Kununurra Sun - August 2022

Kununurra Sun

HELLO

Ahh August, we meet again. If you’re an avid reader of this section, you’re probably thinking to yourself “Gosh, all these girls talk about is how fast the year goes” but it does!

However, being smack bang in the middle of the dry season, time really does feel like it's rocketing by. Between visiting friends and family, dodging the tourist rush in the supermarket and making the most of our weekends as we promised in last month’s edition, it really does feel like we’re grasping for extra minutes in the day.

We must say though, taking the time to collect stories for our August edition has been an utter delight.

You may have noticed our cover photo, featuring some of the fabulous queens from KNQ - Kununurra Pride. One of our sleepy (and slightly hungover if we’re completely honest) Sundays was flipped into a kaleidoscope of colour and sequins for an impromptu photoshoot at Celebrity Tree Park. We not only entertained an entire boat load of Kununurra Cruises guests heading off on their dinner cruise but also managed to finish the photoshoot with no queens being thrown overboard. Shantay you stay!

The photoshoot came from an idea we had after a thoroughly refreshing chat with Adam from KNQ about how the Pride movement began in town. Wanting to create a fun spin on the stereotypical 'blokes fishing trip', we think the KNQ team nailed the brief!

More importantly though, we gained a better understanding of the KNQ community; how having fun is the catalyst for deeper conversations at hand, how shared experiences have brought a collection of humans together and how our little Kimberley town has become a melting pot for the queer community.

Here at KNX Sun Headquarters, we cannot wait for the events of Pride weekend. While we know the Wet Season Dreams Pride Night is going to be an absolute cracker, we are also keen for Drag Story Time, because let's be honest, who doesn't love the soothing voices of a queen reading to you (especially if it's after a big night at Pride Bingo!) We hope to see you all there!

We also caught up with our new pals at Boab Metals to hear all about their exciting projects they are working on in town. In addition to being a major sponsor of the Taste of The Kimberley and Ord Valley Muster, they’re also supporting at a grassroots level with their Teach, Learn, Grow program and opening up a wide range of local jobs when the Sorby Hills Project is underway.

We chatted with Jeanne Barnes about her dazzling artwork, her jewellery designs, how she ended up in Kununurra and why she never wants to leave! The Lake Kununurra Barramundi Stocking Group gave us an insight into how they are transforming Lake Kununurra into ‘barradise’.

Brad from Northwest Finance taught us a thing or two about mortgage-brokering but wouldn’t go as far as sharing his infamous chilli pickled onions recipe and we were taken on a sweetly hilarious adventure of finding Kununurra’s most delicious mango smoothie.

We won’t divulge any further though, you’ll just have a spare a few minutes (or half an hour, we won’t tell!) and read for yourself!

And just remember, if you can’t love yourself, how in hell you gon’ love somebody else!

Ciao!

MIRIWOONG

What's On In August

TASTE OF THE KIMBERLEY - BOAB METALS FEASTIVAL

Friday 12th August - Kununurra Picture Gardens

Taste of The Kimberley opens on Friday 12th August with ‘FEASTival’ at the Kununurra Picture Gardens.

Pull up a seat or throw down a picnic rug as they transform the Picture Gardens into a vibrant, open-air food market!

Complete with live entertainment, a BBQ cooking competition plus pop-up food, drink & produce stalls (dinner and Friday drinks is sorted), there’s something for everyone to tuck into at FEASTival!

For more information, visit: tasteofthekimberley.com.au/ boabmetalsfeastival

TASTE OF THE KIMBERLEY - ORD VALLEY FARM & FOOD TOUR

Saturday 13th August - Meet at Kununurra Visitor Centre

A hosted farm tour will give guests the opportunity to visit the range of farms and talk directly to farmers throughout the valley. This in-depth tour will provide a platform for audiences to learn about the produce of the Ord.

For more info, visit tasteofthekimberley.com.au/ ordvalleyfarmandfoodtour

Kimberley is the Red Range Cattleman’s Dinner - a stunning long table dinner under the Kimberley stars with the acclaimed chef Sophie Budd, showcasing the region's abundant produce and producers.

Sophie Budd’s menu features produce from Kimberley, as well as some of the area’s best-renowned producers discussing the past, present and future of agriculture in the region. Get your tickets here: tasteofthekimberley.com.au/ redrangecattlemansdinner

KUNUNURRA RACING CARNIVAL

Ladies Day - Saturday 20th August

Kununurra Cup - Saturday 27th August

Family Fun Day - Saturday 3rd September

Kununurra Race Club holds the Kununurra Cup Day and Ladies Day in the sunshine of Western Australia’s North in late August each year. Ladies Day Fashions on the Field theme is Derby Black and White. Prizes for Best Dressed Female & Best Millinery

For more information, visit Kununurra Race Club on Facebook

LAKE ARGYLE ADVENTURE RACE

TASTE OF THE KIMBERLEY - RED RANGE CATTLEMAN'S DINNER

Saturday 13th August - Kununurra Picture Gardens

A signature dining experience of the inaugural Taste of The

Saturday 27th August - Lake Argyle Swim, Run, Mountain Bike & Paddle in the Remote East Kimberley. Solo or Relay Teams of two, three, or four. Be part of the adventure in 2022 and register now! Visit: lakeargyleadventurerace.com.au SEE FOR YOURSELF

- ADAM LAURENDI

Queens, Scenes & Wet Season Dreams

KNQ - KUNUNURRA PRIDE

It’s just another Sunday on the Ord River – the air is sweet with unleaded petrol, magpie geese fight for front row seats and swathes of sequins bob gently in a silver tinny amidst the sticks. A molten disco ball flashing purple, blue and silver; the reflection is blinding.

Look a bit closer and you’ll see that the sparkling blob is distinctly human – loose limbs are flying about at all angles, hair in saccharine shades is flicked off bare shoulders into the Kimberley Breeze and laughter drifts off the water. Ah, the serenity.

A red tricorn comes unstuck and all hell breaks loose – three sets of sequins lunge towards the water and the tinny slips precariously from side to side, before a quick hand snaps up the sodden hat.

Amidst the commotion, a rainbow flag flaps in the breeze

Adam Laurendi has been in Kununurra for just over four years. He tells us this over a coffee in town, with a wide smile, and a voice that oozes energy and a bit of wonder that it’s been that long. A small black hoop dangles wildy in Adam’s left earlobe, the one closest to me – it looks like it’s about to fly away at any minute. It’s quite distracting, but his gesticulation quickly pulls me back into the yarn.

