Kununurra Sun - Jan/Feb Edition

Kununurra Sun

Hello Kununurra Sun fam, we’ve missed you!

It’s been awhile since our last edition and we’re so glad to be back in your hot little hands.

The team have been taking a well-deserved break over Christmas, New Year and remainder of January which seemed to zoom past faster than the Kunner Runners on Teal Road. We all had a long-awaited dose of the real world, with some overseas adventures (Japan and the US didn’t know what hit it) and cross country drives (literally across the country). We shopped, we ate, we cursed peak hour traffic and before we knew it, February arrived, along with the dreaded festive season hangover, which seems to get harder to shake as the years go on.

As we all trickled back to town with varying degrees of enthusiasm, it didn’t take long before we remembered why we keep coming back here. It’s not just the many waterfalls cascading across the region at the moment, or the brilliant light show of wet season storms. It’s not

just the sleepy, off season vibe radiating through town before we welcome another busy year of visitors. It’s not just cruising up the river, or heading out for a fish, hoping to beat last years PB.

It’s you, our wonderful readers! Our Kununurra community, who have reached out with story ideas, sponsorship offers and asked when our next merch drop is. As we speed towards our second birthday, we are still in awe of the fact that you choose to pause your busy lives for a moment to catch up on the good news stories of the region.

We look forward to spreading more sunshine over the town in 2024 but we still need your help to fill our pages! If you have a story idea, want to feature a local legend or even want to become a Kununurra Sun sponsor, please reach out to us via email: hello@ kununurrasun.com or flick us a DM on our socials.

Happy reading friends!

Cover Photos supplied by Chris Magnay

PAGES 6-7

Musings: New Year's Revolutions

PAGES 18-19

Kimberley Creative:

Chris Magnay

PAGES 10-11

Unlocking the Social Tapestry of Kununurra

PAGES 20-21

A Kununurra Toy Story

PAGES 14

Food for the Soul: Elders Lunch

PAGE 28-29

Learning, Listening & Connecting to Kununurra

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.

@FROM.MILES.AWAY

Team KNX Sun

CREATIVE DIRECTORS:

ROSIE DUFFY, JESS BUCHAN & SEB TASI

PHOTOGRAPHY:

JESS BUCHAN & SEB TASI (unless stated otherwise)

@LAUREN.E.KERNER

EDITORIAL:

ROSIE DUFFY, JESS BUCHAN, ELIZA PARRY-OKEDEN,

OWEN KIRTON, RACHELLE EISENTRAGER, SEB TASI

GRAPHIC DESIGN:

SEB TASI & JESS BUCHAN

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

@BUSHCHOOKBRIDGE

@TAYLAH.HAIRE

@DOOOOOON

@MAGNAY

INTERNATIONAL DAY Women’s

Join us for our International Women’s Day Brunch, sponsored by Home Hardware. We welcome you to network with like-minded individuals & listen to our fabulous guest speakers.

FRIDAY MARCH 8 | 10:00am - 12:30pm

The PumpHouse Kununurra, Lakeview Drive

Tickets available now via bit.ly/ekcci-iwd-brunch

Members: $55 | Non Members: $65

goowindayin

There is water everywhere in the country. All the billabongs, creeks, and springs have water. The country is green.

MIRIWOONG

TO ENGLISH TRANSLATION

Jadi

gerloonga gamamelema. Baliboong, gilijing, jiyilng yawoorroong gerlooban-tha. Ngoojalilib ginayin dawang.

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

Musings New RevolutionsYear's : '

WORDS BY ELIZA PARRY-OKEDEN

Welcome back faithful friends of the Sun - we’ve got another lap up our sleeves!

Everyone knows that the real New Year starts on the 1st of February; January is just the previous year’s hangover. So, this month I've been thinking about goals I would like to metaphorically kick in the face.

When I was thinking about this piece in my head, I thought I’d make like Tracey Chapman and talk about a resolution ha ha. But then I wrote it down and remembered the song was (quite literally) talking about a revolution… derr… which would explain why no one says that? Or perhaps I'm a genius and more people should – it’s hard to say.

