Kununurra Sun - Edition 1, April 2022

EDITION 1

FREE & MONTHLY

APRIL 2022

Kununurra Sun

Kununurra Sun

HELLO WE’RE THE NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK AND WE ARE SO HAPPY TO BE HERE!

Kununurra Sun is a free, monthly magazine dedicated to sharing If you would like to get involved with Kununurra Sun as an uplifting stories while supporting small business and events.

advertiser, contributor or just want to say hello, please reach out to us at kununurrasun@gmail.com – we would love to hear from

The magazine was created with a vision to inspire, update and

you!

inform Kununurra and other communities in the East Kimberley.

We also want to celebrate the diverse characters and cultures

We are also on social media, you can check us out on Instagram

that make the East Kimberley the amazing community we all

or Facebook via @KununurraSun

call home.

So as the humidity fades away and the dragonflies flutter in, Kununurra Sun is 100% locally and independently created -

the first signs of the dry start to appear. The clear blue skies

something we are very proud of.

mean more adventures and the pull to sleep out under the stars becomes stronger. The nooks and crannies of this beautiful land

So, given you’re reading this, a thank you is in order! Thank you

that have been hiding underwater for the past few months are

for supporting us in our first edition of Kununurra Sun.

suddenly more accessible, giving us endless places to explore.

Thanks for taking the time out of your busy day to take

We are looking forward to our journey ahead and gaining the

a moment to flick through our pages and hopefully learn

support of the community to make this happen.

something new, be inspired to go on an exciting adventure or feel a sense of pride for the great humans who make this

The KNX SUN team xx

community what it is.

Kununurra Sun acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres

A big thanks also goes to the Shire of Wyndham East

Strait Islander peoples of this nation. We acknowledge the Traditional

Kimberley, Panoramic Resources and all the other individuals

Custodians of the lands throughout the Kimberley and in particular

who were happy to jump on board for this first edition. We

the Miriwoong Gajerrong people of Kununurra and surrounding areas

appreciate you having faith in us sharing your stories!

where we live, work and welcome visitors from afar.

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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.

@ PHILIPPA_GRANT

@ GOT_W00D

@ ELILLIMAN

@ JENN_COYNE

@ SHELBYTILLETT

@ DAYNAASHLEE

Ngoondengin-tha narroodan-nginga ngenayim It is good that you all come here ‘Welcome’ MIRIWOONG TO ENGLISH TRANSLATION

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Welcome To The Dry There’s a buzz in the air, growing gently louder as the celsius drops. It’s not as literal as the electricity created by static from the last few months, but it may have something to do with the campervans that are lining up dutifully under the boab on the highway. As the last of the glorious thunder storms roll through still afternoons, we begin to see the inevitable shift – the dry season is coming.

Words by Eliza Parry-Okeden

First and foremost, though, a few words on the Wet. Without

A dearth of mozzies isn’t the only plus of the earth drying out.

wishing to bang on about the obvious, the storms have been

There is a gravely overused tale in my family that tells of my

phenomenal – after one wet season in the Kimberley, it is

first swear word, learned on an ill-fated trip to the neighbours

easy to see why Aboriginal people have viewed thunder and

property one Christmas Eve involving inches of rain and a

lightning with such awe and reverence since the beginning of

bogged landcruiser. It’s heartwarming to think that a whole

time. There is something deeply spiritual about a thunderstorm.

new generation of spicy language lovers were born under

As a kid in central Queensland, rain was always a cause for

similar circumstances, absorbing the world from a booster seat

celebration and I have happily continued this tradition into

while their respective adults navigated the wet. They now have

adulthood. I like the unpredictability of the wet season – will

an adventurous dry season to look forward to, thanks to the

today be the day that the grey marshmallows building on the

promise of open borders and campgrounds such as El Questro

horizon break, or will they gently cruise past on a one-way trip

and others along the Gibb. The roads are drying out, and we

to the coast? I will miss the thrilling game of chance that comes can collectively move onto swearing at tents instead. with washing clothes. Will you be wearing wet undies for a week? What’s more important to you: conservative power bills

Similarly, boating is a novel experience for me and I’ve learned

or a clothes dryer? It’s anybody’s game really!