He has the air of a rogue pirate; fitting given that the head that lost the hat mentioned earlier, was his. Beneath the

vibrant shell, there’s a serene confidence. A confidence that you know, from his manner and his words, has been hard won and is well deserved.

Truly iconic stuff.

His Kununurra origin story begins innocently enough; after travelling up from Perth in a Ford Focus through treacherous Broome floodwaters in 2018, he anticipated a three month stint in town for a spot of work and travel. He’s been here ever since. He credits his extended stay,

Kununurra Sun

credits his extended stay, in what he calls a cool little nexus point to explore the Kimberley and surrounds, to a number of things: nature, a really good group of friends and a couple of side-hustles including a candle business called Mad Mantra and a self-proclaimed doggy day-care in his backyard. He’s stoked that there’s a marathon next weekend, and laughs when he adds that there’s no disclaimer that you might die.

You can tell he’s fun at parties.

So, when he adds that he moonlights as a DJ at Sporties, with a penchant for disco no less, it’s not a surprise.

Adam started toying with DJ decks at house parties when he lived in Perth. Things kicked off, however, when he started doing paid gigs at Sporties in 2019 as DJ Ordy Spice – rousing the crowd with decade-themed disco nights. “I’ve just been obsessed with disco for a while now,” he says, “it has its roots in the LGBTIQA+ community – I like to honour that in music.”

Then the pandemic hit and, unlike pretty much anything else that comes to mind, Sporties took off. Suddenly, Sporties was the place to be on a Friday and Saturday night; while punters were pouring in, and a blue laminated Sporties membership was the hottest ticket in town, Adam was scaling back his DJ sets.

“I just didn’t have the confidence that a lot of the other DJs and performers did to entertain such a mass crowd, and such a broad demographic as well,” he says, “so I kind of pared back on what I was doing.”

“I guess I just kind of like the underground scene.”

That’s not the end of the story though, and like all good ones, the plot doth thicken… those underground DJ nights and dress up parties at Sporties had planted the seeds for something bigger and better. The idea of having a Pride night of local performers was gathering momentum, and the group were keen to utilise the space they’d created, and hone in on the energy that was being generated by the Ordy nights.

The idea for a KNQ Kununurra Pride event was born.

The inaugural Kununurra Pride Night happened in 2019, thanks to sheer will and good connections. It all started with Sarah, the local vet in town, who had a Telstra rep named Ricky in Darwin. Ricky just happened to be Ferocia Coutura, a drag queen in the same drag clan as KNQ Pride favourite Vogue MegaQueen and who made the introductions between the two. Add in Sunting Wong Hancock Porteous, a contact from regular trips to Broome Pride, and the stars and history were aligning. “It all kind of came together quite naturally –we’re all from such different backgrounds and all have such

different histories of queerness.” Aside from the fruitious networking, the cohesion and unofficialness of the organising members seems to be the glue that holds the wigs in place. “We’ve never really had someone come in and take the reins… we just kind of take it in turns at filling in the gaps – it’s quite organic,” he says. “Every year we’ve been like, ‘Should we have a committee?’ and we’re like ‘Oh, next year.’ We don’t have our shit together yet.”

Which brings me to ask, what does keep the group on track and working so well together? Is there a common goal? “I think the main thing is that, yeah, it is fun,” he says; but after a bit of thought, a deeper one emerges. “The origins of us coming together essentially, when you pare it back, would be suicide prevention.”

“Think about the suicide rates in the Kimberly… if there is an opportunity for people who are questioning, or are queer and are finding it difficult to come out, then at least there is some kind of a community that people can reach out to.”

While mental health is, thankfully, featuring more frequently in the discourse around isolated communities and living remotely, it’s so refreshing to hear the message with an effervescent spin. “It’s pretty amazing in the Kimberley - we’ve got Anglicare and Boab Health and they both offer free counselling, which is just unheard of really anywhere in the world.” Along with traditional resources and professional support services, KNQ are helping carve out alternate routes to self-care and acceptence through community. “A lot of us are working in a mental health sphere, or maybe some have a lived experience and understand how difficult it can be to be queer in the Kimberley or living remote just in general.”

“But also, it’s just so fun – it’s so fun to get dressed up and do a little dance.”

It seems like a no-brainer – surely a group with a mutual appreciation for jubilation and celebration, that was built on shared journeys and overcoming very different experiences, is a community that the majority want to be a part of. Unfortunately though, and perhaps unsurprisingly, the group have faced some negativity along the way, and Adam recalls it being particularly directed at the KNQ Pride event Drag StoryTime. The grievances were along the lines of ‘adult entertainers are not for children’, which is reductive of the intent and ignorant of the point. However, these are common misconceptions when it comes to the Pride movement - Drag in particular - and it fuels the group to keep active.

“Older generations are sometimes not really up to date with the knowledge base that younger generations have. It's just a case of making sure that people have the right education and that it’s offered in the right way. Hopefully that comes across in what we’re doing as well.”

So for those on the fringes, how do you ensure that you educate positively and are open to an education in return? Adam reckons that immersion is the best tool. “Exposure and education are key goals – if you’re exposed, you’ve got an awareness of the diversity around you and you’re going to be so comfortable around anyone who would be considered different,” he says.

“There are still questions that some people might have, and I think that it's only a good thing if people are around it and see the safety and fun of it as well.”

The road to being a good ally can seem fraught with political nuance and plenty of room for problematic fauxpas, however Adam assures us not to worry. “We’re naturally going to make mistakes if there's something that we’re not really sure of, that we haven't been exposed to, or that we haven’t had an opportunity to be aware of… so I guess ask questions!”

“A lot of people are comfortable with sharing their lived experiences and that's part of their story and their

narrative.” There’s plenty of room for your own research too – “If people aren’t quite ready to answer those questions on behalf of the community, there are so many resources - I've looked at the HeadSpace website recently and it’s got some really cool information about how to be an ally and a little bit about gender diversity and sexuality identity.”

Hearing Adam wax lyrical makes one consider their notion of fluidity; not necessarily confined to gender or sexual orientation, but in lifestyle and worldviews. How fulfilling that Kununurra allows one to build their own community of like minded people who are willing to share this with others.

“The information is out there. If there's anyone that you know in your network, you can always take them out to breaky, have a cuppa and ask them questions. It's fascinating! People like to talk about this,” Adam checks himself, before adding, “Well, I like to talk about this, I could talk forever about this subject.”

