Kununurra Sun - April 2023

EDITION 9

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APRIL 2023

Kununurra Sun

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Kununurra Sun

HELLO Isn’t it just the most wonderful time of the year?

Yes okay, let’s forget about the fact Kununurra was an island for a decent while during the past few months. The shelves were bare and we’re pretty certain there were a number of people willing to sell their first born in return for some fresh fruit and veggies. A bag of spinach would be lovely, and don’t even tease us with the thought of some basil or coriander.

But, HOW ‘BOUT THOSE WATERFALLS? This year's wet season has been off the charts, and we’ve been soaking up every opportunity to bask in the watery goodness that is the wet season in the East Kimberley. It truly is the best time of the year. We’ve got the area to ourselves to explore every nook and cranny and if you’re one of the unfortunate few (like us here at KNX Sun) who don’t own a boat, that’s not a problem – there’s still plenty to dive into.

So, while we’re sitting here reminiscing on the magnificent wet season that was, we’re also excitedly anticipating the upcoming dry season. Look, we even made a list!

- Less humidity - Still plenty of water around (don’t tell the tourists our secret spots though) - More camping - More freedom to get out there on the open road - Did we mention less humidity?

We’re also slightly biased because April is our first birthday – yep that’s right, one whole year of KNX Sun in your lives. And, who doesn’t love a birthday bash? We’ll be off to the PumpHouse to celebrate a year in print, and look forward to the next 12 months keeping the sun shining.

Here’s to the dry.

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Kununurra Sun

PAGES 6-7

Wining & Dining at the PumpHouse

PAGES 15-17

A New Lease on Life: Marie Minga

PAGES 8-10

PAGES 12-14

Thrills and Spills: Dam To Dam

Comedy with a Purpose: Steph Tisdell

PAGES 18-19

PAGE 24-25

Kununurra Sun turns One!

Local & fresh

Kimberley Creative Donny Imberlong

We’re Here

Come in and try the wide range of great tasting food choices including sandwiches, wraps and salads.

Also, did you know Subway Kununurra sell subway pizzas? Subway, Eat Fresh!

(opposite Aus Post Office)

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20/03/2023 2:08:56 PM

Kununurra Sun

Captured in KNX We want to see how you enjoy all the East Kimberley has to offer!

Share your adventures with us by using #knxsun across Instagram to be featured.

@JENN_COYNE

@PRGRNCK

@BREANNEKDONOVAN

@_EMILYAGOSTINO

@THATONETIMEIN.BLOG

@LAURENJESSSMITH

Team KNX Sun CREATIVE DIRECTORS: EDITORIAL: ROSIE DUFFY & JESS BUCHAN PHOTOGRAPHY:

ROSIE DUFFY, JESS BUCHAN, ELIZA PARRY-OKEDEN

GRAPHIC DESIGN:

JESS BUCHAN (unless stated otherwise)

SEBASTIAN TASI

The paper we choose to print Kununurra Sun on has a positive impact on forests people and wildlife. FSC certified forests have to meet our rigorous standards. This means FSC certified forests are healthy, and benefit local communities as well as providing jobs for workers. FSC certification tracks the wood from the forest to the shelf. So when you see the FSC label on our magazine, you can be sure this paper came from responsible sources.

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20/03/2023 2:08:57 PM

Kununurra Sun

Whats On KUNUNURRA HOME HARDWARE ANNUAL DAM TO DAM

KUNUNURRA MARKETS

Saturday 1st April 2023

Saturday 15th April 2023

The Kununurra Waterski Club are currently in the process of

The Kununurra Markets are back! Held each Saturday

preparing the 42nd Annual Dam to Dam Event. Each year

morning, from April to September, in Whitegum Park, 8am

the Kununurra Water Ski club hosts the Dam to Dam dinghy

until 12noon.

race which starts at Lake Argyle Dam Wall & finishes at Ski Beach

The markets provide an opportunity to purchase locally

Time: All day

made arts and crafts and fresh fruit/veg supplied by famers

Venue: Kununurra Ski Club

from around the district.

Cost: Gold coin donation Grab yourself some funky jewellery, gorgeous zebra rock or ribbon stone, rough diamonds, boab pendants and earrings, 20K IN A DAY

wooden toys, soaps, clothing, scented candles, local

Saturday 15th April 2023

photography, pens, dream catchers, pot plants, second hand

The Shire is hosting a 20 km swim event on Saturday 15 April

books, second hand clothes and locally sourced honey.

2023 at the Kununurra Leisure Centre. Registration is now

Time: 8am - 12pm

open!

Venue: Whitegum Park Cost: Free

Teams of minimum 4 and maximum 10 swimmers can compete in this event, with a minimum age of 12 years

KUNUNURRA ANZAC DAY SERVICE

old. Registration is $250 per lane (team). A minimum of 4

Tuesday 25th April 2023

swimmers’ details must be given at registration and more

The Kununurra ANZAC Dawn Service commences at 5am

may be added until 8 April 2023. Team Registration is due

on ANZAC Hill. The ceremony is followed by a gunshot

by 30 March, first come first served – only 8 teams available!

breakfast put on by Kununurra Rotary thanks to donations from local businesses. The town service will commence at

An entry pack and BBQ lunch is included in the registration

9am at the Kununurra Cenotaph.

fee, bring your family to support the teams for a fun day!

For more information, or to register, contact the Kununurra

WYNDHAM ANZAC DAY TOWN SERVICE

Leisure Centre on 9168 2120.

Tuesday 25th April 2023

Time: 7am - 3pm

Anzac Day Dawn Service followed by a BBQ Breakfast

Venue: Kununurra Leisure Centre

donated and put on by the community.

Cost: $250 per team

Venue: The Bastian Lookout Wyndham Time: 5am

Ngenjayinga jadang gerrij goowindayin.

This rain is finishing.

Ngejgem dawanga werltha-ban-tha.

There is dew at night.

MIRIWOONG TO ENGLISH TRANSLATION

Kununurra Sun acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this nation. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands throughout the Kimberley and in particular the Miriwoong and Gajirrawoong people of Kununurra and surrounding areas where we live, work and welcome visitors from afar.

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20/03/2023 2:08:58 PM

Kununurra Sun

Wining & Dining at the PumpHouse It’s Friday afternoon and you’ve had a big week at work.

and aviation businesses, including Aviair, HeliSpirit and

The weekend is calling and so is a refreshing cold drink with

Freshwater East Kimberley Apartments.

friends. It’s time to say ‘cheers’ to the week that was, while looking forward to a weekend full of adventures.

Long-term local Ebony Muirson, in her role as General Manager, leads the team at the PumpHouse Kununurra.

So where does one head? The PumpHouse Kununurra of course.

