WORDS BY JOCK MCDONALD300 STRONG
I
ssue 300 – you bloody beauty! Tell ya
what, I feel very lucky to be able to be a
part of this magazine at such a milestone
in its history. I still have to pinch myself
that I’m fortunate enough to be the fella
overseeing a magazine that has had such an
impact on Australian 4WD culture over the
years – Although I have only been part of this
team for 70 of those issues. While that may
seem like a fair few, it’s nothing compared to
the likes of Graham and Shaun, who started
back in the 4WD Monthly days and are still out
there living the offroad dream every day. Over
the last 20 years if you have a think about what
4WD Action has accomplished, it really is
incredible. From starting as 4WD Monthly, to
then growing into a massive magazine with a
full length 4WD Adventure DVD out with every
issue, right through to the Stockton Beach
rallies and the effect on bullbar legislation. Yep
we’ve done a heck of a lot over the last few
years...
But, like with everything in this world,
change is inevitable. Which is why next issue
will be the last print copy of 4WD Action...Ever!
But don’t fret, because that doesn’t mean
we’re going anywhere. In fact it will now be even
easier to checkout your favourite 4WD
adventures. Digital media is the future, and
that’s where we are taking this brilliant thing we
have and running with it. In fact, as of right now
you can find some of the best 4WD content in the
country on Youtube and it won’t cost you a cent!
As we adapt to the changing world around us,
I can’t help but think about what the future of
4WDing in Australia holds. In the age of social
media and instant content in the palm of your
hands, I reckon it can become far too easy to
become caught up in what image you portray as
a 4WDer, rather than actually getting out and
doing it. Whilst this digital age has brought us
together in so many ways, I’m of the opinion it
has also done the opposite. People are more
concerned about how many likes they get on a
photo rather than just going out and enjoying
this incredible pastime for what it is. I think now
more than ever, it is important for us to never
lose faith in what 4WDing is about, and why it is
so important to protect it by picking up after
yourself, not driving like a twit and ruiningtracks and generally helping out your mates out
bush. As long as we continue to do that, i am
excited for what the future holds.
As for 4WD Action, I’d be lying if I said it won’t
be hard to see the magazine come to an end.
But, beginnings often disguise themselves as
endings and there are some cracking
adventures coming your way in the not too
distant future!Catchya next issue!300 issues of the mag, and one massive change
just around the corner!W
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EDITORIAL
EDITOR JOCK MCDONALD
EDITORS AT LARGE GRAHAM CAHILL,
SHAUN WHALE
TECHNICAL EDITOR STEVE COLLINS
JOURNALISTS TIM FERRIER,
GEOFF AND DENISE MARTIN,
BRENDAN SEYMOUR, JOCK MCDONALD
EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES
EMAIL: [email protected]
PHOTOGRAPHY
DEAN JOHNSON, JOSH SCHOENMAKER,
DAVE WOLTSCHENKO
DESIGN & PRODUCTION
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DVD EDITOR GAUTAM MANU
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SHAUN WHALE
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GLENN WRIGHT
PH: (02) 9741-
FAX: (02) 9648-
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Joc k o