It makes sense then, that a point of pride for Adam personally is opening up a somewhat niche event to the

broader Kununurra Community. Aside from having Drag Storytime – “huge,” he declares – he reflects on his biggest highlight, which is “turning it into a more of a community event. I get a lot of energy from the discussions that are generated around what we’re doing outside of the party weekend.”

“We just want to make it more sustainable throughout the year, and not just the party weekend. We want to promote wellbeing and wellness. That’s been the best thing, seeing it grow from just an Ordy Spice DJ night with other amazing performers on the night, to something that’s a year long calendar event with events throughout the year.”

The team are open to volunteers over the Pride weekend –they say that they can and will find a use for any skills and talent that come their way, whether it be someone with a drill to to help set up, a donation of a prize (a box of sex toys donated by a local business last year gets a special mention) or constructive feedback from attendees. And they are always looking for local talent to perform on the night.

“We’re open to performers - if anyone wants to perform, absolutely showcase it.”

We ask Adam to expound on ‘performers’ – “A-ny-thing,” he stresses each syllable, “capital A, anything. It’s just all about showcasing local talent.”

This whole-hearted inclusivity helps me to believe that there’s a place here for everyone. Maybe a small town like Kununurra is a prime melting pot for Pride; surely this hippy town on Kimberley Time that is mostly appreciative of quirks and celebrates idiosyncrasies is the perfect storm for creating a strong Queer community and supportive allies.

Most of all, it feels good to stand back and remember that it’s fun to have fun.

P R I D E W E E K E N D

FRIDAY 26TH AUGUST

Drag Bingo

Out-of-town Queens, Vogue MegaQueen and Sunting Wong Hancock Porteus, will host Drag Bingo at Sporties, along with a performance by local Queen Lady Fourex. Tickets are on sale now. The KNQ crew are also on the lookout for prizes – get in touch with them via the KNQ Facebook page if you would like to be involved.

SATURDAY 27TH AUGUST

Drag Storytime

A fun family event hosted by Vogue MegaQueen at the Kununurra Community Library. Entry is free and anyone can rock up on the day.

KNQ Pride Night, Wet Season Dreams Doors to Sporties open at 6pm for family night. From 8pm onwards it’s adults only, so you can expect things to get saucy. Tickets will be sold for $10 upon entry, and it’s first in best dressed on the night so get in quick!

KNQ SUNDOWNERS

If you'd like to be involved with KNQ outside of the Pride event, consider checking out their monthly Sundowners held at Sporties on the first Thursday of every month. The casual drinks are a great way to meet new people, give your two cents worth on events, and have a yarn with the KNQ team.

“It’s an opportunity for anyone who’s new to Kununurra to know that there’s a community here, and that they can get involved,” says Adam. “We often do talk about Pride events that are coming up, and that might generate some discussion and spike the interest of someone wanting to join the broader committee.”

Keep up to date with KNQ Sundowners, and other KNQ news, by following the KNQ - Kununurra Pride page on Facebook

Images: KNQ

Boab Metals Limited

Kununurra Sun is pleased to introduce a new supporter , who has been in town for awhile, but we’re just getting acquainted!

Like many of you, we’ve heard of Boab Metals, in particular with their involvement of the Ord Valley Muster but to be honest other than hearing the name we’ve never ironed out the details of what they actually do in town.

But after some great meetings with Simon Noon (Managing Director/CEO) and Brad Goodlet (Community Relations Manager), and further education on what they are actually doing in town, we’re excited to be able to share some of the great initiatives they are supporting as well as finding out more about their Sorby Hills Project.

So here’s some fast facts for you:

• Boab Metals Limited (ASX:BML) who were previously known as Pacifico Minerals Limited, listed on the ASX in July 2004.

• Pacifico Minerals acquired the Sorby Hills Project on 10 October, 2018.

• Following acquisition of the Sorby Hills Project and to recognise local focus and profile, the company changed its name to Boab Metals Limited in December 2020.

Hills

Sorby Hills is situated on the traditional lands of the Miriuwung and Gajerrong people, located approximately 50km north-east of Kununurra and three kilometres from the Western Australian and Northern Territory border. The area has one of Australia’s largest undeveloped, near-surface silver-lead deposits.

The Project, which has an expected mine life of around 10 years is currently in its “Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) phase with the plan to start initial works in 2023, ramp up the construction side of things in 2023-24 and start processing in 2024. This is expected to create around 160 jobs,with a focus on local employment. When in operation, ore will be processed at the mine for transport in sealed containers to the port of Wyndham for shipping.

Boab Metals also want to offer opportunities for site-based training and are exploring worker accommodation options within or, closer to Kununurra.They are also committed

‘What is the Sorby

Project’ You are probably asking yourself? Good question!

Images: Boab Metals

to local procurement and contracting, by encouraging tenderers to identify their intentions to engage with local businesses for supply of goods and services.

So, now that the nitty gritty is out of the way, here’s the stuff we love to talk about - the contributions that Boab Metals are making to the East Kimberley

And we’re a first-hand example of how Boab don’t just talk the talk, they walk the walk. From our initial conversations seeking support to get this magazine up and running we have seen the genuine interest to ensure that support being offered is of benefit to the whole community.

As well as their support of Kununurra Sun, they are a principal partner of the Ord Valley Muster in 2023 and are sponsoring the FEASTival event at the Kununurra Picture Gardens as part of Taste of the Kimberley (see www. tasteofthekimberley.com.au) on Friday 12 August. Boab Metals are also sponsors of Teach, Learn, Grow (TLG) to deliver their education enrichment and engagement program at Wyndham District High School.

And, just like Boab Metals wanted to ensure that their sponsorship is used in the right way, Kununurra Sun wanted to ensure we are partnering with businesses that are genuinely doing the right thing in town. We are big believers in this.

The reason we agreed to partner with Boab Metals is because of their commitment to being an economically, environmentally and socially sustainable and responsible company. They seek to be open and inclusive in how they engage with the community and make a positive contribution to the regional economy.

Importantly, they’re very committed to developing culturally respectful and mutually beneficial partnerships with Miriwiung and Gajerrong Traditional Owners.

Boab Metals are hosting a Business After Hours Event for members of the East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EKCCI) on Wednesday 11th August at the Phoenix Plaza from 5.00 – 7.00 pm. They are also planning to meet with other groups around town to share information about the Sorby Hills Project.