She’s joined by two hospitality superstars in Laura Drinkwater, as Restaurant Manager and Steve Bennett, the

Kununurra Sun have been lucky enough to enjoy a sunset

Head Chef, to ensure the PumpHouse runs to the highest

cocktail at the iconic venue since it reopened in the last

standard, all while offering that renowned Kimberley service.

couple of weeks, and if the talk around town is anything to go by, everyone seems happy to have the PumpHouse open

If you could describe someone as sunshine, Laura fits that

again.

bill. She’s friendly and warm and it would be hard to wipe the smile off her face. It’s clear to see she has a genuine

It’s no mean feat to get a venue like the PumpHouse up and

commitment to ensuring anyone who walks through

running. After more than 12 months with its doors closed,

that wooden gate has a memorable experience, and she

getting this iconic Kununurra venue up to scratch required a

somehow does this all with an air of ease about her. (Laura,

mammoth team effort, and gosh, have the team done well.

please tell us your secrets).

We thought it was time to celebrate those who have worked

Laura has an extensive background in hospitality and has

incredibly hard to get the PumpHouse ‘pumping’ again and

worked at some of the most luxurious lodges in Australia,

give you an understanding of the thought process behind the including El Questro Homestead and Berkeley River Lodge. delectable meals and beverages you’ve all been devouring.

She now calls Kununurra home and is the one responsible for putting together the new PumpHouse drink menu.

The PumpHouse was purchased by the HMC Group, an award-winning and locally-owned collection of tourism

Yes, that’s right – the one everyone in town has been talking 6

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Kununurra Sun about. Those wines…. Gosh, don’t get us started. She’s also

from their friends and families in Vanuatu and Fiji. These

ensuring the previous owner's legacy lives on behind the

guys are amazing, they have been willing to leave their

bar, creating the ‘Dom & Tom’ cocktail with Makers Mark

homes to travel to a remote town like Kununurra to ensure

whiskey. I think we’re onto a winner here.

our hospitality venues can stay open whilst still operating at the highest standards.

As the sun sets over the Ord, you’ve knocked back a cold one and your tummy is telling you it’s time to start thinking

You can tell from their diligent customer service that they

about ordering some food.

know exactly what they are doing, many of them having worked in five star resorts and hotels across the South

This is where Head Chef Steve Bennett comes into the

Pacific. Their friendly smiles and excellent customer service

picture. Let’s be honest, some chefs can be a bit daunting.

is the icing on the cake to the PumpHouse’s operations.

They can get a little hot under the collar in the kitchen and well, given I can’t even boil an egg, can be quite

Not long after the PumpHouse had opened, we were lucky

intimidating. Steve breaks that stereotype, in fact, he

enough to be on the deck watching a sunset with Steve

smashes it out of the park.

while he took a quick break from prepping. The sky was a kaleidoscope of colours and the water was perfectly still. A

Like Laura, he’s inviting, friendly and committed to ensuring

flock of magpie geese flew past and Elephant Rock glowed

anyone who dines at the PumpHouse leaves full, satisfied

in the afternoon sun. Steve looks out onto the river, opens

and already thinking about what they will be ordering next

his arm and grins from ear to ear.

time around.

‘Now THIS is what I’m talking about!’

With more than 40 years’ experience as a chef, including running his own restaurants in Melbourne, Sydney and

And Steve, we agree. The PumpHouse Kununurra – it’s what

Tasmania, Kununurra is very lucky to have him!

everyone’s talking about.

His menu is inspired from the local produce of the region,

Bookings for the PumpHouse can be made on their

and he plans to work with local custodians on country to

website: pumphousekununurra.com.au.

forage for native ingredients to further develop his menu.

Our favourites so far have been the barramundi and the mushroom soba noodle salad. Don’t get us started on the dessert menu - they are designed to share, however we can confirm within the KNX Sun fam, no sharing has been involved.

Steve made the move over from Tassie with his lovely wife Leslie, or as Steve often refers to her ‘the ying to his yang’, and has fallen in love with our little community.

Steve and Laura are supported by a dedicated, hardworking and friendly team. Many who have travelled away

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Kununurra Sun

Photos: KNX Ski Club

Dam to Dam Do you like the thrills, but without the spills? Well, have we

motor all the way up to a 300cc or 30hp modified, and it is

got the perfect day out for you!

as competitive as you make it.

This year’s Dam To Dam marks the 42nd annual event held

It’s not just about the main race, there are a few different

at Ski Beach, Kununurra and for those who like to be close

categories competitors can enter:

to the action, this spectacle on the water guarantees a day ENDURANCE BOAT RACE - from the ski club, to the dam

packed full of it.

wall and back Taking place on Saturday 1st April, the Dam To Dam is the

MOTOR CLASS BOAT RACE - starts in waves depending

biggest event on the Kununurra Water Ski Club (KWSC)

on your boat class/engine size from Lake Argyle dam wall,

calendar.

finishing at the ski club SHORT COURSE RACES - fun ones that happen out the

Although nominations to participate in the exhilarating 55km

front of the ski club – great for spectators

race are closed, KWSC would love to see you down at the Ski THE PUMPHOUSE DRAG SPRINT RACE - quick race that Club to join in the fun and cheer on the competitors.

starts at the PumpHouse and ends at the Ski Club

For those who are new to town, or have never been along to

From a spectators point of view, the short course events are

Dam To Dam before, here’s the key info you need to know.

where it’s at.

The Dam to Dam event sees local and interstate competitors

With thrilling events such as the barrel race and sprint race

race each other along the majestic Ord River, from the dam

on offer, you’ll be in the thick of the action to determine

wall of Lake Argyle right through to the Kununurra Ski Club

whose boat is truly the fastest of them all.

located near the Diversion Dam. And don’t worry, even if you’re not racing, you’ll still be in it Competitors can choose from multiple classes to suit their

to win it with a $1,000 Yeti/KWSC prize pack raffled off on

vessel and engine size and it's not all about speed, as the

the day as the ‘lucky draw prize’

best dressed boats are acknowledged as well.

Of course, events like this wouldn’t be possible without the The main race hosts a variety of classes from a standard 15hp support of some amazing local sponsors.

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Kununurra Sun

Kununurra Water Ski Club President Jono Tuckey said the

The gates open for spectators at 8am, Saturday 1st April.

support from local business has been integral to the success

And if you can’t make it to the Dam to Dam, the KWSC host

of the event for several years.

plenty of other activities throughout the year.

“The Shire have provided us with a $10k event grant which is

“We have our night markets scheduled for the July school

huge monetary support of the club and wouldn't be able to

holidays where we will have some ‘trick’ water skiers/

run the event without the support of SWEK,” Tuckey said.

barefooters flying up from Perth to run a clinic and ski demo.” Tuckey said.

“I really want to say a big thank you to Kununurra Home Hardware as well for sponsoring the main event, they

“We would really like to increase our member numbers and

provided a huge monetary sponsorship donation and we

increase member participation at club events.

wouldn't be able to run the event without their support.

“This is the fastest way the club can generate funds to invest “Unfortunately, we had to cancel the event last year due

into the club’s future projects (facilities upgrades, amenities,

to Covid-19, so we’re so excited to have it back and get

equipment etc).

everyone down to join in the fun.

“We really want to see the club evolve into a place for locals “All profits raised on the day will go directly back into the

to go on a Sunday afternoon, enjoy a beer, sunset and swim.

club and help us continue to upgrade our facilities at Ski Beach.