So anyway, this got me thinking a bit more (dangerous), and I actually think this year will be my year of revolutions!

So without further ado:

Catch a fish

This surely can’t be that hard, but I've been struggling. And when I say struggling I'm literally the least committed angler you’ve ever met. So, as there is only one possible direction I can go – conveniently it’s up – this revolution is a bit of a cop out, but I’ve bloody had it with going home and not having one good photo to impress male relatives, and bore the female ones shitless with. A revolution indeed!

Not miss the bus at the races

Every bloody time. I seem to go deaf at approximately 10:15 pm without fail and can’t possibly bring myself to get on the perfectly good bus that is here for the sole purpose of taking me home to my perfectly good bed. Noooo, I'd prefer to ignore the nice people telling me to please leave, you’re the only person left here and the DJ stopped 20 minutes ago, and hang around a bit longer. I inevitably then am faced with the walk home, or the need to convince some unsuspecting soul to give me a lift. Anyway, I’m done with that nonsense, and this year I shall endeavour to not be a pain in the arse. With bus karaoke of course!

Read more books

I say this every bloody year, so wish me luck. This year though I plan on visiting the Kununurra Library and hopefully attending a book club or two with more to talk about than all of the books I have not been reading. More of a lament really. If you have any suggestions to get me back on the wagon please send them in, or better yet write a review to be published in the next edition of Kununurra Sun!

Curb daily Coles visits to three daily

I do not know what it is about that place with its bright lights, shiny floors and cold aircon but I cannot seem to get enough

of it. There’s always so much action and excitement, and I can wander around talking on the phone with AirPods in like a rude prick for hours. But, I’m putting myself on a strict limit this year of hopefully no more than three a day. If you see someone skulking about amidst the pasta in a headscarf and dark glasses, it’s definitely not me on a fourth visit.

Submit a Kununurra Sun article on time

Setting myself up to fail, but that is the true spirit of revolutions I suppose…

Go camping at Harry’s Hole

I’m actually a bit embarrassed to say this, but I've never been!! In all my almost four years of living here, this is definitely one of the most raved about spots. It seems to be a bit of a palaver (ie. collecting a key from Doon Doon roadhouse? I’m unsure of the details, hence Harry’s Hole virgin), I’ve heard great things and I intend to go there this Dry season. Expect a written rundown of my trials, tribulations and various wildlife run-ins upon my return, as I’m sure there’ll be many.

Start a Kununurra Sun hotline

I’m not sure if hotline is the right word for this hotline, but it sounds sexy so I'm sticking with it. Tell us your thoughts, feelings, ruminations, icks, favourite Abba song, baby names notes etc. and we’ll listen - promise!

Sunrise at Thethebeleng

I’ve probably mentioned this before, but I'll say it again for the people in the back: I’m très shit at early mornings. Now don’t let me be misunderstood; I have climbed to the top of Thethebeleng (also Elephant Rock or Sleeping Buddha) before for sunsets, and you’re right it's bloody stunning and one of the top views in town. However, I do feel like I’ve finally reached an age and maturity level where I should be able to set an alarm without snoozing it. Thoughts and prayers please.

Get to the market early before the Fat Finch runs out

This one is a flow on from the abovementioned bad-bed-riser habits, and is made more difficult on account of it being a Saturday morning. You have no idea how many times my attention has been snagged midweek buy a markets teaser on Instargram, only to dawdle in on a Saturday morning shielding my eyes from the vicioussun (and perhaps the residue of an extra vodka soda the night before) and find, to my dismay, there is a line from the Fat Finch stall to the Tuckerbox. Or the baked goods have been sacked and pillaged entirely, likely before I even brushed my teeth. Luckily though, their jams, preserves and other bits and bobs are to die for and very much worth the wait regardless.

