clean-up and reinstating their enterprises.

Funding can be used for essential recovery activities such as disposing of livestock, rebuilding or replacing damaged on-farm infrastructure and restoring operations.

Grants will open as soon as possible and will be delivered by Rural Finance. Information on eligibility and how to apply will be available at ruralfinance.com.au.

Concessional Loans for Primary Producers

The Albanese and Allan Governments will also provide a further $10 million in concessional loans to help primary producers recover from the bushfires.

Loans of up to $250,000 will be available for producers who have suffered significant damage to assets, while loans of up to $100,000 will support those experiencing a major loss of income.

This assistance will further help cover essential costs such as repairing or replacing damaged equipment, rebuilding infrastructure, purchasing livestock and meeting working capital expenses like wages, rent and fodder.

Applications will open as soon as possible and will be delivered by Rural Finance. Information on eligibility and how to apply will be available at ruralfinance.com.au.

Council Support Fund

Almost $12 million will be delivered through the Council Support Fund to help bushfire-affected councils restore vital community assets and services.

This funding will kickstart clean-up and repairs to local public spaces like parks, footy ovals, community centres, playgrounds and sporting fields – helping communities reconnect.

We know the scale of this disaster is overwhelming for small and rural councils. This Fund boosts their capacity to lead recovery efforts and make decisions that reflect local needs, ensuring support goes where it’s needed most.

The Fund will be active for two years, giving councils the time they need for clean-up and reconstruction. Councils will receive up to $750,000 depending on the scale of impacts, providing tailored support for rebuilding communities.

Financial Counselling

The Albanese and Allan Governments are investing more than $4 million to provide financial counselling for communities impacted by the bushfires, helping Victorians access emergency assistance, navigate recovery systems and stabilise their finances so they can rebuild.

Specialist counsellors will help individuals and families access recovery grants, manage insurance claims, replace essential items and deal with debts through payment plans and fee waivers. They will also provide advocacy with insurers and creditors and connect people to legal support.

The funding will boost the Victorian Farmers Federation’s Financial Capability Support Program, giving primary producers tailored financial advice. By providing early support and clear recovery pathways, this program will reduce stress and help communities recover faster.

Previous support

This builds on the jointly-funded recovery support already announced – including help to dispose of waste, emergency funding to deliver fodder to communities and assistance with emergency accommodation.

Victorians can call the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 for information about payments and recovery programs. Additional assistance, including emergency relief payments and Guaranteed Service Level electricity bill credits, remains available for eligible households.

Emergency relief payments remain available for eligible Victorians who have had their homes destroyed by the fires, or who were required to evacuate due to emergency warnings. To find out more, please visit an Emergency Relief Centre or call VicEmergency on 1800 226 226.

The 2026 Victorian Bushfire Appeal is now open for donations to support fire affected communities, Victorians can contribute via vic.gov.au/2026-Victorian-Bushfire-Appeal.

Quotes attributable to Premier Jacinta Allan

“These fires have devastated communities across Victoria – and we’re delivering more support to help people rebuild their lives and livelihoods.”

“From clean-up and financial counselling to support for farmers and councils, this package delivers practical help where it’s needed most.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain

“This has been a tough time for many communities across Victoria.”

“The Albanese Government is working hand in hand with the Allan Government to make sure those communities have the resources they need to recover.”

“We’ll continue to deliver practical assistance on the ground so people can focus on rebuilding and moving forward.”

Quotes attributable to Victorian Minister for Natural Disaster Recovery Vicki Ward

“Recovery has a very long tail – that’s why we’re making sure people have clear information and practical support for the road ahead.”

“Our priority is to ease the pressure on families and businesses and help communities recover.”

Images by: Ryan Kennedy, Keith Fletcher and Julia Irwin

A huge thank you to all the emergency services personnel for all you have done and are still doing as we go to press on Sunday.
We just went into Daylesford and watched as about eight tankers drove off towards Harcourt. Most local, one from Miners Rest, all doing the same thing, leaving their homes and families to do their best for other people’s homes and families.
You are all heroes. All amazing.
I don’t think it is until something like these fires happen that we realise how much we expect our volunteers to just put everything down and help save our properties, often putting their own lives at risk.
We left early on Friday. We have no intention of staying to defend and don’t want to get in the way because we left it too late to go. We also made the decision not to go full on with coverage of the fires. Everyone has already seen all they need to see on television and social media.
In the next edition, we will do a bit of a deep dive. Talk to some firies and also ask if they have the equipment they need. Hopefully that’s a yes, and if not, we really need to work on that.
As I said there is a real expectation that the emergency services are there to help, at any time, and you would hope they have all they need.
Anyway, our real thanks to all, and I hope everyone is staying safe as possible. Oh, if you need mental health counselling make sure you put your hand up. It does work.