“It's probably the best location in Kununurra to enjoy the sunset and isn't being used to its full potential.”

While the race down the spectacular Ord River is the main event, there will be plenty going on to keep everyone

Memberships range from $30 Social, $90 Single, $125

entertained.

Family & $400 Corporate. For more info head to the Kununurra Water Ski Club page on Facebook.

Short course races, a champagne cruise, live music, kids activities and an open Bar from 10.30am means it will be a great day out with family and friends.

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Kununurra Sun

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Kununurra Sun

Photos supplied

Who Run the World? Girls!

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

Kununurra Sun is a female led magazine, so as you can imagine we loved nothing more than celebrating all the wonderful women (and men who champion women!) in our lives on International Women’s Day. Joined by our fabulous colleagues and friends we attended the East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry event held at The Cambridge. Over 59 women and one male (what a wonderful supporter!) came together to support and celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness about discrimination and take action to drive gender parity.

We heard from two powerful guest speakers, Frauke Bolten-Boshammer and Keda Bond. Frauke and Keda shared their stories about triumphing despite adversity and shared their journey to becoming the strong female leaders they now are. What an honour it was to be able to sit and listen to them, they were so open and honest with what they shared.

Across town, Neighbourhood House celebrated International Women's Day on March 12 with a casual event that brought together women from different backgrounds and walks of life.

DID YOU KNOW: Although there is still plenty of progress yet to be made…

The event featured music, dancing, inspiring talks and friendly chats among the attendees. It was a great opportunity to connect with other amazing women in our

- The average superannuation balance for women (60-64 years

community and to enjoy the facilities of the new House,

old) is only 58% that of men.

which was built in 2020.

- Australia's national gender pay gap is 13.3 %, so for every dollar on average that men earn, a woman earns 87 cents.

The event was part of the House's mission to provide a

- Mothers spent an average of 3 hours and 34 minutes

nurturing environment for the whole community to share,

participating in childcare activities a day, while fathers spent 2

dream, be inspired, grow and laugh.

hours and 19 minutes.

- Women only make up ¼ of Boards of ASX listed companies.

#EMBRACEEQUITY 11

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Kununurra Sun Photos: King Stingray

Steph Tisdell AUSTRALIA'S BRIGHTEST COMEDY STAR MAKING WAVES FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS It was a steamy Thursday afternoon at the start of February

She was particularly delighted in the chance to see a

and I sat down at my coffee table to make a phone call

Gouldian Finch - a promise I couldn’t make, however a

I didn’t think I’d ever envisioned making when we first

cracking opportunity for an avid twitcher to showcase their

conceptualised Kununurra Sun. The phone number I was

birding know-how.

dialling was Steph Tisdell’s - arguably one of Australia’s brightest comedic stars.

As the conversation moved on, my nerves dissolved and it was clear there was a lot more to Steph than a good

I tapped in the numbers nervously and waited in a sweaty

punchline. Her down-to-earthness was apparent, even over

clamour (in my air-conditioned living room) as the phone

the phone, and her open-book attitude was refreshing and

rang two or three times. I had never really interviewed

put this nervous interviewer at ease.

anyone properly before, let alone a person who regularly appears on prime time television.

Steph was born in Mt Isa but spent her childhood between Brisbane, Mt Isa and the Atherton Tablelands. This probably

“Hello!” a bright voice on the end of the line answered,

sparked her love for driving, especially long journeys. She

followed by a loud squawk. It appeared I would not only be

always drives herself to gigs, even going as far as buying a

interviewing Steph, but also her two birds Michael Parkinson

new car to make the journey to Kununurra this year.

and Eddie.

Originally having studied law and journalism, it took Steph From there, my list of questions flew out the window and

a couple of years to realise it wasn’t the path she wanted

Steph and I spent the first ten minutes of the conversation

to go down. Anxiety put her in a stranglehold, to the point

discussing her love for birds. Especially birds of the outback,

where she couldn’t even leave the house. However she

of which I assured her that there are plenty here to see in

developed a ‘rip it off like a band-aid’ approach to her

Kununurra when she comes up for the Boab Metals Ord

anxiety that sounds daunting but was a big part in how she

Valley Muster in May.

got to where she is today.

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Kununurra Sun

“If everything is scary in the world, to even open the door

formula as well. You can almost sit with the audience and

and go outside, then why not jump out of a plane? If

they feel when the punchline is coming and you share

everything is scary, then nothing is scary. It requires the

energy and read each other.”

same amount of bravery so just take the bravery to the next level. I’m always using my anxiety to give myself a lot

She calls it serendipitous, however Steph's comical

of courage and do things that make me feel uncomfortable.

outlook on important issues such as race, equality and

If everything is uncomfortable then just push it, you know?”

representation is what makes her stand out from the crowd.

And that's what got her into comedy.

Guilty white people are her favourite part of society to poke fun at.

In a dark moment, when she decided law and journalism wasn’t on her path, Steph opened that metaphorical plane

“Mostly because I think I want guilty white people in on

door and leapt head first into a spontaneous backpacking

the joke and to make them understand that actually guilt

trip around Europe, which fatefully coincided with her

is doing nothing and we need to be doing more than that.

preamble into the world of comedy.

We need to stop just being guilty and watching, it's about actually advocating and understanding and challenging your

One night in a pub in Dublin, Steph found herself

ignorance.

surrounded by a group of friends who embraced her ‘just do it’ attitude and encouraged her to do an impromptu

It's always been my favourite because I think guilty white

stand up comedy performance. Steph, despite her fears,

people are where our strength lies moving forward but

stood up on a chair and shared hilarious yarns which

where our weaknesses are currently.”

earned her plenty of pints and new-found passion for comedy. Back home in Brissy, she booked her first real gig

Making people feel uncomfortable is not something

and from there, the rest is history.

Steph likes to do. However she realises using her platform for change is a small step towards more productive

From that small pub in Dublin, to a regular seat on

conversations in this space.

mainstream TV shows such as The Project and Hughsey We Have A Problem, Steph’s natural warmth and wit radiates

"I don’t feel comfortable talking about a lot of the stuff that I

from within, and has landed her some pretty incredible

talk about, however I recognise that if I have the opportunity

accolades, such as the winner of the 2014 Deadly Funny

that I have to use it, because otherwise it gets shut down"

National Grand Final and the 2019 Melbourne International

she says.

Comedy Festival John Pinder Award.

As a proud Ydinji woman, Steph is passionate about sharing While she always has an idea of what she wants to say,

her experience and what her culture means to her. She

Steph hasn't written a piece down in years. As an avid

hopes that her visibility will empower other Aboriginal

writer, she says she gets too caught up in the writing

artists to come forward and to showcase their comedic

process, which she insists loses the hilarious side.

talents.

"Comedy is intuitive, there is a formula and you have to

“I’m trying to create spaces and opportunities and petition

read the room to nail the joke." she says

these people in these positions to broaden their search and have diversity of indigenous voices instead of tokenizing a

"Comedy audiences, they kind of understand there is a

couple of profiles” 13

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Kununurra Sun The First Nations Talent Agency (FNTA) was born from this.