Book my car in for a service

There’s nothing cute about car troubles babe, trust me on this one. Stay ahead of the game and out of emergency roadside assistance by booking your car in to your friendly mechanic early this year. Of all the revolutions this one is probably the one I'm least likely to stick to. Dang. And on that note, if you’re interested in a tomato red 2013 Holden Cruze that’s been running like a dream, hit me up. No tyre kickers, thank you.

All in all, I'm feeling pretty confident as I’m notoriously good at talking about things at length; whether I start or finish the revolution itself simply does not concern me or Tracey Chapman for that matter. Thank youuuu Trace!

I’ll knock a quick one over though - lettuce snow your revolutions at the newly minted hello@kununurrasun.com handy hotline for all your one-way chit-chat needs.

Vive la révolution and God bless my handline (and hotline while we’re at it)!

Join Us In Spreading Sunshine

Kununurra Sun emerged with a vision to uplift, educate, and connect the Kununurra community. Two years on and we remain steadfast in this mission.

As a complimentary monthly publication, we proudly share heartwarming stories while championing local enterprises and events.

More importantly, we aim to honour the rich amalgam of cultures and individuals that define Kununurra. Our objective is to amplify Kununurra’s profile as a compassionate, all-embracing, and adventurous community.

But we need your help to continue radiating positivity, through sponsorship or advertising.

If you're in the position to sponsor us, or would like more information please email hello@kununurrasun.com

Let’s follow the Sun, together.

Sponsor the Sun

•

•

Getting To Know You

Survey Results

92% read our magazine monthly

67% choose to read our magazine over any other print news source in town

98% find it a valuable source of information 1.0K 1.2K

Facebook Followers Instagram Followers

“It’s a great read, I’m enjoying it so much as a way to find out things in town that I had no idea about”

Unlocking the Social Tapestry of Kununurra

WORDS BY OWEN KIRTON

Living in a small town like Kununurra, the importance of social connection cannot be understated.

We are lucky enough to enjoy an array of sports and activities thanks to the hard work and dedication from people in town organising venues, fixtures, kit and equipment..etc. If you’ve just arrived and are still finding your feet in the community, or perhaps you just fancy trying something new, below are just a few of the options you can explore.

AFL

A great way to get fit, express your physicality and competitive edge. The footy grand finals are without doubt the biggest sporting spectacle the community has to offer. If you feel like having a crack, then pre-season training is the best opportunity to see if it’s for you. Training starts this month for teams in the EKFL (East Kimberley Football League), hit up the community noticeboard Facebook where all teams’ pages and updates are posted to find out when and where to be.

Soccer

Whether you’re a keen player, haven’t played in yonks or

maybe even never played before, it doesn’t matter! All levels of ability are welcome, and the atmosphere is very much social. Those fancying a kickabout can do so at Kununurra Ag Oval every Wednesday from 6pm-7:30pm. A light warm-up (optional but recommended) is followed by an hour-long game. Attendees are asked to bring $5 cash to cover the cost of running the floodlights. Indoor soccer is also on Mondays 6-7pm at the school gym free of charge.

Darts

Don’t feel like running? Fancy a pint? Me too. Wet season darts is held at Sporties every Wednesday from 6pm onwards. Those wanting to test their tungsten throwing ability and hone their arithmetic will be guaranteed a good time. Entry is $10 cash with a chance to win back your money and more if you can hold your nerve. Bring your own darts if you can but spare equipment is on hand if you can’t. Finger food is normally served by the staff, but be advised not to eat with your throwing hand…

Indoor cricket

Why not turn the arm over and channel your inner Shane Warne? Make some new mates and reward yourself with a couple of cold

ones if you so wish. Cricket league games commence in April at Sporties and run all the way through until the grand final in October. Join the Kununurra Indoor Cricket page on Facebook for all the latest information, you can find yourself a team or offer your stand-in services if you don’t feel like committing to a full season.

Boxing

There are few better ways to get fit than boxing training. Sessions include strength and conditioning work, pad/bag work as well as the opportunity to spar for those feeling confident enough. If you love the sport, want to shift that festive weight gain, or let out some frustration, this is the place for you. Get in touch with Kununurra Warriors Boxing Club on Facebook to get involved.