it’s one best enjoyed when you don’t own the boat. There are a number of places that offer you the luxury of boating and

We can say farewell to the mozzies! Spiteful, hateful little things. arguably the more premium luxury of giving it back at the end They can go back to their dubious place in the ecosystem,

of the day. Lake Argyle Cruises have BBQ boats that can be

preferably far away from me. Other wet-season creatures that

hired for a full or half day. If a cruise up the river is more your

I’ve always thought hold a dubious place in the ecosystem

style, the spiffy new pontoon boats at Kununurra Cruises are

include frogs, snakes and crocodiles, and I’m very impressed

worth a ring.

by the novice snake catchers and frog removalists around town who appear valiantly when a reptilian friend appears on the

All in all, there is plenty of action to look forward to over the

community noticeboard. If friends of the furry kind are more

coming months – the next few pages only scratch the surface.

your speed, look no further than the Kangaroo Haven – we chat I welcome the chafeless weather with open arms and thighs.

with the driving force behind it, Mandy Watson, on pages 14-15.

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WYNDHAM SUPERMARKET BROWN WATER CLASSIC

GIBB RIVER CHALLENGE

With over $28,000 in prizes up for grabs, the Wyndham

On yer bike for this epic cycling adventure on one of Australia’s

Supermarket Brown Water Classic is one of the region’s most

most iconic roads! The Gibb River Challenge is a socially

hotly contested fishing competitions. This strictly not-for-profit

competitive 660 kilometre team relay event raising community

event has donated over $25,000 in cash donations and material awareness and funds for the Kyle Andrews Foundation (KAF). goods to large charitable organisations and local community

Teams of 2-6 people tackle one of the toughest yet scenic roads

groups and any revenue made has been reinvested back into

out to say they ‘Did the Gibb’ and for a bloody good cause!

the community. What more of an excuse to go for a flick do you

Image: www.thegibbchallenge.com.au

need?!

Image: Wyndham Supermarket Brown Water Classic

TOP END MUSTERING RODEO

LAKE ARGYLE SWIM

Buckle up for the 2022 Top End Mustering Rodeo on the 21st

For over the past 10 years, the Lake Argyle Swim has become

of May. This dust raising, nail biting event is the largest rodeo in

increasingly more popular, with swimmers from all over the

the region with cowboys coming from far and wide to try and

country taking the plunge to swim in Western Australia’s largest

ride the longest eight seconds of their life. With serious prize

man-made reservoir. Tickets to this year’s event sold out in just

money up for grabs, the competition is stiff and the falls are

seven minutes, making it easily the hottest contended event of

hard but it’s an exciting experience to witness. Tickets to the

the year. Head out to Lake Argyle on Saturday 7 May to catch

rodeo are available now on Moshtix.

all the action!

Image: Kunununurra Campdraft & Rodeo Association

Image: Lake Argyle Swim Inc

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KUNUNURRA AGRICULTURAL SHOW

APEX BARRA BASH

Run by a committee of volunteers dedicated to supporting

Avid anglers come from far and wide to try their luck at hooking

and promoting excellence and improvement in all aspects of

the biggest barra in the East Kimberley. As one of Australia’s

the agricultural, horticultural and pastoral industries, the 50th

best barra fishing regions, it’s always an exciting day on the

Kununurra Ag Show is the perfect family event. Don’t miss the

water that the whole family can get involved in. The prizes are

Watermelon Olympics and the Kimberley Cowboy challenge for highly sought after, but it’s the glory of reeling in the biggest a good laugh and be sure to stroll through the pavilion to check fish of the year that keeps punters coming back year after year. out the local artworks and delicious homemade treats!

Image: Apex Barra Bash

KUNUNURRA WHITEGUM MARKETS

THE HOOCHERY

Each Saturday morning between April and September,

You know the dry season is approaching when the Hoochery

Whitegum Park is filled with vendors selling locally grown

opens its doors for another busy year. As Western Australia’s

produce, handmade goods and delicious treats. Be sure to

oldest continuously operating legal still, the Hoochery is a

sample a frozen mango - a Whitegum Market specialty.

popular spot for visitors to pick up a delicious souvenir grown

Image: Kununurra Markets Inc

and produced in the Kimberley. Make sure to sample their tasting paddle and chocolate Ord River Rum cake!