“I’m looking for First Nations people that are athletic and love trying new stuff out. You don’t need to be trained in

Partnering with Artie Lang, CEO of A-List Entertainment,

anything - just willing to learn skills and give them a go.

Steph conceived the idea of FNTA after she was approached by an organisation who asked to help put them in touch with

“I want fellas from remote towns to apply and potentially go

other speakers when she was unable to take part in their

on to bigger and better things.”

project.

Steph’s migration from comedy into acting has been “The Australian media landscape wants to see black fellas

something that she had always wanted to do since she was a

that are talking knowledgeably about things but also have

little girl but never thought she would actually make it there.

black fellas that are ‘real’ black fellas.

‘It’s the strangest industry but I just love it. You go away for It’s about getting voices into corporate spaces and saying

months at a time, become a little family with the people you

stop tokenizing people and really listen to people who might

work with and you can’t tell anyone back home about what

not agree with you, who might not say what you want to

you are working on.’

hear but that’s what we need to be doing. That’s the actual first step of reconciliation - giving people that freedom of

Her latest foray into acting is the new series ‘Class of 07’ on

speech within that space.”

Amazon Prime alongside standout Aussie actors including Emily Browning, Megan Smart and Caitlin Stasey. I asked

With two artists on the books full time and 20 more

Steph if she ever feels nervous meeting other actors or

freelance artists they have access to, the agency is all about

famous people.

connecting people with opportunity and giving First Nations people a chance to speak in a space they relate to.

‘I always get starstruck. I cried when I met Deb Mailman same as when I first met Jessica Mauboy. But it's so weird

"We need to have a diversity of Aboriginal voices because

because they’re just people, you have this idea that they’re

I can only speak on my own experience, not the Aboriginal

untouchable but they’re really not.’

experience as a whole.”

I won’t lie, it was reassuring that even stars get starstruck.

For young Indigenous kids looking to get into the industry, Steph says it's not just about being funny, but taking the

As we closed out our conversation, Michael Parkinson and

initiative to set up a room where you can perform and work

Eddie chirped away impatiently in the background. I clearly

hard at it.

had been taking the attention away from them for too long.

“Bring a group of people who support you and make you

We laughed about how our lives were controlled by our

feel comfortable. You have to make your own opportunities,

pets and said our goodbyes. And while I couldn't promise

however also reach out to people that can help, and the First

her that she would see a Gouldian Finch in the wild, I have a

Nations Talent Agency is a great stepping stone to bigger

feeling she will find a way somehow.

stages.”

Steph will be performing at Comedy in the Park at the Steph is also casting for the first Aboriginal stunt school,

Boab Metals Ord Valley Muster on 24th May 2023. Joining

after noticing a gap in the market for Indigenous people

her on the line up is Chris Franklin, Bev Killick and Fabian

trained as stunt people. She was filming the TV show Total

Woods. Tickets available through the Ord Valley Muster

Control and the stunt double for the Aboriginal teenager was website: ordvalleymuster.com.au a tiny 50-year old Greek man.

‘There has never been a call out for Aboriginal stunt workers, so I hope [the stunt school] will give real life opportunities to work in the industry. They get a scholarship to professionally train as a stunt double.’

You can bet your bottom dollar that Steph will be keeping an eye out for potential applications while she is in Kununurra.

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Kununurra Sun

A New Lease on Life WORDS BY ELIZA PARRY-OKEDEN It’s a sticky Sunday morning in November, and I’m

continues chatting through a sly grin, breezing past my

meeting up with Marie Minga and Chelsea Boe outside the

brazen attempt to catch her unawares. Fair enough.

Cornerside Cafe. It’s thirsty weather and I’ve not long rolled out of bed, so brain cells are thin on the ground; I waste no

The drinks arrive, chatter ensues, and Marie shakes her

time ordering a coffeeand Chelsea follows suit.

glass without reserve and often and the ice chinks loudly in accordance. She slurps the mango with delight.

Marie, on the other hand, is poring over the menu.

“I’ll have a juice,” she says after a bit, “anything with mango

Incidentally, and completely unbeknownst to me, this is a

in it”.

momentous occasion for a number of reasons.

While we wait for our drinks, the three of us chat amongst

Firstly, Marie has just received a kidney transplant; a

ourselves. Marie tells Chelsea and I about the trip she’s

triumph in itself, but more so when you consider that

planning to Red Hill community near Halls Creek to visit

2022 was her thirteenth year on dialysis. Chelsea is a renal

her family, and the prawns she’s going to catch to eat at

nurse at Kimberley Renal Services; the two formed a bond

Christmas time. She tells us about a fishing spot that’s her

during Marie’s many dialysis days, and it was Chelsea who

son’s favourite – I ask her if it's a good spot, and whether

approached us about a story in the Kununurra Sun.

it happens to be a secret… she pauses, squints a bit, and 15

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Kununurra Sun Secondly, patients on dialysis are on strict fluid restrictions –

“They didn't really explain that the options were dialysis, or

this means no liquids, and limited fruit, no matter how thirsty

you die – just make up your mind.”

you get in the Kimberley heat; no matter how raspy your throat feels, or how often you dream of cool water on your

“I said, ‘That’s alright, I’ll go down to Perth’”

tongue. Certainly no juice with mango in it just for fun.

Marie initially had reservations about the process – And thirdly, while on dialysis, Marie had to be at the

understandably, as at the time, there was limited information

Kununurra Renal Clinic every second day for three to four

about dialysis being shared around the community, and

hours for thirteen years. It’s no wonder then, that a fishing

many people on dialysis kept it to themselves.

trip dropped into casual conversation is akin to shouting “freedom” at the top of your lungs, and planning a couple of

“People don’t tell people things,” she says.

days out of town for the holidays is on par with busting out of Alcatraz.

As it turns out, Marie’s sister and aunty were also receiving dialysis treatment; a discovery made when she was flown to

Marie grew up in the East Kimberley, spending time in both

Perth to begin dialysis and bumped into them at a hostel,

Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing, before a routine check-up

which was home to a number of Aboriginal men and women

at the Fitzroy Community Clinic forced her to relocate to

seeking all sorts of medical treatment.

Kununurra permanently, over a decade ago.

“We [my sister and I] shared the same room in the hostel in “The dialysis nurse came into the community - into the

Perth.”

camp - and said, ‘Are you ready for dialysis?’ and I said ‘No’, because I didn't know what she was talking about.’

Unbeknownst to Marie, this quick trip to Perth to begin dialysis was the beginning of a thirteen year journey. The

According to the National Kidney Foundation, dialysis is a

time spent there was positive, and she quickly got into the

treatment that helps your body remove extra fluid and waste

swing of things.

products from your blood when your kidneys are not able to.

Dialysis treatment is required to assist patients with chronic

“My sister was there – it was relaxing then, and I got happy,”

kidney disease (CKD) or kidney failure. It’s a treatment that is

Marie says of Perth, “I saw all my family and countrymen

startlingly commonplace in the Kimberley.

in that ward. I didn’t know that there was a hostel for Aboriginal people there.”