If you want to know more about Boab Metals, check out their website www.boabmetals.com

Join us for Clean Up AustraliaKununurra (12 August)

Council connect

We’re back with ‘Beats on the Streets’ this year with a florescent theme.

Last year, the Shire had over 20 volunteers help clean up several locations in Kununurra and collected over 30 bags of rubbish.

This year we would like to do it all again and we need you to help! Volunteers will meet at celebrity tree park at 8am on Friday 12 August where you will be split into teams, given a debrief and equipment and head to different locations to collect rubbish.

Once your team is finished at your location you bring all the rubbish back to celebrity tree park for disposal and you can enjoy a sausage sizzle as a thank you!

If you would like to register to be on a team please email the grants and events officer at events@swek.wa.gov.au

Upcoming Council Meeting

Tuesday 24 August 2022 Wyndham Council Chambers

Dust off those dancing shoes and dress in your brightest and best to impress. The first ‘BOTS’ will take place in Wyndham on Wednesday 10 August, followed by Kununurra on Tuesday 23 August.

Community Grants application now open

The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley is committed to supporting local groups and clubs that align with the Shire’s Strategic Community Plan. This year, the Shire has committed to $350,000 for the Community Grants Program.

If your community group or club is interested in applying for a grant, please contact the Community Grants And Events Officer on 08 9168 4100 or by email at events@swek.wa.gov.au with an outline of your project and an application form will then be sent to you.

SPLASH PARK Kununurra

Brad Callanan Northwest Finance

After returning from a working holiday in Canada in 2008, Brad Callanan decided he was looking for ‘somewhere warm’ to call home. He picked Kununurra, and has well and truly settled into life here, with his goal to now help others create the lives they dream of.

Brad wears many hats around town, you might have seen him umpiring local footy games, out fishing and exploring on his boat, or know of his ‘famous’ chilli pickled onions from the Kununurra Ag Show.

There are many stories we could delve into with Brad, be it his love for cricket, his passion for baking (and the many mishaps along the way) or all the fruit and vegetables he and his partner Donna cultivate on their property just out of town, so many stories won't fit into so few words.

Instead, we are going to focus on Brad’s latest venture as a Mortgage Broker with Northwest Finance, and how with his brain power, you could find yourself supported into a stronger financial position, ready to buy your first property or expand your investment.

Brad has called Kununurra home since 2008, but his love

affair with the region started long before that. His parents worked at the Wyndham Meatworks in the 70’s and 80’s and Brad said they always spoke fondly of the region.

This was one of the catalysts that helped him make the decision to move 'home' to Kununurra.

“Kununurra is a great place to call home, I love heading up the coast in the boat, heading out fishing and exploring out there is unreal,” Brad said.

“The town seems to attract and retain quality individuals that stay long term. They go a long way to making the place a great place to live.”

An air-conditioning and refrigeration mechanic by trade, Brad had been living and working in town for four years before he started studying to become a mortgage broker.

He said he saw a need for better financial services locally which sparked his passion to give others the same lifestyle opportunities.

“I used a broker to help buy my first house in Perth and the process was easy,” Brad said

“When I purchased a place in Kununurra, going to the bank directly was a nightmare, that highlighted a gap in the market to me.”

For those of you, who like me, are not super financially savvy and numbers and percentages make your brain explode, you'll agree Brad is a local godsend.

Basically, it’s you saying ‘please help me find the best deal, for my needs’, and Brad does all the confusing, heavy lifting to come back to you with recommendations.

This takes a lot of stress and uncertainty out of the process so you can focus on all the fun things about buying a house.

“I do all the legwork,” Brad says.

“Being able to meet with clients face-to-face at a time that suits them helps make the process easier.

“There’s a lot of unique employment and business situations in Kununurra with regional allowances, seasonal business cash flow, overtime and casual employment.

“I’ve got an extensive panel of lenders made up of the big four banks, smaller regional banks and credit unions who all have different policies that help get these scenarios approved.

“Best of all the service is free.”

So, while Brad isn’t in the kitchen whipping up his awardwinning chilli pickled onions or umpiring an EKFL game, he’s working hard to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

And while many say a ‘job is just a job’ this isn’t the case for Brad. He gets a real kick out of seeing people chase and achieve their home-ownership dreams.

“It’s a very rewarding role. Working with clients from the start of the journey and seeing them achieve their goals is a big part of why I do it,” Brad said.

BRAD’S ADVICE FOR FIRST HOME BUYERS

Call me! There’s lots of things you can do to get yourself in the box seat for an easy approval as a first home buyer.

Deposit – This is probably the hardest part, trying to save a deposit for a home while paying high rent and dealing with the rising cost of living requires a fair bit of sacrifice and discipline but it is a good lesson in keeping your budget tight and hitting a financial goal. Deposits can also come from gifted funds, from a guarantor loan using your parents’ home as partial security.

Servicing – This is the calculation the bank will make to determine if you can afford the loan. Reducing credit card limits, paying off personal loans / car loans / HECs debts are some simple ways to improve your borrowing capacity. Choosing a bank that maximises your income is another way – If your pay is made up of regional allowances / overtime or bonuses some banks will only allow a certain portion of these as acceptable income while others will allow 100%.

Like we said before, Brad is there to help with friendly, tailored advice every step of the way.

Get in touch with Brad via bradley@nwfinance.com. au or 0429 449 935

MangOdyssey

THE QUEST TO FIND KUNUNURRA'S BEST MOST DELICIOUS MANGO SMOOTHIE

This month, I wanted to discuss something of importance that affects the lives of all Kununurrarians, and passers through, in equal measure. Something that could unite and divide; cause jubilation and debate.

And that, my friends, is the humble mango smoothie.

Mango smoothies are part of the local constitution, and I think they deserve their time in the spotlight - brave! some might say, daring! you may be thinking. I also forgot that the whole concept of this magazine is that it’s monthly so when I decided upon this challenge, I had approximately five days to complete the task. So, underestimated the challenge! was more to the point.

As a strict devotee to soy milk, this was, in hindsight, not wise… however I did what any person would do in the face of scientific research for the greater good; I forged on blindly ahead, with determination and guts of steel! Luckily, the determination lasted.

Join me on a mango-fueled adventure through space (plenty) and time (not enough).