Park run

Enjoy a 5km stomp at your own pace along the upper Ord River. Some set record paces, some push their kids in prams, Park Run is open to anyone and everyone! Rock up to Swim Beach just before 7am on Saturdays if you’re keen, make sure to bring appropriate footwear and a water bottle.

Squash

One of the most popular and social clubs in town and a really fun way to workout, held at the Leisure Centre across 3 separate seasons every year from Feb-April, May-June and Sept-Nov. Sessions run on Monday and Wednesday nights. Make yourself a member of Kununurra Squash Club on Facebook or contact the Shire for all related information.

Netball

Last but not least, we have netball! Offering Juniors, Womens and Mixed seasons, there truly is a game for everyone. NetSetGo for 5-10 years start on Wednesday 17th April between 4:30-5:30pm. Junior Netball for Years 5-12 start on Thursday 18th April and runs for Term 2 & 3. Womens Netball kicks off Thursday 18th April and runs through to September. For more info, head to the Kununurra Netball Association Facebook page.

There are many more options available if none of these sound like your thing, just reach out on the Kununurra Community Noticeboard Facebook page and you’re sure to find likeminded people keen to join you!

Kununurra

KNX Sun Fishing Hall of Fame

We asked and you guys more than delivered! Say hello to the Kununurra Sun Fishing Hall of Fame.

Albie, Lake Kununurra

Blake, Lake Kununurra

Des, Pentecost

Noah, Keep River

Blake & Darby, Sandy Beach

Kununurra Sun

Alexandra, Pentecost River

RB & Craig, Pentecost

Arden, Ivanhoe Crossing Liz, Lake Kununurra

Craig, Lower Ord

Jordy, Sandy Beach

Food for the Soul

Elders Lunch

WORDS BY RACHELLE EISENTRAGER

Cast your mind back to the throws of December - likely filled with Christmas events, going away parties and getting your marbles sorted to leave town for a spell. If you were lucky to fit it in the schedule, you may have been involved with the Elders Lunch hosted at the Leisure Centre on Thursday 14th December. Kicking off around midday (Kimberley time!) the team at Peter Griffiths Cultural Tours hustled this event together in an impressive 9 days, aiming to bring out our Elders to have a yarn and a lovely lunch.

On the menu were freshly caught barramundi, warm damper, as well as an assortment of sandwiches, wraps and baked goodies. Yum! This debut Elders Lunch was a lovely way to bring our community together and thank our Elders for what they have done for all of us who get to call Kununurra home today. Many hands contributed to making this possible within such a short timeframe - from serving, transport and donations to simply rocking up.

Thank you:

• 54 Reasons - assisting with transport, cooking and serving

• Alta-1 - Gary Dixon

• Billymae Gunn - damper making

• Grab-a-Bargain - donations

• Job Pathways (formerly East Kimberley Job Pathways)

• Kimberley Dreaming, Ben Smith - drove from Wyndham to cook up barra bites

• Kununurra Police - coming down and engaging with the community

• Kununurra Warriors Boxing Club

• OVAHS, Aunty Jenny Rogers and the team - donations, set up and pack down

• Shire of Wyndham and East Kimberley (SWEK), Nick Allen

• Subway - fresh wraps and sandwiches

• Waringarri - donations

• Wayfinder - assisting with transport, set up and pack down

Peter and his team at Peter Griffiths Cultural Tours have ambitions to organise a quarterly Elders Lunch from here on in. The dream is to make this a big event where community members fill the Leisure Centre! Keep an eye out for the next one pencilled in for the end of March 2024.

Keen to lend a hand at the next Elders Lunch? Reach out to Peter Griffiths Cultural Tours on 0484 648 633

Collection Breaking Records

WORDS BY RACHELLE EISENTRAGER

2023, hey!? Regardless how you’re feeling about the year being over and a new one upon us, there’s an important recap and celebration yet to be had. Let’s chat about recycling, reducing landfill, collecting containers and contributing back into East Kimberley communities. You guessed it – we’re talking Containers for Change.