A study from 2012, which is quoted in the The WA Country Health Service’s current Kidney Disease Strategy, found that

After six months, Marie was asked if she would like to return

nearly one in five Aboriginal people has signs of CKD, and

to Fitzroy Crossing. Initially, it was posed as a quick visit

those in remote areas are five times more likely to have CKD

home, then she was told that her dialysis wasn’t finished,

than non-Aboriginal people. In comparison to urban areas,

and she’d have to continue getting treatment three times a

kidney patients in the bush are at a significant disadvantage

week in the newly opened renal unit there.

due to the limited availability of specialist renal nurses and dialysis chairs in regional and remote communities.

“I didn’t realise that they wanted me to move back there [to Fitzroy Crossing]; I wanted to go back to Perth because my

While regular dialysis helps to keep you alive while your

sister was in Perth, see? I left my sister back there.”

kidneys can’t, the only cure for kidney disease is a kidney transplant.

After spending a couple of months back in Fitzroy Crossing, Marie was transferred to Kununurra to keep receiving

At the time of Marie’s diagnosis, there was no dialysis unit in

treatment.

Fitzroy Crossing, and there were no dialysis chairs available in the Kimberley, so Perth was the only option. Marie says

The idea of a kidney transplant was tossed around in the

that although whether or not to begin dialysis treatment

following years, but it wasn’t until the introduction of a

was presented as a choice at the time, the full weight of the

Transplant Coordinator to the Kimberley Renal Service (KRS)

decision was not apparent from the get go.

a few years ago that the wheels were set in motion and the rigorous ‘work-up’ or evaluation process began. After many

“She [the nurse] said ‘Well you think about it first,’ but I was

trips to Perth, a number of preliminary medical procedures

thinking about my son, so I rang him up and asked him,” she

and checks, invasive testing, box-ticking and some dashed

laughs.

hopes along the way, that the phone call to end all others came out of the blue.

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Kununurra Sun

“They called me up one Sunday morning – early hours of

It’s difficult to imagine that six months ago, I would have

the morning too, I was sleepy and rubbing my eyes,” recalls

been chatting with a different woman.

Marie.

“I feel free,” she says, with a small shrug that speaks “I picked up the phone and it was the Doctor – he said,

volumes.

‘You ready now?’

Today, there is a dialysis unit in Fitzroy, which opened in ‘What for?’ I said, ‘You what?’

2012, but there are only five chairs – they are currently full, which means that anyone in Fitzroy requiring dialysis

‘Your kidney’s waiting for you.’

needs to go elsewhere. There are renal facilities with dialysis treatment chairs in Kununurra, Broome and Derby that

My heart was beating – I said, ‘Oh wow, I gotta go!’”

are similarly bursting, and patients are flown to Perth to begin treatment and to await the next available spot in the

‘Out of the blue’ is a stretch though, and Chelsea is quick

Kimberley.

to burst my romanticism and assure me that there is more to a kidney transplant than patience and sheer luck.

Fortunately, there is a strong, passionate team working tirelessly behind the scenes, to ensure that the same

“It was a real process that Marie, with the help of the

opportunities are afforded to us all, regardless of geography

transplant coordinator, worked hard to get through,” says

or demographics. They are striving valiantly towards closing

Chelsea, “It’s not just that she was on dialysis for 13 years,

the gap, and levelling the playing field.

and then got a phone call.”

I’m still stuck on the ‘no fluids’ bit.

Marie doesn’t bother voicing whether she feels it was all worth it, and she doesn’t have to; she radiates an

“You can have some ice when your mouth gets dry,” Marie

effervescence that I imagine comes with a new lease on

assures me, “That’s what I do when I go fishing – I always

life.

suck on ice.”

Her reflections on the physical reality of the work-up

Marie checks herself then, and laughs out loud, exclaiming

process and procedure, and the connection she feels to an

“But now, I can do whatever I want!”

organ that once belonged to someone else but is hers now, are drenched in a quiet spirituality. She says that she can feel it moving; feel the kidney relaxing into her body. I’m in awe.

“When I came back, people said ‘You look different – you’re not the same Marie anymore… you’ve changed… you look bright.’”

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Kununurra Sun

Kununurra Sun is One! Kununurra Sun is turning one, so we thought we would

and made some decisions on how we can both ‘come up for

take the time to reflect on the year that was.

air’ every now and then, and not let our close friendship turn upside down.

To be honest, it only struck us halfway through putting this edition together that we realised it's been 12 months of

And after that chat, we both went on with our day then

Kununurra Sun shining a bright light in our lives.

realised it’d been a year since we started this journey. After messaging each other ‘OMG, it’s our one-year anniversary’

If we’re really being honest, it was after a particularly tough

we decided we need to celebrate getting through the past 12

conversation between the two of us about the challenges

months with our volunteers and I think we’re back on track.

we have been facing – first as foremost as friends, colleagues and then business partners.

In saying that, we’d love some volunteers, so if you’re keen to contribute by writing, taking photos or distributing the

Don’t get me wrong, we absolutely love the Sun, and

mag, please yell out to us via kununurrasun@gmail.com.

more importantly, we love how much the community of Kununurra loves the Sun. But, it’s been a hard slog. We

If you don’t have the time to volunteer but want to support

both hold busy full-time jobs, try to ensure we get some

us, we’re always hopeful for sponsors or advertising. Those

fresh air daily, have hobbies and a full social life, so adding

$$ make a huge difference to our operations.

Kununurra Sun to the mix has had its challenges.

It’s been a hell of a year and although we can’t say we have We created Kununurra Sun as two friends looking for

loved every minute of it (as above), we do truly love this

a creative outlet to celebrate the community we have

little magazine of ours and we love that the community has

decided to call home. But instead of friends catching up

gotten behind us.

over wine, heading out on weekends for adventures and just enjoy being in each other’s company – the things that

Thank you to each and every one of you that has picked

inspired us to want to start this magazine in the first place

up a copy each month, purchased a piece of merchandise

- somehow along the way we’ve found our conversations

or advertising space or followed us on social media. It

have been consumed about our full time jobs, what we’re

genuinely brightens our day more than we can put on paper.

writing for the next edition, fringe benefit taxes and who the hell is going to be sending the merchandise orders this

We hope we’re doing our little bit to put Kununurra on the

week?

map as a diverse, inclusive, adventurous community and we're very excited to keep the Sun shining for another year!

So, we had a tough conversation (that nobody ever likes)

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Kununurra Sun

FREE MONTHLY

EDITION 5 AUGUST 2022

Kununurra Sun

Aug Issue - V1.indd 1

FREE MONTHLY

EDITION 6

SEPTEMBER 2022

Kununurra Sun

26/07/2022 2:26:41 PM

Sept Issue - V1.indd 1

29/08/2022 8:57:31 AM

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Kununurra Sun Photos: Ethan Calway

We all know how epic our little town is. We’ve got amazing waterfalls, great fishing, some of the most awesome 4WD tracks and hikes. But our community is also rather great if I may say so. That’s what this is all about - the amazing people of Kununurra!