WILD MANGO

First cab off the rank, mostly due to proximity to my place of work, and I was feeling optimistic; buoyant even. I was also feeling a bit guilty - I try to keep smoothies out of midweek lunch territory as I'm notoriously shit at keeping boundaries. I bought a kid's size, which was admittedly a bad sign so early on in the piece – I had not yet reached the peak of the mango glut and was about thirty kilos of the golden fruit lighter. A tradie in hi-vis and shorts that said Tradie on the bum bought a mango smoothie in line before me, and after I placed my order we shared a knowing smile. It was serendipitous, baby. I was off to a great start.

The smoothie itself had exactly three ingredients according to the menu board - mango, mango sorbet and milk. The mango sorbet was very evident, the mango not so much. While delicious and refreshing, it was missing a certain something that I couldn't quite put my finger on in these early stages of the experiment. Still, the drink was cold, refreshing and delicious, what more could you want?

IVANHOE CAFE

Firstly, there is something intrinsically good about ordering a mango smoothie, surrounded by mango trees. It's like going to get your haircut and the hairdresser has snazzy hair that you wouldn’t mind yourself. It just feels right.

I bought a small sized mango smoothie for seven bucks and, as there were no ingredients listed on the menu, I asked what the smoothie contained. The goodies rattled off went something like mango, ice, yoghurt and some other stuff that I forget. But that’s not important, because nothing else matters! The yoghurt absolutely blew this out of the park. Delicious! A true star of the dish. It was like a Weiss bar had sex with Natural Yoghurt, which is off-putting in the extreme, but you must trust me. I also bought the most effing delicious chocolate biscuit to accompany my smoothie – I could fill at least another page talking about it, but it’s the mango smoothie’s moment so I digress.

KIMBERLEY CAFE

I must say, I spend a bit of time at this café, however this was my first go at their milkshakes. A milky little number that was definitely high on the milk, low on the shake in comparison to others. Admittedly I was warned, as the menu says that all smoothies are mixed with milk. I felt that this too was missing a certain something - a special quality that would set it apart from the pack. The mango smoothie market in Kununurra is as saturated as they come; only the best can truly stand apart from the rest.

This sombre mood could also have had something to do with my aforementioned aversion to milk of the cow kind, which had me thinking, not for the first time on this journey, that maybe I was not the best person for this job. Literally anyone would have told me that. Still, I had gone too far to turn back now. Luckily they make great coffee!

SPILLED THE BEANS

I had two attempts at trying out these guys, mostly due to the fact that I can't read perfectly clear opening times. This mob definitely cater to the morning crowd and they generally close at 11am – a trap for young players. This contender came highly recommended due to the dairy-free-factor, quite coveted in this day and age, and especially welcome as it was my second smoothie that day. I must say – the dairy free drawcard is a bloody good one. This was delicious!

This smoothie had me feeling instantly rejuvenated and coconutty – probably an emphasis on the ‘nutty’. My parents had a dog when I was a kid; an English Bull-Terrier named Humbert. Humbert had eczema that would miraculously vanish during summer, thanks to a diet of rotten mangoes that would fall from our tree… I felt like Humbert in that moment – refreshed and GLOWING, baby. I’d also hesitate to take skincare advice from a dog, but if the Kardashians can do it, it’s anyone’s game I suppose.

WHITEGUM PARK MARKETS

I’ve had a few of these during my time in Kununurra - often with a tongue that feels like I've just peeled it off the gravel in the Sporties carpark. I approached this one, as I usually do when I make a market appearance, a little bit dusty. Hallelujah! This was a shining beacon at the end of my journey; a vessel full to the brim of pure, unadulterated mango. The last, glittering feather in my proverbial mango smoothie cap.

This also signalled my full and final descent into mango madness… it’s quite nice here actually!

artlandish.com | 10 Papuana St, Kununurra | Monday to Friday 9am – 4pm, Saturday 9am – 12pm, Closed Sundays

Jeanne Barnes

KIMBERLEY CREATIVE

Born in South Africa, Jeanne Barnes always knew her life would be filled with creating beautiful things. From studying fine art in Johannesburg to a jewellery apprenticeship, Jeanne eventually found herself in Kununurra, first as a jewellery designer and store manager, to having her art represented by Artopia Gallery. Jeanne's unique style incorporates rough diamonds, gold leaf and ochre, a visually exciting combination to view.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY TO BECOMING AN ARTIST?

Ever since I was a small child, I knew that I was going to follow a path of creativity in some form which would lead me into an arts career. I was constantly drawing, painting and designing things. My parents were worried about my ambitions to follow a creative path, because they were afraid I’d be a ‘poor starving artist’, and although they encouraged me to paint, they initially discouraged me to follow art as a career. That just made me even more determined, and long story short, I convinced them to let me audition for the National School of the Arts in Johannesburg, South Africa where I was accepted into the art program. I loved every minute of it! I was able to do four art subjects and three academic subjects.

After school, there was no stopping me and I even managed to twist my parents arms to support me to study fine art at Tshwane University of Technology, with painting as my major and jewellery as one of my subjects. Jewellery making really excited me, the manufacturing process and the design part. There’s something special about melting gold, watching it swirl around the crucible in its molten state, and then casting, rolling, hammering and forming it into a wearable piece of art.

After my studies, to my parent’s great relief, I accepted a jewellery apprenticeship, qualified, and went on to establish a jewellery manufacturing business together with my husband Nat. I was in the jewellery business for almost 25 years, first

in South Africa then in Australia. I was very fortunate to be sponsored by Nina’s Jewellery to come over to Australia in 2008. I will forever be grateful to them. I worked for the company for eight years as a designer and Kununurra Store Manager. At that point, painting was just something I did on the side, between working and raising our two girls. .

In 2009, Nadeen Lovell of Lovell Gallery (now Artopia Gallery) gave me an opportunity for my first exhibition and went on to represent me on a permanent basis. When Cally Bugg took over the gallery and renamed it Artopia Gallery, she continued to display my work and has sold my paintings to art lovers and collectors from all over Australia and the world.

Having one’s own style is really important for an artist, and for a very long time I knew I didn’t have that X-factor which set me apart from other artists, but craved to be different. My paintings, although very competent on a technical point of view, weren’t anything special, but I kept on trying new things and experimenting. Then, in about 2015, my years of experimentation paid off. I finally developed a style which was mine, and everything changed! It went so well that in 2016 I took a huge risk, left the jewellery business and embarked on a full-time art career and I haven’t looked back! I love every aspect of my job, and I can’t wait to get into the studio every day. How lucky am I?