Image: The Hoochery

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GIBB RIVER ROAD

MITCHELL FALLS

It’s time to hit the road… the Gibb River Road to be specific. The If there is one destination we challenge you to make it to this GRR is back and better than ever this year, with many of the

season, it’s the Mitchell Falls. The cascading three-tier falls are

popular spots we have missed open again for a busy season. El

a must see, even sweeter to see after the 4.5km walk from the

Questro, Ellenbrae and Mt Barnett are top of our list to tick off

Mitchell Falls Campground. The road is a bit iffy so make sure

this season.

you have your wits about you if you decide to take it on, call into Drysdale Station for an overnighter to refresh on the way.

PURNULULU NATIONAL PARK

EL QUESTRO

Due to open at the end of April, Purnululu National Park is the

Who isn’t excited for ELQ to open? An iconic spot for tourists

ultimate place to spend a long weekend. Drive or fly into the

and locals to venture to El Questro has everything you need

national park, before exploring the majestic beehive domes on

for an ultimate dry season adventure. Take it easy with a stroll foot by day then rest your head under one of the clearest, starry into Zebedee Springs or challenge yourself with a hike into night skies in Australia. Be sure to learn about the local Gija and El Questro Gorge, then top off the day with a burger at The Jaru culture while you’re exploring for a well-rounded trip.

Station before camping under the stars or a night of luxury in an Emma Gorge Tent.

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COUNCIL CONNECT

P

gro y la

und Co m in

g on So

Wat er

SHIRE OF WYNDHAM EAST KIMBERLEY

Community Tree Planting Event The Shire held a community tree planting event last month to beautify the town centre.

Thank you to the parents and kids who joined us in planting native trees on Messmate Way.

The Kununurra splash pad is set to be complete over the next couple of months. The exciting $3.2 million project that has been funded by the State Government will feature several slides, a life size crocodile and other additional water features.

The project was scheduled to be complete late last year, however it has been delayed due to COVID restrictions affecting imports of the slides from Malaysia.

Events Calendar

The Shire has an online event calendar featuring all current events within the region. visit www.swek.wa.gov. au/events for more information.

Upcoming Council Meeting Tuesday 26 April 2022, Kununurra Council Chambers

If you are holding an event and would like it to be featured on the Shire’s website, please email events@swek.wa.gov.au or contact the Events Officer on 08 9168 4100.

T

08 9168 4100

E

mail@swek.wa.gov.au

F

08 9168 1798

W

www.swek.wa.gov.au

Swim for Fruit Program Wyndham kids have been getting active and enjoying part of their daily Go for 2&5 intake in Term One’s Swim for Fruit program.

The program, which is designed to support remote and regional Aboriginal communities in providing preventative measures to disease and drowning, has successfully provided children in Wyndham with a recreational and educational activity to participate in after school. Children regularly attend the Wyndham Memorial Swimming Pool where they immerse in a range of aquatic activities to earn themselves a healthy afternoon tea.

For more information on this program contact the Shire on 08 9168 2120.

@ShireofWyndhamEastKimberley 9

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KNX SUN GUIDE TO

Thompson Springs Are you looking for a secluded escape with Jurassic Park vibes? A peaceful waterhole surrounded by lush greenery and towering ochre-stained gorges? Or a swimming hole that doesn’t require a hour bush bash through spinifex?

Then, my friends, Thompson Springs is for you.

HOW TO GET THERE Not far past the Lake Argyle turn-off and WHAT TO TAKE Since you can park up right near the mere kilometres from the Northern Territory border, you’ll find

waterhole, you don’t need the usual hiking gear. It’s also quite a

the track to Thompsons. Look for a dirt road to the right just

shady spot but don’t forget to slip, slop, slap regardless. Snacks,

before a bridge. It’s a bumpy dirt road that feels like it’s leading

water and whatever other beverages you prefer are always a

to nowhere, but before you know it, you’ll be cruising into the

good idea. Just remember to take only photos and leave only

shady oasis of Thompson Springs.

footprints.