Over the next few editions, we’ll be getting to know some interesting individuals of the Kununurra community over a cup of hot beverage (or an iced one, but hey that’s a minor detail)! So, let me introduce you to…

DYLAN JONES-WOOD When asking Dylan about his coffee order, he starts smiling

to his stomping grounds of Mansfield, Victoria?

like a little kid in a candy store. At the age of 16 he started drinking it.

Well, after this story, you now know at least one!

‘First it was with 4 to 6 sugars in it, to make it drinkable. Now His bike is not just a normal bike you can get in a shop. No, I can’t stand any sweetness in my coffee’ he says with a look

Dylan who is 6 '8 tall, has a special bike. The biggest frame

of horror.

there is, flown all the way here to Kununurra from Colorado, USA.

Dylan now enjoys a coffee beverage called a Magic; a double espresso shot with milk that is steamed but not too hot.

‘This is the first bike I ever owned that I don’t have to put the

Filled just below the rim of the cup.

saddle up ALL the way’ Dylan tells me grinning.

However, his coffee order was not the only reason for me

Dylan started riding a pushbike back in school. ‘Part of

to sit down and have a chat with him. Dylan has done some

a community thing, me and a mate decided to ride 500

amazing adventuring in his life.

kilometres. We raised money for the Cancer Council and after that I was sold. Growing up we did a lot of dumb stuff

How many people do you know that have packed everything

on the bike; I had 4 concussions in a short period of time

they need on a mountain bike and taken six months of

and riding on the road or a gravel track is a lot safer to do.’

unpaid leave to do a bike-packing trip from Kununurra to Cairns, Queensland, before making his way back down south

One of his adventures took place in France, where he rode 20

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Kununurra Sun the Tour De France. Not inbetween Richie Porte, Michael

Dylan starts smiling again and says: ‘Nah, Kununurra is home.

Matthews, or Cadel Evans but with any Tom, Dick, or Harry.

I came here on the 4th of January in 2020. With the plan to stay 3 months.’

‘You go with a tour operator, and you ride on the same stages as the pro’s do. Climbing a mountain for 4 to 5 hours.

Like many of us, he stayed.

Stunning views and an amazing experience.’

‘I was warned by my friend Mark after a couple of weeks. We Bike-packing is a holiday for Dylan. He looks at it like an

were at the pub, and he came up to me and said: I know that

adventure.

look. You are not leaving. And yeah, he was right! Still here, loving my life, my job, and my group of friends.’

‘When you are on the road, it is an adventure. You see new things every day and meet new people. You can explore and

‘In a country town like Kununurra you become close friends

not have to worry about fuel prices or if you are going to

with people very fast. Because you are so remote, your

make the next servo.’

friends become your family. It is a lovely thing to experience.’

When the conversation goes to water, Dylan starts laughing;

For new people in town, he has a piece of advice: ‘Join a sport. It is the fastest way to meet people throughout all

‘I ran out of water once, 80 odd Ks to go. I just sat down

layers of society and in all different lines of work.’

next to the road in the shade when a bloke in an old Land Cruiser came by. Windows down, he was in his jocks. "Do

When we turn the conversation to the future, Dylan unfolds

you have any water?" I asked him. He pulls out of a fridge

his master plan;

a 5-litre jug of water. Sometimes heroes ride in an old Land Cruiser in just their jocks.’

‘Riding my bike to the most Western point of Australia, and then the most Southern, Eastern and Northern points!’ he

Even though he goes away from the East Kimberley on trips,

tells proudly and then quickly adds;

he considers Kununurra home more than where he grew up in Mansfield.

‘But I’ll come home though!’

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Kununurra Sun

COUNCIL CONNECT

SHIRE OF WYNDHAM EAST KIMBERLEY @ShireofWyndhamEastKimberley

Kununurra Leisure Centre to provide Fitness classes again It’s been a hot minute, but the Kununurra Leisure Centre will be providing fitness classes again after being in hiatus for the last few years.

We sat down with fitness instructor Merlee Stoldt to talk about her experience and all things fitness.

How long have you been in Kununurra?

I am a Kununurra local and was born here! I moved away to NSW for 2 years but I missed it to too much and I am back and ready to change lives!

‘20K in Day’ is back...

With the annual Lake Argyle Swim just around the corner, the ‘20K in a Day’ event is the perfect practice event to attend before you plunge into the fresh waters of Lake Argyle.

How long have you been in the fitness industry and where have you worked before?

I have been in the industry for 10 years. I have managed Sport and Rec facilities for the past few years (Kununurra Leisure Centre and SportUNE in Armidale NSW). I am now a full time lifestyle coach, I am coaching clients all over the world! Plus classes and 1-1 PT’s in Kununurra.

Teams compete to be the fastest in swimming 20kms. A minimum of 4 and a maximum of 10 swimmers per team can compete in this event (minimum age 12). Registration is $250 per lane (team).

Entry pack and BBQ breakfast are included in the registration.

There are only 4 team spots left so get in quick! For more information or to register, please contact the Kununurra Leisure Centre at 08 9168 4100.

What type of classes are you offering?

• Strength on Mondays 5:30am - 6:30am (resistance training class to build strength); • Total Body Workout on Wednesdays (mixture of cardio and weights and targets entire body); • Pilates on Wednesdays 6:30am - 7:30am (Mat-work class designed to improve mobility and flexibility); • HIIT on Fridays 5:30am - 6:30am (Cardio class, this will get your heart pumping! Improve Fitness and burn calories).

What are your goals for these fitness classes?

My goal is to make fitness fun! I want people to enjoy working out and have an active lifestyle. I am keen to teach people all about health and fitness and get them on the right path to achieving their goals.

What should you bring to class?

Bring a towel, Water bottle and closed in shoes. I will bring energy and good music.

Fitness classes are $12.50 for casual. If you are a Gold Member at the Kununurra Leisure Centre, is it part of your membership. Merlee also offers 1-1 personal training, specialises in weight-loss and can provides tailored programs for each individual. Contact her via merlee.stoldt@hotmail.com.

Upcoming Council Meeting Tuesday 18 April 2023 Kununurra Council Chambers

T

08 9168 4100

E

mail@swek.wa.gov.au

F

08 9168 1798

W

www.swek.wa.gov.au

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Kununurra Sun

REGISTER NOW FOR

20K IN A DAY Register a team (minimum of 4 and maximum 10 swimmers) to compete in the ‘20k in a Day’ event held at the Kununurra Leisure Centre.

15

APR

Registration is $250 per lane (team) and will include an entry pack and BBQ Breakfast. To register or for more information, contact the Kununurra Leisure Centre on 08 9168 2120 ONLY 4 SPOTS LEFT

2023 23

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Kununurra Sun

Donny Imberlong KIMBERLEY CREATIVE Donny Imberlong, a Jaru man from Halls Creek has taken his love for country and passion for photography to capture beautiful imagery of the East Kimberley region. After his keen eye for photography was noticed by his grandparents, Donny has gone from strength to strength in his visual storytelling.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND HOW YOU GOT

generally just mucking around with camera settings while I’m

INTO PHOTOGRAPHY?

out bush. Similar to most people with a creative outlet I am my

When I was 10 years old, I saved up enough money to buy a

own tough critic and so that keeps me motivated and trying to

small point and shoot Canon. My grandparents saw that I had

find that next shot.

a keen eye and were very encouraging to keep taking photos.