YOU MENTIONED YOU WERE ALSO A JEWELLER, WHAT SKILLS DO YOU SEE THAT OVERLAP JEWELLERY DESIGNING AND PAINTING?

My jewellery career trained me to develop an eye for precision and for translating 2D sketches into three-dimensional forms, and now I do the exact opposite! I translate three-dimensional forms onto a two-dimensional surface!

YOUR PIECES HAVE ROUGH DIAMONDS AND FLECKS OF GOLD IN THEM, WHERE DID YOU FIND THE INSPIRATION FOR THAT?

One day I was working on an artwork where I was painting rough diamonds onto the canvas, when I suddenly had a brainwave. Why not incorporate REAL rough diamonds onto the painting? I Googled and couldn’t find any other artists who did that, so that was quite exciting! Gustav Klimt, one of my favourite artists, used gold leaf in his paintings and his work inspired me to experiment with developing my own signature style of applying gold leaf. I suppose I couldn’t bear not to be surrounded by sparkly things!

TELL US ABOUT YOUR MOVE FROM SOUTH AFRICA TO AUSTRALIA - KUNUNURRA WASN'T YOUR FIRST CHOICE WAS IT?

I was fortunate to be sponsored by Nina’s Jewellery to come to Australia. Nat, my husband, and I lived and worked in Dunsborough for 6 months before the opportunity for the role as store manager at Nina’s Kununurra came up in 2008, which I jumped at, and fell totally in love with the Kimberley. Nat started work at Argyle Diamond Mine shortly after so it all fell into place for us.

AND NOW YOU HAVE FALLEN IN LOVE WITH KUNUNURRA?

Absolutely! Even after 15 years, my heart home is still the Kimberley.

YOU MENTIONED YOU TRIED TO LEAVE LAST YEAR, BUT THE MOVE WASN'T TOO SUCCESSFUL, AS YOU ARE BACK HERE AGAIN! WHAT IS IT ABOUT KUNUNURRA

THAT DREW YOU BACK?

Yes, hubby didn’t enjoy his new role in Karratha, and I didn’t feel quite at home there either.

I love the fact that one doesn’t have to go far in order to experience the natural beauty of this place. The Ord River, the gorges, Boab trees and rock formations continue to be a source of inspiration for my work. Bird photography is a hobby of mine, and the bird life here is prolific and diverse. We are very lucky to have so many stunning feathered creatures on our doorstep. My youngest daughter still lives here too.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE PIECE THAT YOU HAVE PAINTED?

I recently painted a set of three abstract paintings in watercolour, embellished with metal leaf and rough diamonds, inspired by patterns in rocks from Broome and Cape Dommett. I had a bit of trouble parting with them! Two portraits in particular also come to mind, one of the Hoochery’s founder Spike Dessert, which is on display in the Hoochery, and my portrait of fellow artist, Hughie Ahwon.

WHERE DO YOU GO TO FOR INSPIRATION?

Out bush in the magnificent Kimberley. If I’m feeling a bit uninspired, I find a big Boab tree, sit under it and just be, or I might sketch and take photographs. People inspire me, I particularly love painting people with interesting faces, with histories and lines which tell a story about their lives.

YOU ALSO RUN PAINTING WORKSHOPS, CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THOSE?

I offer mostly watercolour workshops, depending on how busy I am between painting for Artopia Gallery in Kununurra and Black Stump Gallery in Broome. I cater for beginners through to intermediate students, and focus on outdoor workshops in the cooler months, and indoor workshops in the wet season. I cover a variety of subjects, from florals to pets to sunsets and Kimberley scenes.

Find Jeanne's stunning works of art on Instagram @jeanne_ barnes_artist or displayed at Artopia Gallery.

Lake Kununurra Barramundi Stocking Group

HELPING CREATE 'BARRADISE' IN KUNUNURRA

Did you know Lake Kununurra is home to a world-class sport fishery where anglers regularly catch metre-plus, rod-wrenching barramundi?

Thanks to the efforts of the Lake Kununurra Barramundi Stocking Group volunteers, North Regional TAFE’s aquaculture hatchery, Recfishwest and the State Government in delivering a barramundi stocking program that has transformed the lake into ‘barradise’ for local and visiting anglers alike.

Lake Kununurra Barramundi Stocking Group President Dylan Hearty talked to the Sun about the program and fishing on the lake.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT THE GROUP

The group was set up in 2016 to help drive the stocking program that has seen 1.3 million juvenile barra released into the lake over the last decade. It’s helped transform the lake into a seriously good barra fishery bringing in tourists and providing a great economic boost to the community. Being able to come to Kununurra, catch these sensational fish in a safe, accessible and stunning iconic Kimberley setting is a real drawcard.

Once its full potential is realised, economic benefits modelling estimates a regional economic impact of more than $9 million annually. That’s obviously huge for our community – but probably even better for those of us who love to fish – we have this fantastic fishery right here on our doorstep – and it’s not just barra either, there’s great fun to be had on the lake chasing fish like sooty grunter, catfish and tasty redclaw.

Some great Kununurra current and former residents have played a huge part in the group’s activities over the years and should be acknowledged for their great efforts – people like Dick Pasfield and Matt Cox deserve a notable mention.

HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FISHING IN THE LAKE?

Thanks to Government funding, and working with Recfishwest, we’ve created lakekununurrabarramundi.com.au that has some great fishing tips on it. If you’re really keen, consider joining the stocking group. We’re not a fishing club as such, but we’re all passionate about fishing and have some good know-how about fishing the lake, which we’re happy to share with other group members.

WHAT DO YOU DO AND WHY DO YOU DO IT?

It’s rewarding and great fun – seeing the smiles on the mums’, dads’ and kids’ faces at last year’s community fish release that saw us hit the million barra-released mark – was simply priceless. Catching broodstock fish for the stocking program is great fun and you also feel like you’re giving something back. With everything we do there’s a shared purpose. We’re helping create something really special – a sustainable, world-class sport fishery in Kununurra for generations to come.

WHAT DO I NEED TO GET INVOLVED?

All you really need is an interest in fishing and/or fish and a willingness to give up a bit of your time. Jump on the group’s Facebook page or website to find out more – and if you’re interested drop us a line at kununurra.barramundi@gmail.com

Have Your Say in Our Health Service

Do you have an interest in health and looking to make a positive contribution to the community? Why not join the District Health Advisory Council (DHAC) as a Community Member?