It’s a small place, with room to only fit one or two cars however

WHAT TYPE OF CAR Recommend a 4WD or at least 2WD

for what it lacks in size, it makes up for in serenity. The bottom

with high clearance for ease. It is a bumpy dirt track which can

pool is easily accessible and the refreshing water is a welcome

be quite boggy after rain. Only one or two cars will fit in the

change after the bumpy drive. Float on your back and look up

space near the waterhole so carpool if possible!

to the Livistona palms that sway in the breeze and be amazed by the rocky red gorge that towers over you.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY Easy peasy. The hardest part is climbing up to the top pool

Reaching the top pool requires a quick scramble over rocks but once you get there, enjoy your own private plunge pool.

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KNX SUN RECOMMENDS Head to Thompson Springs for a morning dip and then make your way to Lake Argyle Resort for some lunch!

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What's On In April MARRUGEKU PRESENTS JURRUNGU NGAN-GA

BROWN WATER CLASSIC

[STRAIGHT TALK]

Friday 22nd April 2022

Friday 8th April - Kununurra Picture Gardens

The Wyndham Supermarket Brown Water Classic has been

Marrugeku has been funded by Western Australia’s Department

running since 2012, put together by members of the local St

of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries/Lottery

John WA and Volunteer Fire Emergency Service teams. This

West to tour our acclaimed dance-theatre production Jurrungu

strictly not-for-profit event has donated over $25,000 in cash

Ngan-ga meaning ‘Straight Talk’ in Yawuru language throughout donations and material goods to large charitable organisations the Kimberley (Kununurra, Fitzroy Crossing, Derby), in April

and local community groups. Re-investing any revenue back

2022. This powerful and provocative new work combines

into the local community and the competition itself is the sole

movement, storytelling, and a formidable musical soundscape

purpose moving forward. Each year has seen excellent growth

to interrogate Australia’s shameful fixation with incarceration

and promotion of the event, attracting people from all over the

by connecting the disproportionate rates of Indigenous

state, and some interstate each year, bringing great exposure to

imprisonment to the indefinite detaining of asylum seekers.

the East Kimberley region.

This free community event - Jurrungu Ngan-ga contains depictions of violence, racial abuse and police/border security

WYNDHAM ANZAC DAY

brutality as well as references to self-harm. This performance

Monday 25th April 2022

contains the names of people who have passed away. The

ANZAC dawn service and BBQ breakfast. Begins at 5am, at the

performance also contains partial nudity, low-level strobe light

Bastion (Five Rivers Lookout).

and is recommended for ages 15+

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Kununurra’s Bush Kid Crew A few scraped knees and banged up elbows don’t stop the kids of Kununurra’s Bush Kindy.

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Kununurra Sun Join Lizzie’s Facebook Group ‘Playgroup in the Bush’ for more info on excursions where anyone of any age is welcome to join.

As a kid I was never allowed to watch TV after school. We lived

Lizzie Stanger started the Kununurra Bush Kindergarten in

across the road from a huge park, so afternoons were spent

October 2018 and during the past three years has seen many

playing any type of sport that involved a ball or bat and often

kids and their families come through her ranks.

ended up in some sort of sibling spat and someone running home crying to Mum.

The day I joined them on a walk through Mirima National Park it was a cool 38 degrees. That wasn’t stopping them however as

The TV wasn’t allowed on before school, and the first time it

they raced down one of their favourite paths to show me their

was flicked on for the day was when Dad got home and made

secret den, their rock piles and climbing rocks I assumed only

us watch the ABC news with him at 7pm. The thought of a

goats could get up.

PlayStation was incomprehensible. We’d have to go to our friends house for a playdate and spend the whole two hours

What a fantastic childhood for these kids.

glued to the screen – their Mum even let us have white bread with sprinkles, and red cordial. Life’s luxuries when you’re a kid.

The Bush Kindy is a member of the Nature Alliance Family

You know the saying, ‘You’ll thank me later for this’, well, that

Day Car Service. They are all about believing children learn

was one of Dad’s favourites and now as an adult I get it. We

by playing within the natural environment. Lizzie coordinates

were so lucky to have spent our childhood outdoors. We

her approach to incorporate the natural elements into the kids

grew up in the city but our cousins grew up in the country so

program wherever possible, things like sand and mud, water,

compared to them we weren’t ‘outdoorsy’ but we got enough

stones, rocks, wood and wide open spaces – perfect for the kids

fresh air to keep us going.

of Kununurra really.