My original column – cut a bit short.

I was scared of dogs as a kid. Once I was riding past a house and one ran out and bit me on the thigh. Maybe not quite a bite, but a definite teeth-baring incident.
So my parents in their wisdom bought me a dog for my sixth birthday. A corgi. I named her Susie. Susie was a great dog. She had to sleep outside, which I thought was mean, but I guess it was the day and age. But we spent a lot of time together – I remember pouring a beer into her bowl for Christmas because in dog years she was an adult. I also remember crying into her fur when life seemed unfair.
My next dog was Rosie, who Kyle and I found at the Pearcedale RSPCA. She was a kelpie cross and had been left in a box with her puppy brothers and sisters. Two years later we picked up Curly from the same place. He was two – a cocker spaniel cross – and after one fight they were best friends for life.
We moved to Glenlyon when they were five years old and the school was like a giant dog run. Which turned out to be great because every time we took them down the Glenlyon Reserve for a wander, we were approached by dogs off their leads.
Now Curly loved people but, for some reason, not dogs. So when dogs came charging with owners calling “don’t worry, they’re friendly” we freaked out. It’s not just a Central Highlands thing. It happened in Karratha and Harvey Bay.
Recently, there’s been a lot of chatter on social media about dogs at Lake Daylesford. We can’t report on it because it’s still being investigated. But there’s nothing like dogs to get people onto their phones and keyboards.
For the record there are only two dogs-off-leash areas in Hepburn Shire. At Trentham’s Sportsground Reserve and one at Clunes – but that one is not listed on the council website so I’m not sure where it is. One more, at Victoria Park, is on its way. But already people say it’s too small.
It’s a dog’s life. Just sayin’…

Hi, I am Jaya, a three-year-old bundle of energy and laughter.
I love to take part in spirited games, and am quite goofy and quirky. My idea of fun includes a bit of rough play, making me a perfect companion for active play sessions – although it means I am best suited to a home with no small children.
Microchip No. 956000016306643
Come and meet me at MAAWs in Castlemaine or call 5472 5277.

Cancer

Struck by a rampant disease?
Tell me it ain’t so, please?
Is the knocking sound your knees? Can’t find a day you can seize?
Your future’s in the deep freeze? Wired-up taking your ease?
Will you break your back if you sneeze? Aghast at the medical fees?
Nobody’s palm you can grease?
Lost your mind-keeping keys?
Like stuck in a storm in high seas? Waiting for a kindly breeze?
Your meds are from Darrell Lea’s?

– James Baillie

James is an old man scribbler.

Local Lines features poetry by locals about local and any other matters.
Please submit poems to Bill Wootton at cottlesbreedge@gmail.com