As a DHAC Community Member, you will have the opportunity to talk to local consumers, carers, community members and groups to discover what health issues and services are important to them. You’ll represent these views and opinions to the local health service, Region, WACHS Executive and Board. You will have the chance to inform local health service planning and strategic directions from the consumer and community perspective, as well as offer creative ideas for improving community health with a focus of service, safety, quality, access and health gain. From there you will share information and comment on health issues and services with consumers and the community.

Applying is easy and everyone is welcome to join! Just complete the Consumer/Community Member Application Form on the WA Country Health website: wacountry.health.wa.gov.au

There are also several training options available to support you in your DHAC role and can be modified to suit your needs. It’s never been easier to get involved with our local health service.

If you’re unsure about becoming a member, local DHAC committee member Lesley James is more than happy to talk you through the voluntary role and how to apply. Lesley can be contacted via email: hljames@bigpond.com

Who You Gonna Call ... Kimberley Toadbusters !

The wet season brings many delights such as epic thunderstorms, plunging waterfalls and a plethora of secret waterholes to explore. It also brings out masses of the grumpy looking, warty and downright-pain-in-the-butt cane toads. While most of us shudder at the thought of cane toads, there is a Kununurra-based volunteer organisation who have banded together to declare war on these pesky amphibians and fight for a cane-toad free Kimberley region.

In 2005, Lee Scott-Virtue and Dean Goodgame realised that when cane toads arrived in Kakadu National Park in 2003, it was only a matter of time before they hopped their way into the Kimberley. Together they formed the Kimberley Toad Busters, a volunteer based organisation to protect the biodiversity and natural habitats of the Kimberley from cane toads.

Since then, their toad-busting work has gone beyond catching toads to providing scientific research about cane toads, fostering public awareness about the risk of cane toads to the environmental, social and economic values of the Kimberley and creating educational programs that have now been added to the WA Education Department curriculum. The work of the Toad Busters is seriously impressive, with over 6 million cane toads taken out of the environment in the NT and Kimberley since the organisation began.

Recently, the Toad Busters collected and froze over 500 toads

from around Kununurra and Purnululu National Park that were shipped to Massay University in New Zealand. The university has found great use for the toads, using them for dissective purposes for students instead of endangered their native frogs. With no shortage of cane toads around, they are the ideal replacement for the humble frog.

They also run toad busts and environmental programs with Rustic Pathways, who bring children from all around the world to areas like Kununurra for hands-on, environmental experiences. These programs are a fantastic way to educate the younger generations about the significant impact cane toads and other pests have on our fragile environment.

If you would like to learn more about the Kimberley Toad Busters, or even become a Toad Buster yourself, visit their website: canetoads.com.au or follow them on Facebook.

Image: Emily McDonald

Between T he Lines

In lieu of a single book review this month, we’ve cast our net and continued with the Pride themes of education, exposure and good ol’ fashioned entertainment. Here is a collection of literature, telly and film that covers diversity, supports positive representation of the queer community, and most importantly, comes highly recommended from our friends at KNQ - Kununurra Pride.

SIMON VS. THE HOMO SAPIENS AGENDA BECKY ALVERTALLI

“Sixteen-year-old and not-so-openly gay Simon Spier prefers to save his drama for the school musical. But when an email falls into the wrong hands, his secret is at risk of being thrust into the spotlight. Now Simon is actually being blackmailed: if he doesn’t play wingman for class clown Martin, his sexual identity will become everyone’s business. Worse, the privacy of Blue, the pen name of the boy he’s been emailing, will be compromised.

With some messy dynamics emerging in his once tight-knit group of friends, and his email correspondence with Blue growing more flirtatious every day, Simon’s junior year has suddenly gotten all kinds of complicated. Now, change-averse Simon has to find a way to step out of his comfort zone before he’s pushed out—without alienating his friends, compromising himself, or fumbling a shot at happiness with the most confusing, adorable guy he’s never met.”

THE BOY FROM THE MISH GARY LONESBOROUGH

A remarkable YA love story between two Aboriginal boys - one who doesn’t want to accept he’s gay, and the boy who comes to live in his house who makes him realize who he is.

"It's a hot summer, and life's going all right for Jackson and his family on the Mish. It's almost Christmas, school's out, and he's hanging with his mates, teasing the visiting tourists, avoiding the racist boys in town. Just like every year, Jackson's Aunty and annoying little cousins visit from the city -- but this time a mysterious boy with a troubled past comes with them. As their friendship evolves, Jackson must confront the changing shapes of his relationships with his friends, family and community. And he must face his darkest secret -- a secret he thought he'd locked away for good."

GROWING UP QUEER IN AUSTRALIA - SHORT STORY ANTHOLOGY

EDITED BY BENJAMIN LAW

‘My queerness was born in a hot dry land that was never ceded.’

‘Even now, I sometimes think that I don’t know my own desire.’ ‘For better or worse, sooner or later, life conspires to reveal you to yourself, and this is growing up.’”

Compiled by celebrated author and journalist Benjamin Law, Growing Up Queer in Australia assembles voices from across the spectrum of LGBTIQA+ identity. Spanning diverse places, eras, ethnicities and experiences, these are the stories of growing up queer in Australia.

BOYS IN THE BAND 2020 MOVIE BASED ON THE 1968 OFF-BROADWAY PLAY “At a birthday party in 1968 New York, a surprise guest and a drunken game leave seven gay friends reckoning with unspoken feelings and buried truths.”

TALES OF A CITY NETFLIX SERIES BASED ON THE NOVELS BY ARMISTEAD MAUPIN

“A middle-aged Mary Ann returns to San Francisco and reunites with the eccentric friends she left behind. "Tales of the City" focuses primarily on the people who live in a boarding house turned apartment complex owned by Anna Madrigal at 28 Barbary Lane, all of whom quickly become part of what Maupin coined a "logical family". It's no longer a secret that Mrs. Madrigal is transgender. Instead, she is haunted by something from her past that has long been too painful to share.”

BOYS DON'T CRY 1999 FILM BASED ON TRUE CRIME STORY

“A young man named Brandon Teena navigates love, life, and being transgender in rural Nebraska. The film is a dramatization of the real-life story of Brandon Teena, an American trans man who attempts to find himself and love in Nebraska but falls victim to a brutal hate crime perpetrated by two male acquaintances.”