We had nothing on the kids of the Kununurra Bush Kindy though, One of the kids’ (and Lizzie’s) favourite activities is lighting fires an outdoor based family daycare service in Kununurra. I recently

– and before you gasp like I did, there is an educated approach

spent an afternoon with Lizzie and her gang of kids and have to

to this and Lizzie can rattle off all the benefits.

say, they are some of the toughest, most resilient kids I’ve ever met. And they taught me a thing or two about the bush.

“It’s a great activity to do with the kids, it teaches them a lot 14

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of skills. They learn how dangerous fires can be, and how close

Lizzie shared a few tips on where to take your kids in Kununurra

they can get to them – which is really important for kids living

these school holidays

in the Kimberley when they’re camping a lot of the time,” Lizzie said.

EMMA GORGE We quite often head out here for a day.

Sometimes we make it all the way to the end, sometimes we

“It also helps to teach them resilience, sometimes it takes

make it only a few hundred metres in. It’s important to be

a while to get a fire started and stoked, so patience is also

flexible and adapt to the kids’ moods so won’t be disappointed

important.”

if you don’t get as far as you’d hoped.

Lizzie believes the Bushy Kindy provides a great foundation for

SWIM BEACH Another popular spot for kids. We head down

young children to ‘learn to learn’.

there and spend hours playing close to the water’s edge. The kids know how deep they can go, while still being safe and it

“Spending time outdoors at an early age supports children

helps build their confidence around water.

to develop resilience and problem-solving skills which is the foundation to being a successful learner. The confidence to

MIRIMA NATIONAL PARK One of the great aspects of getting

try again and the imagination to think of a different way to do

kids out in nature is allowing their imaginations to run wild.

something.

Quite often we don’t take any toys or sports equipment into Mirima with us, the kids go into their own fantasy world and it’s

“I love the freedom of our bush kindy day and the concept of

amazing where their imagination takes them.

a mixed age setting, the younger children look up to our older friends and our older friends take great pride in helping the

LET THEIR IMAGINATIONS RUN WILD Take a ball of string

younger ones.

and scissors into some bush land. Find a quiet spot and some sticks and let the children’s imagination guide you, sometimes

It’s a really happy rhythm. We are like one big family.”

we make boats, planes, cots for dolls, cubby houses or little stick men.

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A T Roo Love Affair MEET MANDY, THE WILDLIFE WARRIOR BEHIND KUNUNURRA’S KANGAROO HAVEN.

You would be mistaken to think that Mandy Watson is referring

“I couldn’t leave that precious little joey there, so I scooped it up

to her children when she talks about her beloved kangaroos.

and took it home with me to look after.

The wildlife warrior and Kangaroo Haven owner can name each Roo in her care.

“That was when it started, and I haven’t stopped since.”

That’s quite a mean feat when you consider most people can’t

Starting in a tiny two-bedroom unit in town where they would

tell the difference between a Euro or Red Roo, let alone be able

often house 20 kangaroos Mandy and her husband Marc have

identify each one by their name.

now moved onto a 10-acre block just outside of Kununurra.

At times there are more than 30 Roos at the Haven and there is

During the last 19 years the Kangaroo Haven has rescued and

a story and personality behind each one.

released more than 784 Roos.

Like Bubblegum Bella, who was rescued on Bella Lane with

But it’s not just Roos Mandy has a soft spot for.

bubblegum stuck to her chin or Tippy, a 15-year-old Euro who is “We have Emus, Sugar Gliders, Wallabies, Wallaroos, Birds of

missing half his tail.

Prey, Snakes and one time I even rescued a baby croc from someone’s swimming pool,” says Mandy.