Happy New Year to all, and it is fantastic that as we turn the corner into 2026 we have taken the Auld Lang Syne song seriously, which asks if old acquaintances should be forgotten, answering with a call to remember and share a “cup o’ kindness”.
But a sneak peek into the year reveals it’s still everyone for themselves in the broader world and the dirge might as well not have been trotted out for the NYE celebrations.
Case in point: Venezuela has experienced severe economic collapse, political repression and a humanitarian crisis over the past decade. But does that give Trump the right to take a cake walk into the president’s crib and perform a snatch and grab on him and his wife? This will ultimately see the guy and his bride rot in prison in the States tied up in court battles on trumped-up charges to hold him there (pun intended).
When the bullshit of the drug boat bombings first hit the news late last year, one could be forgiven for shaking one’s fist in the air and screaming ‘go Trumpy, knock that drug war on the head’.
However, a peek behind the curtain reveals drugs that head into the States are by and large from Columbia and Mexico. And although there is a thriving drug trade in Venezuela, particularly to Europe, the place is better known for the fact it is heaving in gold, huge deposits of diamonds and gargantuan rare earth minerals.
But the pièce de résistance is that Venezuela has about a fifth of the world’s proven crude oil reserves. Venezuela leads all countries with 303 billion barrels of proven crude oil reserves, outnumbering Saudi Arabia and representing almost 20 per cent of global reserves. So, there is now no need to put the hammer down on Greenland. This leaves the Danish once again to turn their attention back to their cycling, Lego sets and their unique cultural concept of “hygge” (cosiness).
The lands to the south of America are now where old yellow top has turned his attention, which is probably too global for us in the Central Highlands to give any thought to. Or is it?
That cheap oil in Venezuela was a chink in the Chinese powerhouse economy because it, to a large degree, propped up China’s economic rise and rise – not to mention Russia’s dependence on the Texas T. So, what happens now that the oil line has dried up for the two giants?
I don’t like to think too close to bedtime about it and don’t want to spread propaganda, as this is simply the opinion of one man who couldn’t even make the audience on Deal or No Deal – a story for another time.
However, if I was in China’s shoes I would look to another country reasonably close by with lots of resources to fill the gap. Someplace with wide open borders, who is short on defences and their nearest allies are on the other side of the world. Except for a tinpot nation next door who have one or two navy ships and the residents roll their Rs and love a good cup of tea.
It wouldn’t surprise me if the horse trading is already going on behind closed doors and Australia was one of the fine fillies getting bid on.
Watch this space rant over…

Well here I am penning another article for you, the reader, to enjoy and Happy Holidays to all!
This time I’ll be giving advice on preparing and planting a perennial (or herbaceous) border in your garden.
These borders are quite common in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in the UK, where they can often be found located in front of a stone (or brick) wall and sometimes a clipped evergreen hedge, that offer protection from (some) prevailing weather but also act as an ornamental backdrop that helps showcase the plants.
In my long time as a professional landscape and garden designer, I once had the privilege of starting a long perennial border (20m long x 2.5m wide) from scratch that did have a stone wall at the rear facin north and was wide enough to accommodate three layers of plantings from front to back.
So once you’ve sited the garden bed there is one very important initial bed preparation that requires you, or a fit young person (while you’re sipping on a well earned G&T!), to double dig the existing soil which is achieved by digging a trench one spade deep (taking the soil to the far end of the border), forking over the newly exposed subsoil adding organic compost and manure and backfilling with the next spadeful of soil along the trench.
This will ensure maximum growth and health of your chosen plants. If you are planting into a newly purpose-built raised garden bed then make sure to backfill with a good friable loam mixed with organic compost and manure.
Once the border is ready for planting you might want to consider some irrigation as it is much easier to lay the tubing in rows parallel with the bed before actual planting.
And now to choosing the plants that will please your palate. The genera I have listed below will display a cornucopia of colours that will flow from early spring through to autumn.
You can be bold as you like with vibrant reds and oranges or more subdued with paler hints of cream, yellow, blue and mauve. Each genus is followed by a capital letter in brackets to represent its growth habit: (S) = small, (M) = medium and (T) = tall.

Early spring: crocus (S), helleborus (S), hyacinthus (S) & narcissus (S)

Mid to late spring: echium (T – see image top right – good for height!), iris (S & M), papaver (M) & paeonia (M)

Late spring to early summer: achillea (M), chrysanthemum (M), coreopsis (S), delphinium (M), hemerocallis (S & M), lupinus (M), romneya (M – see image middle right) & salvia (S, M & T)

Mid summer to autumn: anemone (M – see image lower right), aster (S & M), dahlia (M & T), echinacea (M), helianthus (M), nerine (S), perovskia (M), salvia (S, M & T – what a fab genus), sedum (S & M) & solidago (M)

And don’t be afraid to pay homage to the prairie-style gardening that attempts to mimic the Northern American drylands by planting ornamental grasses such as calamagrostis (M & T), miscanthus (M & T) and pennisetum (M)..
These look great with their strap-like leaves swirling in the breeze and, for those in frost-prone areas, attract morning frosts that add an unexpected bonus as the border rests over winter.
So, as I write this, we are sweltering through an unsettling three-day heatwave here in the Central Victorian Highlands, nevertheless you, my reader, will soldier on (perhaps after a icy cold beer or whatever tipple is of your choice) knowing that gardening can be cruel and yet sometimes amazingly satisfying.