TIPPING THE VELVET SARAH WALTERS

“Nan King, an oyster girl, is captivated by the music hall phenomenon Kitty Butler, a male impersonator extraordinaire treading the boards in Canterbury. Through a friend at the box office, Nan manages to visit all her shows and finally meet her heroine. Soon after, she becomes Kitty's dresser and the two head for the bright lights of Leicester Square where they begin a glittering career as music-hall stars in an all-singing and dancing double act. At the same time, behind closed doors, they admit their attraction to each other and their affair begins.”

KUNUNURRA SUN KITCHEN

Ma đ arica ( Hungarian Lady )

WHEN NOMINATIONS FOR THE KUNUNURRA AG SHOW WERE ANNOUNCED, AVIAIR PILOT PETRA MARTINČIĆ KNEW EXACTLY WHICH RECIPE

SHE WANTED TO ENTER - HER BABA'S MAĐARICA CAKE.

Petra's Baba has been making this slice for over 50 years. For special events like Christmas or Easter, she would spend days making it so it was just right Since Petra's move to Kununurra last year, it has been one thing she has missed the most. The KNX Ag Show gave Petra the opportunity to not only celebrate her Baba's recipe, but enjoy a little slice of home.

INGREDIENTS

4.5 cups flour

3 cups sugar

2 oz. butter

2 eggs

1 cup sour cream

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tbsp baking powder

5 cups milk

4 tbsp chocolate, grated 16 oz. margarine

2 tbsp water

METHOD

Turn on your oven to 180°C. Knead 4 cups of flour, 1 cup of sugar, 2 oz. butter, 2 eggs, 1 cup of sour cream, vanilla extract and baking powder. Divide the dough into 5 equal pieces.

Roll out each dough ball on a sheet of baking paper. I normally do this on the back edge of a baking tray, so that all the dough layers are roughly the same rectangular / square size.

Transfer the dough on the baking paper onto the backside of the baking tray and bake for 8-9 minutes, until the slice is just golden brown. Be very careful when taking them out as the layers are quite thin and may break easily. Repeat with the remaining 4 pieces.

Filling

Mix ½ cup milk, 1.5 cups of sugar, 5 tablespoons of grated chocolate. Add the mixture to 4.5 cups of boiled milk. Lower the temperature and stir it until thick. Let it cool and when it is warm add 14 oz. of margarine. Then, let the filling cool completely.

Once cooled, layer the filling between each piece of slice except the top layer

To keep the cake small, I normally place another sheet of baking paper on top and then place a heavy chopping board / books on top. Let this cool in the fridge for several hour

Top layer filling

Steam 1 tablespoon of grated chocolate, 10 tablespoons of sugar, 2 oz. of margarine and 2 tablespoons of water until thick. You want the chocolate to be smooth, so make sure the sugar crystals have disappeared. Spread evenly on top layer of slice. Leave to cool.

Mađarica is normally cut into small rectangular pieces, and served best with Turkish-style black coffee Dobar tek!

Balls ' n ' All

INDOOR CRICKET

'Tis the turn of the season with all teams having completed their first encounters. Whilst the competition would usually be graded at this stage, the committee has decided to keep up the variety this year with all teams playing twice before the comp is separated into A and B grades.

With plenty of room arund the net and the bar just a couple of metres away, why not enjoy a beverage and become part of the action (included mixed levels of wit and banter). You can catch all of the matches at the Ord River Sports Club.

KUNUNURRA BRUMBIES TOUCH FOOTBALL

The mixed touch season is really heating up as the finals as fast approaching. Competition is tight at the top end of the ladde with most teams still in the mix for a finals berth. The Brumby's committee is still seeking expressions of interest for the Men's and Women's competitions to be run at the conclusion of the mixed season so be sure to register your interest.

EKFL

The regular season has ended and it's looking like a Halls Creek heavy showdown with the Yardgee Dockers and Halls Creek Hawks finishing first and second respectively. At this stage there is no Kununurra teams in contention for finals however, there are rumours spreading of potential team

breaches being identified by the league and sanctions being imposed which may have a bearing on final placings. If the rumours are true and the sanctions are enforced, then there could be some Kununurra flavour in the post season.

OUTDOOR BASKETBALL

With the footy season about to wrap up, it's time to bounce straight into outdoor basketball. The year will see Men's and Ladie's competitions running with nominations currently open. Check out the Community Noticeboard or the Kununurra Basketball Comp Facebook pages for more information.

ALL ABILITIES SPORT & REC

The EKJP All Abilities Sport & Rec team are pleased to be hosting a sports breakfast for all local clubs in August. With their timing survey about to close, make sure your club has had their say in which day suits them best.

Soon the date for the catered event (and hopefully a special guest) will be announced so head to the East Kimberley Job Pathways Facebook page for the latest information

If you’re a local club who would like to be included in our next edition please reach out to us via kununurrasun@gmail.comwe want to make sure everyone is represented!

Twitching Hour

BLACK-NECKED STORK (JABIRU) Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus

This tall, stately stork with massive black bill is still commonly known as the "Jabiru'. Head and neck are highlighted by an iridescent shimmering green and purplish sheen. Movements are slow and deliberate as it stalks the shallows of tropical swamps; suddenly it unleashes a spearing jab of the powerful bill or dashes after prey with long strides and flapping wings. In flight, soars on long, broad wings. Habitats diverse, but often wetlands and their vicinity; prefers open freshwater environs, including the margins of billabongs, swamps, shallow flood waters over grassland, wet heath, watercourse pools, sewage farms, dams, adjacent grassland and savannah woodland. Less often on inter-tidal shoreline, margins of mangroves, mudflats and estuaries. Clacks the bill; sometimes gives guttural grunts, usually in threat or dancing displays. Moderately common across coastal N Aust.; becomes increasingly scarce southward on both E and NW coasts until it becomes a rare vagrant at southern and inland extremities of its range.

Breeding

In the north, breeds most months with a peak Mar.-May. In NSW, eggs in nests Aug.-Nov. Builds a massive stick nest, 1.2-1.6 m, even 2 m, diameter, up to 1 m deep, put as high as possible in a tree standing in or near water; usually lower when in the more stunted trees of mangrove swamps; occasionally on a low bush or stump when surrounded by water. Clutch 2-4 eggs, tapered oval in shape, shell coarse-grained, white, soon stained grey or brown (75 x 53 mm). Are you a keen twitcher? Send us your bird recommendations! Email them to kununurrasun@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram.