Editorial comment
This second issue meets our humble objective of increasing the number of contributions within each successive issue during the first year of journal establishment, and the Authors of our two feature papers are especially thanked for their academic courage in supporting a new journal with a bold mission statement. The contributions to this issue also well demonstrate the multidisciplinary balance to which our journal aspires, with contribution areas ranging from marine science, to theology, to sociology. And what inspiring contributions we again have on offer!, not the least being the beautifully spectacular cover image that was kindly donated by Sedg White. A description of the photograph used for the cover image is as follows:
The extended time-lapse photograph of star trails over Rainbow Bay, Coolangatta, was produced by combining 90 exposures (each of 30 sec duration), and commenced at 8:00 pm on an August night in 2012. The photograph is experimental and a complete one-off (lesser exposure times and lens angles are typically used for such effects). In fact, Sedg generously offered any selection of alternative cover image from his extensive repertoire of professional photographs (see Sedg White on Facebook), indicating that there are technically better images than the one selected due to it being experimental. However, in addition to its uniqueness and natural beauty (including the beauty of critiqued imperfection), we chose the cover image because of its relevancy to the current issue on several fronts:
Firstly, the cover image’s coastal depiction, with its quintessentially Queensland pandanas palms, is symbolic of the conservation, management and rehabilitation of a Queensland marine habitat that is the focus of the issue’s first feature paper.
Secondly, in line with the theological underpinnings of the issue’s second feature paper that includes a notion of an ordered Biblical worldview, the cover image may artistically be interpreted as a tranquil pathway to follow through the splendor and majesty of God’s creation, and under and towards heavenly skies amidst the competing technological challenges of the modern world that in reality pale into insignificance (the latter depicted by fading jet streams generated by planes leaving Coolangatta airport).
Thirdly, the cover image relates to a letter contribution that reflects upon the Christianity, spiritually and social impact of a renowned doctor in Australia’s history and who was a recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to medicine and the community. The cover image’s star trails and Gold Coast walking path are representative of this celebrated medical professional since he was not only an avid amateur astronomer, but also has a Gold Coast walking path, adjacent to one of Australia’s best known surf lifesaving clubs, named in his honour and which serves as a legacy to his internationally recognised cardiac rehabilitation program.
The issue’s second feature paper also touches on an Indigenous Australian worldview (for which environmental harmony and sustainability is naturally integral amongst its many culturally rich dimensions), while the issue’s first feature paper focuses on land and sea management in Hervey Bay, and the issue’s cover image depicts nature’s tranquility over Coolangatta. Hence, it is also especially proper to acknowledge the traditional owners and ongoing custodians of these regions: the Butchulla and Gubbi Gubbi First Nations Peoples (East and West Fraser Coast respectively), and Peoples of the Yugambeh First Nations clans (Logan to Tweed rivers).
Our Chief Editor has again taken the lead by offering the above-described letter (together with a special guest collaborator) for its significant social message and to provide another example of a contribution type and standard suitable for future issues. Members of the editorial team will continue to offer such examples, however not just for example sake but also as a matter of routine, since we intend to regularly complement feature papers with a range of engaging supplementary articles.
Finally, this second issue’s editorial would be amiss without a concluding comment of deep appreciation for the generosity of external and collaborating contributors in donating materials such as: photographs for articles and the issue’s cover image, and informative communications (including from a Family member of the renowned Australian doctor featured in our letter) – the contributors’ selfless giving for no personal reward but simply to help the journal is truly inspiring, and such willingness offers much encouragement for the journal’s future success.
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