5.2 million containers were collected across the East Kimberley in 2023, with 10 cents for each and every container going back into our communities. That’s over $500,000! Yeah, it sounds like an impressive impact and a big number but it doesn’t mean much if you can’t get your head around it. So, to put it in perspective, 5.2 million containers would fill 65 shipping containers or travel up and down the Ord River 1.7 times. Despite Cyclone Ellie’s disruptions to recycling (and everything!) in the first 6 months of 2023, the total amount of containers collected in 2023 matched the 2022 total. Everyone still made efforts to return what they could, and the numbers confirm this. Our part of Western Australia isn’t doing too bad at all!

Let’s break down the numbers and give a round of applause for each community, shall we?

• Balgo 8K

• Doon Doon 21K

• Halls Creek 825K

• Kalumburu 65K

• Kununurra 4.05M

• Warmun 12K

• Wyndham 213K

A shoutout must be given to the team at Revive / C4C for their efforts across sites, supporting locals sign up to Containers for Change and troubleshooting along the way. The team based in Kununurra travel out to collect truckloads of IBC’s and transport bags worth of aluminium cans, HDPE, glass and plastic bottles. Think of the impressive logistical feat for making Kalumburu container collections possible! Equally as impressive is the dedication of our top collector in Kununurra who collected a whopping 329,000 containers. We’re excited to see what we can achieve together in 2024.

Are you (or an organisation you work for) keen to stop feeding the fill? Sign up for a Member Number at www. containersforchange.com.au/wa/member-number/getstarted and head to www.jobpathways.org.au/revive to find out opening hours in your community.

20K IN A DAY

Registration Now Open

We're back with our annual '20k in a day' swim event held on Saturday 23 March from 7am to 11am at the Kununurra Leisure Centre.

Registration is now open. Teams require a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 10 swimmers to compete, with a minimum age of 12 to register. Registrations are $250.00 per team (per lane) and include an entry pack and BBQ breakfast (from 11am).

Registrations close on Monday 18th March at 6:00pm. Spots are limited so please ensure you register early.

For more information, or to register, contact our team at the Kununurra Leisure Centre – 9168 2120 or email swekklcgroup@swek.wa.gov.au

Chris Magnay

KIMBERLEY CREATIVE

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF, HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN KUNUNURRA?

I came to Kununurra almost 21 years ago as a very young pilot looking for his first job. As soon as I arrived, I just fell in love with the place. I came up from Melbourne and the Kimberley seemed like the Wild West to me - full of adventure and opportunity. I always joked that I needed to leave within a year or two or I’d get stuck, get married, have kids and never leave. And guess what happened…

HOW MUCH HAS THE TOWN CHANGED SINCE YOU MOVED HERE?

I’m not sure if town has changed that much, it might just be my perspective that’s changed. I spend a lot less time in the pub (not a bad thing) and most of my time with my family. I try to make the most of every opportunity to do something see something or share time with other people. Maybe it’s related to getting a bit older, but I feel time is more valuable these days.

PHOTOGRAPHY ISN'T YOUR FULL-TIME JOB, CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE MANY 'HATS' YOU WEAR IN KUNUNURRA?

I came to the Kimberley as a young pilot, and I still get to fly around the most amazing part of Australia. I help with running a family-owned caravan park - Kimberleyland Waterfront Holiday Park and I have even spent a few years learning to be

a Jeweller! But I really enjoy photography and I’ve been very lucky to have some wonderful experiences behind the lens. It’s an amazing place to create images, full of wonderful characters.

WHEN DID YOU START GETTING INTO PHOTOGRAPHY/ VIDEOGRAPHY?

I started taking photos back in high school when my parents bought me an old Canon AE-1 manual film camera. I still have the same camera today! I rediscovered my love of photography around 2015 as way of document my family and to share the Kimberley with the world.

IS THERE A SPECIFIC PHOTO/VIDEO YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF?