Over time photography has complemented my deep love for

ARE THERE OTHER CREATIVES THAT YOU FIND

country and now I get to share that with people far and wide.

INSPIRING/MOTIVATING? My cousin Emile who is based in Broome @eb_shots. It's

WHAT WAS IT LIKE GROWING UP IN HALLS CREEK? HAVE

always good to have someone equally as keen as you are about

ARE THERE ANY CREATIVES THAT INSPIRE YOU?

getting out and about to snap some pics. Often leading up to a

My family group is Jaru. We are from the Halls Creek area.

trip we might have a handful of certain shots in mind and that

Although my immediate family had moved to Kununurra in the

motivates and inspires us to both get a bit creative.

80s, I would still go back to Halls Creek to visit family and spend HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY

time out on country. There are a lot of awesome camping and

fishing spots on the upper Ord River (east of Purnululu) that my STYLE? Uncle takes me out to every now and then.

I’ve actually never thought about this one before! Maybe Observational. I love sitting down in shady spot and watching

WHERE DID YOU DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS FOR

the daily movements of the plants and animals and trying best

PHOTOGRAPHY?

to capture that in a single photo

Just through trial and error, watching a lot of YouTube clips and 24

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Kununurra Sun

YOU RECENTLY WENT OFF GRID FOR A FEW WEEKS ON

perfectly captured in that photo.

AN ADVENTURE DOWN THE FITZROY RIVER. CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT THAT?

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE ASPIRATIONS WITH YOUR

Truly epic! Spent 13 days paddling roughly 300km down

PHOTOS? IS THERE SOMEWHERE IN PARTICULAR YOU'D

Martuwarra (Fitzroy River) as a part of an initiative to highlight

LOOK TO SHOOT?

the cultural and ecological importance of the river. Seeing

Hoping to begin selling some photos so at the moment just

the aftermath of the largest flood in recorded history was

looking through all the business side of that. I have a handful of

incredible and truly makes you appreciate just how powerful

places that I’ve been daydreaming about for years but the one

Mother Nature is.

at the top of that list is definitely Pantanal River in Mato Grosso, Brazil. To photograph Jaguars hunting Caimans!

HAVE YOU GOT A FAVORITE PHOTO? OR ONE THAT HOLDS A LOT OF MEANING FOR YOU?

You can find Donny's work on his Instagram @donnydrysdale

In mid-May 2021 I hitched a ride on True North around from

or if you'd like to hear Donny speak on his new radio show

Wyndham to Drysdale River where I have a small property

'Country Matters', focusing on local people across the

on the banks of the river. It had been the first time I'd been

Kimberley and how they interact with country. Donny speaks

home since I left in 2017. I spent two weeks there by myself

with researchers, policy makers and on country knowledge

just cleaning the place up and enjoying my time off the grid.

bearers, all working in their own fields to protect country and

My favorite photo is a picture of my place that I took with my

culture. Bringing an Aboriginal lens to conservation, land and

drone looking downstream in the beautiful afternoon glow. You

water management practices, as well as development.

can see a few of my houses perched on the banks of the river.

My home out there means the world to me, and I feel like it's

Hear 'Country Matters' on Waringarri Radio very soon!

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Kununurra Sun

Ready, Set, Swim!

The countdown is on to the Lake Argyle Swim and being avid ‘we’ll give it a goer’s' Kununurra Sun have wrangled some friends to enter a team.

We’ve been hitting the lanes down at the pool, and under the guidance of Kununurra Crocs Swim Club Coach Matt Smith, we’ve been training hard to ensure we can keep up with the pack. Although it slightly breaks our competitive spirit, we thought we'd do our community service and share some of the tips we’ve been learning while at swim club to ensure everyone has an even playing field.

We spoke to Matt who shared the below tips with us - we did notice he forgot the main one though - to have fun!

For those who are needing the motivation for some last minute training come and join us at Swim Club on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 5:30-6:30pm and Saturday mornings at 8:00-9:00am.

Head to the Kununurra Crocs Swim Club Facebook page for more info.

Goodluck to all our fellow competitors, be kind to your paddlers and skippers and we’ll see you at the bar for a cold one after the swim!

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Kununurra Sun

Between the Lines BENEATH THE NIGHT: HOW THE STARS HAVE SHAPED THE HISTORY OF HUMANKIND BY STUART CLARK. REVIEW BY SARAH SEAR-JONES Reading Beneath the Night was one of those rare books that changed how I see the world, and reminded me of the beauty of Earth, space, and humankind. We grew up being taught,that agriculture is what settled early humans and brought them together, but Dr. Clark challenges that notion by asking a question: what if it was the stars that made the connection?

From millions of years ago, to this very light-polluted day, Dr. Clark covers an extremely wide range on topics and explores why we are so fascinated with the cosmos, and what it has meant to us over millennia. While very Eurocentric, it’s a pleasant, easy read, that puts you in the shoes of people across time and makes you connect with them.

After all, we are still looking at the very same sky our ancestors did. Every human that has been born, every great figure in our history, every person in your bloodline has looked up at the stars and seen almost exactly what you see. Doesn’t that make you feel dizzy?

We are taken through the art, first tools, agriculture and settlements of our species’ early days, all the way to astronomy and astrology, law, music, medicine, mythology and religion, spacefaring, and where the relationship between us and the stars stands now.

It’s an adventure through time, of things much older than we are, and will reinforce how incredible it is that we exist today.

By the time you finish the book, you may feel one of two ways: either extremely insignificant in the vastness of space, or deeply in awe of the universe in which we are fortunate enough to live. Either way, your perspective will shift, and when you next step out at night you will feel closer to humanity than before.

A word of warning: if you lend your copy of Beneath the Night, you will not get it back. Mine is still travelling from hand to hand as people share it to their friends and family.

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Kununurra Sun

Saturn enters Pisces, Mercury is in retrograde, and to top it all off. there is a solar eclipse to see out the month.

Not to worry, the KNX Oracle is here to guide you through the chaos.

AQUARIUS – 20 JANUARY-18 FEBRUARY

LEO – 23 JULY-22 AUGUST

The heightened celestial activity will have you feeling a bit antsy.

You’ve been stepping out of your comfort zone lately and

You’re at risk of blowing things out to astronomical proportions.

feeling self-assured in this new adventurous you. Expectations

The wet season is over but April can feel like the build-up all

in a relationship will be strained. You can lay the foundations

over again. It’s not you going troppo, it’s the world.

but it’s up to them to build the bridge and get over it!

PISCES – 19 FEBUARY-20 MARCH

VIRGO 23 AUGUST-22 SEPTEMBER

Saturn enters Pisces after 26 years signalling a new phase in life.

Ever practical Virgo, your pragmatism is so highly valued yet

Structure, wisdom, and pragmatism conflict with your fantastical

can be infuriating to those around you who might perceive

self. Channel the energy into new intellectual and creative

this as lacking spark. Get your creative juices flowing by

pursuits. Take heed of your finances but remember you only live

starting a dream journal. Find inspiration from unexpected

once, its okay to treat yourself sometimes.

places this month.