There is also Lou Lou, a permanent resident of the haven, and clearly one of Mandy’s favourites (although she informs us, like

“It was a fair way from the lake, so I am not sure how it got

any parents, there is no such thing as a ‘favourite child’).

there, but we went over and grabbed the little freshy out of the “I took her all the way to the Bungles to release her on three

pool and released it back down near swim beach,” says Mandy.

separate occasions. Each time we would drop her off, stay for a

Mandy along with her team of 12 volunteers work around the

few hours and then drive off.

clock to keep the animals fed and safe.

“I’m always crying my eyes out when we drive off.

Her day starts around 4am, when she wakes to bottle feed

“This time I’ve looked in the rear vision mirror and she is

the joeys, she then gets outside to feed the rest of the animal

bouncing behind the car wanting to come back with us.

before going to work her full-time job at Kununurra District High School.

That’s what happened each time we tried to release her, so after When there is very young joeys Mandy will take them into school as they need to be feed four times a day.

the third time, I thought well that’s it she’s staying with is.

“You have them for about two years before you release them,

And her day doesn’t stop when she gets home from school.

so you do get a bit attached to them.”

The afternoon consists of feeding, cleaning and checking up on But probably the most important Roo to remember is Midnight,

the animals, which given the small zoo she now has, goes late

the first ever joey Mandy rescued 19 years ago.

into the evenings.

Mandy and her husband Marc were driving home from

Mandy relies solely on donations to keep the Kangaroo Haven

Fitzroy Crossing and hit a red kangaroo on their way back to

and during the dry runs tours for tourists and locals get an up-

Kununurra.

close look at the animals she has dedicated her life to.

“We stopped and got out and discovered the mum that we had

If you would like to support the amazing work Mandy and the

just hit had a little joey,” Mandy says.

Kangaroo Haven does head to their website to find out more: www.kangaroohavenwildliferescue.com.au 17

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Kimberley Creative GREG POSTLE Inspired by a traumatic event from his youth, Greg leaves a little bit of ‘soul’ in each of his paintings. The avid nature lover and artist sat down with Kununurra Sun to share what he loves about Kununurra, and the inspiration behind bringing his subjects to life through his paintings.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN KNX AND WHAT IS THAT

I was 15 and travelled working as jack of all trades but I would

YOU FIND SO SPECIAL ABOUT THE TOWN?

always go back to the farm and create. In my travels I worked as

I first travelled to Kununurra in 1996, and I knew when I first saw

a picture framer for a while and the guy who had the business

the place that I would come back and live here. So, I moved

had an art school. I sat in a couple of his classes and he said ‘oh

here in 2015 for what was meant to be a year. It’s been seven

maybe this is what you should be doing’ from that I pretty well

years and I haven’t left. The Kimberley is just so spectacular. The self taught, sold some pieces and won a competition. That’s bird life is a major draw card. I have been painting the subjects

what kicked it off.

from here for probably 25 years now and in terms of birdlife, it is probably one of the most prolific parts of the country. The

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR UNIQUE STYLE OF

whole vibe of the Kimberley is pretty raw and wild, I still call it

ART?

the ‘Wild West.’ Every time we go somewhere there is always

I would call it hyperrealism, a lot of people look at my work and

something new and exciting happening, there are so many ‘wow think it’s a photo. It goes beyond that, I honestly believe I leave moments’. Exploring the Kimberley is a bit of an addiction for

a bit of soul in every painting I do. It’s probably a bit of a fantasy

me.

idea. I have always liked the idea of bringing the animal out of the canvas and bringing it to life. That is what I strive to do in

WHAT MADE YOU FIRST PICK UP THE PAINTBRUSH?

my paintings – it’s beyond a photograph.

My mum painted as a hobby and she encouraged it, I suppose

There’s a bit of a story behind why I think I paint how I do….

she could see I had some sort of talent. Growing up on a farm

When I was a young boy, growing up on the farm I was always

I never really thought about it as a career. I left the farm when

fascinated by birds. I set up an aviary, it was a fair size one and I

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had six or seven birds that I had collected. I was pretty attached WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE BIRD TO PHOTOGRAPH AND to them and they were my responsibility. We went away one

PAINT?

weekend and I remember the whole time we were away I was

Egrets. I love their elegance, you see all those beautiful whire

a bit troubled about whether I had given them enough water,

Egrets out on the billabongs, they are the most stunning

we came back and I got out of the car and ran straight to the

looking birds and they are great to paint.