One of favourite places to take photos is the Bungle Bungles and that’s where I managed to capture this image - it’s the only landscape photo I have printed at home.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE PROJECT YOU HAVE WORKED ON SO FAR?

I’ve been fortunate to work on some wonderful projects. I’ve been the photographer for a couple of weddings - and while it’s not my normal work it’s incredibly rewarding when the photos work out and the clients are stoked! I’ve helped some businesses with product photography, videoed events and weddings, and worked with some amazing people in some diverse places and chased many storms and waterfalls. One of

the standouts jobs was a three-day shoot for Aviair and HeliSpirit (who I also fly for). We did an air-to-air shoot from planes and helicopters around the Bungle Bungle for three days- it was stressful to say the least and a lot of pressure to make it work, but we managed to come away with some amazing images that I am incredibly proud to have been a part of. I still get kicks when I see the big prints in the offices and the images in all the brochures.

YOU ALWAYS SEEM TO BE OUT EXPLORING WITH YOUR FAMILY, DO THEY INSPIRE A LOT OF YOUR CONTENT?

When I look back through my past work it’s always the images of my family that brings the most joy to me - and I hope in years to come they will enjoy it like I do. Documenting my family is my gift to them (even if they don’t always appreciate it now!). I’ve really turned down sharing to social media over the last years or two and focussed on things that make me happy and following my kids around with a camera in hand in amazing places ticks all the boxes.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?

I don’t know how to describe my style, but I try to see the beauty in the everyday, spot the things often missed but are full of beauty and wonder. I guess that’s pretty easy here in Kununurra. I like to take photos of people in their environment. It’s also a great motivator to get out and explore.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A BUDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?

Experiment, have fun, explore, don’t be scared of using ‘AUTO’, it’s not a dirty word if it gets you out and about, learn from others as they normally are stoked to share their knowledge. I’m never disappointed by getting up (really) early to catch the first light or staying out just a bit longer in case magical happens.

WHO INSPIRES YOU?

I constantly get inspired by the great community of photographers in the East Kimberley - Ben Broady, Danny Carter, Tim Lanzon, Landi Bradshaw, Tania Malkin, Matt Deacon to name a few. But my love of photography came from reading old Life and Magnum magazines and the documentary photographers of the 20th Century - Henri Cartier-Bresson, W Eugene Smith, Vivian Maier, Sebastian Delgado. A long-term goal of mine is to produce a book of portraits of characters of the Kimberley in the style of the classic mid-century documentarists.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAVOURITE TV SHOW/MOVIE/ PODCAST YOU'VE ENJOYED LATELY

Favourite show of late? Been watching season 7 of the Office (US Version), Classic Black Adder and also the Big Lez show on You Tube.There really is never a dull moment here! Otherwise, I’m at home renovating and landscaping – but that’s a whole other story!

Listening Learning and Connecting in Kununurra , ,

WORDS BY GEORGIA DOHERTY

Community service projects and educational travel with students

I passed through Kununurra last year, on a lap around Australia. I had renovated a little 1980s caravan and taking her for a spin through the East Kimberley region couldn’t have come quick enough.

I was thrilled to be entering the small town of Kununurra to use as a home base to visit the spectacle of places around it. Popping a stamp on my caravan journal visiting Kununurra was exciting.

My retro caravan was too old to take off-road to explore the surrounding regions, as I darted out to El Questro, Emma Gorge, Molly Springs, Lake Argyle and Zebedee Springs. I came back from visiting these places elated with joy. The town felt dreary and semi-closed from my observation, the outskirts were stunning, but I had quietly driven away from Kununurra with a lack of understanding and connectedness to the place. I couldn’t quite grasp what this town was.