ARIES - 21 MARCH-19 APRIL

LIBRA - 23 SEPTEMBER-22 OCTOBER

You’re accustomed to jumping in head first, Aries. Mercury in

Things don’t always go to plan this month, stop your usual

retrograde signals time to slow down. The panic to be forever

overthinking and throw that checklist down the deepest

moving forward is over, the waterfalls trickle to a stop and its

depths of the Grotto. You may feel reckless and passionate

time to stop and smell the mulla mullas.

however, now is not the time to alleviate your frustrations by being irresponsible.

TAURUS – 20 APRIL- 20 MAY The meaning of your words will be misunderstood impacting a

SCORPIO - 23 OCTOBER-21 NOVEMBER

relationship. Make this an opportunity to reflect on how much

Caring can be tiring. There are too many mouths to feed,

you value them. You’ll see who you can’t bear to lose and the

figuratively and literally, and not enough to go round. The

dead weight you need to cut free. You can’t please everyone.

solar eclipse will have you emerge re-energised. Let out your frustrations, howl it out to the moon as it passes between the

GEMINI – 21 MAY-20 JUNE

earth and sun, go on, I dare you.

Your hard work in your career is finally going to pay off, or maybe it won’t. Regardless, optimism will rule your energy

SAGITTARIUS – 22 NOVEMBER-21 DECEMBER

this month. Tap into your inquisitive nature. Feeling flirty? All

Intuition overrides intellect this month, Sagittarius. Let your

this energy will catch the eye of another, go get it!

feet and your heart guide decisions. You sacrifice yourself to please others too often. The time is nigh that you listen to

CANCER – 21 JUNE-22 JULY

your inner desires. Your loved ones will respond positively.

Your usual sense of direction in life has come into question.

Finding the right path will be a steep learning curve, but you’ll

CAPRICORN - 22 DECEMBER-19 JANUARY

gain a higher perspective from the journey, and when you come

Love and sensuality rule your energy. Don’t be afraid to act on

back down to earth, Cancer, you’ll find compassion and new

it this month. Outwardly show love to others. You’ll be back

beginnings waiting for you

to your level headed self soon enough, enjoy the reckless abandon whilst it lasts.

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Kununurra Sun

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TOUGH

Hard Sudoku for Sunday 12-3-2023

Tough Sudoku for Sunday 12

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1 20/03/2023 2:09:09 PM

Kununurra Sun

KUNUNURRA SUN KITCHEN

Tomato Barley Risotto with Roast Vegetables RECIPE BY @OUTBACKOTTOLENGHI It’s been a lean time for the past few months with food supplies, but you can still make delicious food with the few veggies that are normally (hopefully!) available. I’ve been using a lot of pumpkin and capsicum lately so I put together this risotto. You could swap out or use different veggies based on availability and roast using the same method. Barley is a bit different and such an underrated grain - you can find it at supermarkets where the dried legumes are. Hope this dish brings some heartiness to your lives!

INGREDIENTS Roast Vegetables - 500g kent pumpkin - 1 capsicum - 2 tbsp olive oil - Salt and pepper Tomato Barley Risotto - 1 tbsp olive oil - 1 large brown onion chopped finely - 3 cloves garlic crushed - 1 small green chilli (or other chilli that you have/1 tsp chilli flakes) - 1 cup barley - 2.5 cups vegetable stock - 1 x 400g can of tomatoes (I used Mutti cherry tomatoes as they are rich in flavour, but others would be fine) - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 tbsp tomato paste - 1 lemon: finely shave the skin to get 4 strips and juice half of the lemon for later - Handful of parsley finely chopped - Salt and black pepper METHOD 1. Preheat the oven to 210 degrees.

2. Chop pumpkin into squares and season with olive oil, salt and pepper. Bake for 30 mins or until soft and browned.

3. Cut capsicum into thick strips and season with olive oil and salt and pepper and bake for 30 mins or until soft and a little charred.

4. In a large pot at medium to high heat, cook the chopped onion with olive oil for 5 minutes. Then add the garlic and chilli and cook for another 5 or until soft and a little browned 5. Add barley and cook for a minute until fragrant 6. Add the stock and tin of tomatoes to the pot. At the same time add the paprika, tomato paste and peeled strips of lemon. Add a generous grind of black pepper and salt to season stir and cover for 35 - 40 minutes. Cook until the barley is tender and the water has evaporated to make a risotto-like consistency. Stir in half of the chopped parsley near the end.

7. Serve the barley in bowls, placing the roasted capsicum and pumpkin on top. Garnish with the remaining chopped parsley and drizzle over the lemon juice.

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Kununurra Sun

LAKE KUNUNURRA GOLF CLUB

Balls 'n' All EKFL

It’s been another busy wet season for Kununurra Golf

2023 has seen a split in the EKFL competition with the

Club with Thursday ‘scroungers’ consistently seeing

Warmun Eagles and Bow River Blues joining the Wyndham

player numbers in the double-digits. March also sees the

Crocs and Kununurra teams in the northern competition

completion of the Summer Cup - with results unavailable

whilst the Halls Creek sides and ‘desert teams’ competing

at the time of printing. Keep an eye out for the results in

in the south. Saturday 18th March saw Warmun, Wyndham,

the next edition. Their annual golf Open Day is on the 1st of

Crows, Demons and Magpies compete in round-robin

April, all are welcome to come along. For more information

competition as a way to dust off the playing shirts and put

on how to register for the six-hole, four player ambrose,

their pre-season training to the test.

head to their Facebook page or call President Scott Day on KUNUNURRA NETBALL ASSOCIATION

0438 691 994.

The 2023 Womens & Juniors Netball season commences on KUNUNURRA TOUCH FOOTBALL

the 27th April. Womens team nominations close on Tuesday

The Kununurra Touch Football Association has kicked off

4th April so make sure to get your team nominated in time.

their 2023 Mixed Touch season with a couple of scratch

Head to their Facebook page for more information. See you

matches before Round 1 on Monday 13th March. Numbers

on the courts!

are again looking healthy this year but if you are looking for a game, it’s not too late with season and casual registrations

Feel like we’ve missed someone?

available. Head down to the Town Oval from 5:15pm and hail As we use word of mouth and social media accounts to get down one of the friendly Kununurra Brumbies committee

most of our sporting news please feel free to reach out if you

members to have a run.

have any exciting sports stories we may have missed.

Join our team Kununurra

Halls Creek

The Department of Communities works with families and young people at risk.

We have employment opportunities for: • Child protection workers • Housing services and support • Administration • Residential care workers

The work we do at Communities is complex, important and meaningful. We work with partners across government and the community services sector to deliver disability services, child protection and family support, housing and community and regional initiatives.

We also deliver on government priorities to support better outcomes for Aboriginal people in Western Australia.

DC1102

Want to know more?

Scan the QR Code or register your interest via the Kimberley Talent Register portal.

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Kununurra Sun

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