aviary. I looked up and couldn’t see anything, they were all dead. Basically I didn’t give them enough water and I had killed them. It was pretty traumatic for me, I have tried to analyse it a

WHICH PHOTO OR PIECE OF WORK ARE YOU MOST

bit. Possibly there is some sociological thing there that maybe

PROUD OF?

now I am trying to resurrect those birds. When people ask me

‘Outer Limits’ it’s a big 2.5m long piece. It’s a galah flying

why I paint birds I always come back to that story.

across a water scene with a lot of fire in the background. It was inspired from a previous trip to the Kimberley. I was out at

CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR PROCESS FROM

Molly Springs with a friend, we went to jump in for a swim and

THE START TO FINISH OF A PIECE?

we saw this smoke coming from the community. This fire came

I go out in the field, that’s my favorite part and watch birds.

right up through the valley and we were running around the

That’s where the ideas start and then I will come back to the

carpark and into the water with trees going up in flames. The

studio, go through some images that I took, it is like a bit of

photos we got from that time were the photos I used to create

a spark sometimes. I will see something and get inspired.

painting. That was a three year painting.

Sometimes I need to go out in the field and grab something, a branch, rock or re-photograph something. From that I will

LOCAL TIP

put together something on the computer then come back and

Go searching for Gouldian Finches, head to the Wyndham

sketch it up and that follows through to the painting process.

Caravan Park or Lake Argyle for a great spot to see them.

If I am really firing it will take me a couple of weeks. That’s a smallish piece. But I‘ve had pieces I’ve spent three years on.

To learn more about Greg Postle and to check out his art head to gregpostle.com

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1

1

4

2

9

9

7

3

1 3

2 4

5 6

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6

ACROSS 4. Oldest operating legal still in WA 5. What month is the Lake Argyle Swim?

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7. Type of tree growing in Kununurra 8. Another name for a saltwater crocodile 9. Kununurra ____ : Name of local swim club

DOWN 1. Restaurant by the water 2. What street will you find Curlew Home Living?

3. Name of river 6. Natural spring not far from town 7. A place to swim and launch boats 20

Kununurra Sun

KUNUNURRA SUN KITCHEN

Wild Rice Haloumi and Stone Fruit Salad With Easter just around the corner, now is the time to start planning your Easter feasters! This refreshing salad is the perfect mix of salty and sweet and an excellent way to use up the last of the seasons stone fruit! We recommend serving immediately before the haloumi turns to rubber.

STEP 1 Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil and add wild

SERVES 6

rice. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the grains are starting to INGREDIENTS:

open. Add the brown rice and cook for a further 10-15 mins until

½ cup wild rice

both rice are tender. Drain and set aside. Alternatively, if you

1 cup brown rice

have a rice cooker, throw all the rice in and let it work its magic!

3 stone fruit of your choice (we went with nectarines) 250g haloumi, thickly sliced

STEP 2 Meanwhile, combine the onion and vinegar in a bowl

Squeeze of honey

and toss to coat. Set aside to pickle. Make the dressing by

200g rocket leaves

simply adding all ingredients to a jar and shake to combine.

1 red onion, thinly sliced ¼ cup apple cider vinegar

STEP 3 Preheat a BBQ or griddle pan over a high heat. Brush

pepitas , toasted slightly

the stone fruit with oil, then cook for 1-2 minutes until charred.

Set aside to cool.

DRESSING ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

STEP 4 Lower the heat on the pan or BBQ and add the haloumi

Juice of 1 lemon

to cook until golden. Before turning the haloumi over, drizzle

1 tbsp dijon mustard

honey over the slices and let them caramelise slightly STEP 5 Drain the vinegar from the onion and then toss onion with rocket and rice. Top with haloumi, stone fruit and sprinkle toasted pepitas. Serve straight away.

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Kununurra Sun

But no - the true grab, which still makes me giddy, was on that fateful Monday morning when I stumbled into a bookstore. I was in a strange sort of purgatory - we had checked out of our airbnb, everyone I was weekending with had started the long haul home, and I hadn’t quite made it to the saltwater to recuperate yet.

