Welcome Note

Words James Hutton, Publisher

Welcome to the April 2021 edition of The Beast, the monthly magazine for Sydney’s beaches of the east. I say this every year, but Sydney really is at its very best during Autumn. We’re bloody lucky to be here, as much as the ongoing travel restrictions are doing my head in.

This month’s cover art comes care of North Bondi artist Jacob Pedrana, who currently has some exquisite pieces hanging in Bondi’s Twenty Twenty Six Gallery. Yes, the horse is naked, but you can’t see his crown jewels, so I hope it doesn’t offend.

While we’re on that topic, I’ve always been fascinated by what offends people, and I welcome any feedback that our readers may have, whether it’s positive or negative. I feel that most of the complaints about last month’s cover were pretty prudish, but I understand that everyone is entitled to their opinion and I try to publish every letter I receive.

Anyone who’s offended by a painting of a bikini-clad female needs to go and spend a bit of time somewhere like Saudi Arabia to experience a society where the media is strictly censored and women are all covered up. I can assure you it’s better here in liberal Sydney.

It is wonderful that women are enjoying the sport of surfing as much as men. A painting of a fit, healthy female surfer, by an aspiring local female artist, should be celebrated rather than torn down.

Cheers, James

The Beast Pty Ltd ABN 32 143 796 801 www.thebeast.com.au

Editor

james@thebeast.com.au

Advertising Enquiries

advertising@thebeast.com.au

Rates and Specs

thebeast.com.au/advertise

Circulation

60,000 copies are delivered every month; 56,500 are placed in mailboxes and 3,500 in local shops.

PEFC Certified

The Beast uses paper from sustainably managed forests.

Letters to the Editor

Please send your feedback to letters@thebeast.com.au and include your name and the suburb you live in.