Cheers JB (trading as “Trees in Australia”)

Next time: Significant trees in Victoria…

Hold on to your hats, the Glenlyon Talent Showcase is coming! There is no shortage of talent in the Glenlyon District, and now is the time to show it off.
The Glenlyon Community Hall is providing a great opportunity for all local musicians, singers, magicians, poets, jugglers…or perhaps people who can do all of those simultaneously.
Glenlyon resident Keith Fletcher said a smaller talent show had been held over the past two years and this year it was time to “make it a little bit bigger and flasher and use it as a fundraiser for the Glenlyon Hall”.
Keith said the show was mostly for amateurs with about 15 people expected to take place and about 60 audience members.
“I’m a relatively recent arrival in Glenlyon as of two years ago and was a teacher in a previous life but am an amateur musician. I have been working with local people and particularly the Glenlyon Ukulele Group.
“We love it here, it’s such a great little community.”
Of course, Keith says, by Glenlyon district

pretty much anyone with a connection to Glenlyon, whether by road, kinship, friendship or marriage can take part.
Performers will have up to 10 minutes allotted to strut their stuff.
Bookings can be made on the Glenlyon Community Hall website – go to “Live Music Events” to either register interest as a participant, or to buy a ticket. Participants get in free.
Mark your diaries for Saturday, February 21. Doors open at 6.30pm with performances from 7pm. Food and drink will be available to purchase.
For more details contact Keith on 0402 985 007 or head to the hall’s website at www.glenlyoncommunityhall.org
Images from last year by Keith Fletcher

Single mum Emily Burke has been thrown into an arena no parent ever wants to even contemplate. Her daughter Phoebe, who turns three in March, was born with congenital heart disease along with a rare condition that meant she couldn’t swallow because her oesophagus wasn’t connected to her stomach.
This meant a long time in hospital and myriad surgeries for the first year of life.
In January last year there was more heart surgery and Emily realised Phoebe was not waking up properly with what seemed like seizures. But it turned out she was missing a portal vein, which takes blood from the stomach and intestines through to the liver to be filtered before it goes around the rest of the body and the brain. In basic terms her brain was being poisoned by toxins. And Emily says it’s very, very rare.
“Phoebe was born with it but although there were signs no one picked it up because it’s just not something that’s seen often at all. It’s very complicated and very tricky to fix. I started doing a bit of a deep dive into the internet and found a surgeon overseas who’s done about 120 cases of these. In Australia they’re not very confident that the procedure will work for Phoebe so that’s why I found this surgeon and a lot of people within this tiny little community recommended him as well. I want the best for Phobe and she’s been through so much.”
Of course, the cost for overseas surgery is not covered through any insurance or government funding, so Emily started, hesitantly, raising the money needed. About $250,000. In September she opened a GoFundMe page and also reached out to Madalyn Children’s Foundation who are on board. Then there’s lots of fundraisers including a Family Fun Day at Harcourt Valley Winery on Sunday, January 25 from noon to 4pm. (*See below.)
A gold coin donation will get the family in, and then there will be plenty of free activities, and a few for small amounts. There are raffles and auctions which many businesses, including those in the Hepburn Shire, have contributed to. It’s BYO but there’ll also be a sausage sizzle, a children’s entertainer, circus tricks, a giant Jenga, bocce, kids’ trivia and other workshops. Emily, who lived in Castlemaine but has moved to Geelong, said she was “tired” but determined to continue her fundraising – with about $85,000 already raised.
“It’s been a lot of work – she only has me, so I am doing a lot on my own but all my friends are helping with finding donations. It’s a lot of late nights and I am very out of my comfort zone, asking for money and prizes and things, but I’m finding the little community areas are really supportive. It’s really kind of businesses to help us because it’s the only way we can really raise money.”
Link to all events/donations: www.linktr.ee/hope_for_phoebe
(*With the fires at Harcourt, please check social media for updates – in case this event cannot proceed. If it does go ahead, the day will be free for all local residents with an extra raffle to raise funds for those affected.)

Many residents have complained on social media about overfilled rubbish bins around Hepburn Shire over the holiday period.
Hepburn Shire Council Infrastucture and Delivery Director Bruce Lucas said kerbside pickups were completed daily except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day when landfills and contractors were closed. “Council’s Parks and Works team also undertook some reactive collections. Feedback from contractors also suggests that some of our public bins received dumped household rubbish which contributed to this issue.”