Suddenly I was in a heaven of the Kimberley Bookstore variety.

My purchase that day was a book with a cover that jumped out at me as soon as I walked in the door - a mob of red-tailed black cockatoos painted on a bright blue sky. The book - titled Flock, First Nations Stories Then and Now - is a delightful anthology of short stories written and told by First Nations authors from and through a breadth of country, language and generation. The significance of the cover illustration is profound, and summed up beautifully by the editor, Ellen van Neervan, in her introduction to the collection.

The stories dance across original genres - from dystopian Australia to modern dreamtime. You might recognise some of

Between the Lines

the storytellers - female powerhouses Tara June Winch and Melissa Lucashenko are personal favourites - peppered amongst some talented up-and-comers whose names I plan on keeping an eye on. The tales are full of emotional grit and share a strong connection with spirit and country - however, there is plenty of optimism and quick, Black humour amidst the quiet reflection.

BOOK REVIEW - ELIZA PARRY-OKEDEN FLOCK, FIRST NATIONS STORIES THEN AND NOW

A particularly poignant story shares the thoughts of three strangers who find themselves sharing a cell in an unnamed

On a brief trip to Broome for the Cup in 2021, I found myself

town in remote Australia - not dissimilar to our own. Another

hooked on the glorious seaside shanty town.

tells the magic and mystic of a child birthed in a river, surrounded by a strong community, before time and outside

It wasn’t due to the intoxicating celebrations that accompanied

forces tragically break that spell years later.

the Cup; The crowds! Delightful. Familiar faces! Something I hadn’t realised I had missed, but was accustomed to as a

Collections of short stories have recently been my reading

Queenslander. Saltwater! It was the closest I’d felt to home since material of choice; you can finish a couple before bed or on a I’d arrived, despite growing up 500kms from the east coast.

lunch break, which certainly ticks the short-term satisfaction box that we have come to covet. Flock, First Nations Stories

Nor was it thanks to the few extra days I hung around after the

Then and Now is not just satisfying in the short-term though - I

party was over - I spent a full Monday, after my friends had left,

know that these stories and voices will stick with me for a long

lying on Cable Beach. What a life.

time, and I am richer for it.

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Kununurra Sun

Balls 'n' All EKFLThe EKFL is going ahead in 2022, despite being pushed

BASKETBALL The Kununurra Basketball season has ended

back and a couple of team withdrawals. The Waringarri Crows

after another successful year. Deon Cox and the committee

(Training Monday and Wednesday Nights at Town Oval - in

have plans for both a competitive and social competition over

front of the Ord River Sports Club), Kununurra Demons

the 2022-23 season appealing to all players but we will bring

(Training Town Oval Tuesday & Thursday) and Ord River

you more information later in the year

Magpies (Training Ord River Magpies Football Club Tuesday and Thursday) are all participating in the 2022 season so if you’re

ALL ABILITIES SPORT AND RECREATION EKJP’s All Abilities

male or female head down, new players are always welcome.

Sport and Recreation Program is running again in 2022 and is designed to help people who may be facing barriers to

TOUCH FOOTBALL The Kununurra Brumbies touch is

accessing local sport to build confidence and skills to set them

underway again this year with mixed teams playing on Monday

on a path towards long-term sport participation. Be it 1 on 1

Nights over two fields and two time slots.

coaching sessions, a walk through Mirima National Park, one of their regular sporting sessions or a simple introduction to one

NETBALL The season begins on the 28th of April with

of the great local clubs they are there to meet your interests.

registrations closing on the 31st of March. For updates and

Please feel free to contact Tom Davidson (E: tom.davidson@

information, email admin@kununurranetball.com or follow the

ekjp.com.au or M: 0467 900 733) if you or anyone you know are

Kununurra Netball Association Facebook page.

interested.

SOCCER Junior soccer has again bettered its previous season

If you’re a local club who would like to be included in our next

seeing large growth in numbers. The organising committee

edition please reach out to us via kununurrasun@gmail.com -

would like to extend a huge thankyou to all of the volunteer

we want to make sure everyone is represented!

coaches who constantly offer so many kids to run around each Friday afternoon at the Ord River Magpies Football Ground.

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Kununurra Sun

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