Smorgasboarder_Edition_45

smorgasboarder
torquay paddle-out courtesy of EdSloanePhoto
foreword
Community. Family. Sisterhood, Brotherhood... Many
loaded words are all-too-flippantly bandied about in
conversation about the groups we identify with, but
what does that identification really mean in practice?
As an example, you may hear someone say they
identify as a surfer, part of this ‘surfing family’, but do
they truly feel the others bobbing out back and eyeing
the same incoming waves are their soul-sisters and
brothers and others?
Community suggests a level of mutual care and
respect - at the most basic level, at least a shared
interest or common characteristic - but how often do
people who consider themselves part of communities
contribute positively to build or grow it?
A shining example of the perfect trigger for community
creation is the Fight for the Bight. (For more in-depth
coverage, see our last edition’s 14-page article,
and listen to Jimmy Ellis’ ear-opening interview
with Peter Owen of the Wilderness Society on the
Smorgasboarder Podcast). In protest against the
potential environmental threats facing the southern
Australia coastline and beyond, numerous groups
have launched their own actions, including paddleouts,
protests, social and traditional media and much,
much more.
It’s been absolutely amazing to see individuals and
different organisations spreading the word wherever
and however they can, and simply taking action.
We couldn’t be more proud to watch it happen, and
play our own tiny part from up here in the warm North
ourselves. While we’d like to make a point of thanking
and acknowledging all those we know of that are
currently involved - see page 12 for more - there is still
one more important thing we can do - to simply band
together.
Alone, protests, podcasts and posters can do so much.
But when we start actively engaging in each others’
content, sharing each others’ struggles, and genuinely
supporting each others’ efforts, then it becomes a
real fight, not just a collection of isolated skirmishes.
So, share posts, share podcasts, spread flyers, share
tweets... We’re in this together and this is one time NOT
to keep a secret.
On a smaller, more personal ‘family’ note, we’re super
excited to welcome previous contributor, writer and
photographer Alex Benaud into the Smorgasboarder
fold! It’s a tiny team here, that hasn’t changed too much
since day one almost 10 years ago - which is why it’s a
really big deal for us, and worth announcing.
We’re so looking forward to Alex’s travels and tales
in the years to come and we hope you’ll enjoy them
too! You can read all about his recent travels, starting
on page 26, and even listen to him on the mic on the
Smorgasboarder Podcast on smorgasboarder.com.au,
iTunes, Spotify and BuzzSprout. Enjoy.
Get involved, get active, get reading, get doing...
Let’s keep it all moving and let’s make it happen!
Cheers!
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