Fast forward 2 weeks from this voyage and I found myself yet again back in Kununurra for work, with a company called Infuse Travel that facilitates student programs through education travel and service projects. During this stint, we took two high school groups out on service project initiatives. The aims were to connect students to more cultural experiences to gain awareness and a deeper understanding,

to build critical thinking skills, help with engagement activities of indigenous communities and people and to expand their awareness of how different people are living in Australia. Year 9 and 10 school students that were from the eloquent and affluent East Coast and South Australian schools. Students that come from a very different place, grow up in paradox living environments from people in Kununurra. These students come from opportunity, by stepping foot into a place like Kununurra to use this opportunity for good.

The students embarked on service projects in and around the community. We visited Roy’s Retreat a conservation for flora and fauna, this experience took to the likes of solidifying us as a group and collective. We worked on land maintenance for a woman named Barb, eccentric, off-grid and carving out her own pathway to living simply. We helped paint tyres for her future blockade vision and paint her retro caravan for volunteers to come and stay in, her enthusiasm for the student’s creativity on the tyres. Barb’s wild stories unravelled as the kids painted, sang, swam and swagged in the backyard and river of Roy’s retreat. She was humbled by the help and sparked by student community engagement.

Driving while the back-burning encapsulated our senses, we roamed back into Kununurra to go Toad Busting with Lee, learning about the harmful impact of toads migrating into

Western Australia and decimating our native wildlife. The kids coming from southern schools were astonished by this information, I was also encapsulated by their damage, durability and distances covered to make it into Western Australia. We hunted the toads on a big property 10 minutes out of town, doing our part to clean up these pests and humanely get rid of them. 469 was the total savage amount cleaned up by the kids, an enthusiastic bunch of students to have helped tackle some of the toad issues in the community. We cackled, screamed and laughed our way through the night, picking up toads bonking one another and running into the lake to catch them.

We ventured over to Mandy’s Wildlife Haven property, bursting at the seams to cuddle up with a baby roo, feeding, coddling and interacting with these amusing creatures. Having just unfortunately hit a kangaroo a few weeks before on the road, this felt reassuring to know someone like Mandy was rehabilitating Australian wildlife. The students helped Mandy feed animals, clean shelters, capture chicken eggs and clean up around the property. Working alongside Mandy’s volunteers and daughter and Mandy full of passion and insight for the students to hear from. It was an eye-opener for the students to see someone give up their home, time and energy for creatures of the Australian outback.

We meandered into the PCYC (Police and Community Youth Centre) community hall supporting the Community Kitchen in feeding the Indigenous community, prepping for the cook-up, serving, interacting and helping support Mandy in this Sunday ritual. The kids got their hands dirty in the community kitchen, whilst others organised the small op-shop for men, women and children to gather clothes, shoes and hygiene products. This felt truly incredible to watch the students interact with Indigenous kids and families. To communicate, connect, listen and understand the stories of people coming through; that one

meal may be the only meal someone receives this week. And it was delivered with the love and energy of school students willing to learn and support.

Images supplied

We spent the school holidays with the youth holiday program at PCYC where the student’s played basketball with kids, kicking footy’s, local kids doing the girls make-up and drawing and colouring and playing music. Joining in for movie nights and making dinner for the local indigenous youth, with beautiful connections made between the two groups.

The students assisted Mandy in the community kitchen, maintaining the area, cleaning up, weeding and learning about connecting ourselves to a space. Finding stillness and meditation in the garden, again listening to the stories of people who are set about to make change in community. Educating people on seasonal growth, bush tucker and attempting to help the students understand the need for handing these projects over to Indigenous mob to sustain.

The students reflected on their night of football with the local youth, giving one another a run for their money in athletic ability. The Indigenous youth showing off their pure latent talent. I couldn’t not get involved, before getting decked by the Indigenous teenage kids and copping some banter from the students before putting their comments to rest with a few goals. Before swapping it over for a game of basketball and a hot BBQ meal shared after. The students realising that a game of sport can effortlessly bring two groups of people together.

The students handed out food in the community, bewildered by the way that others live their lives. Gathering deeper insights into how other cultures live, how families survive, how kids can be the adults of their families and where the wild dogs roam heavily pregnant and ownerless. It’s overwhelming that such poverty exists in our country as we are heavily sheltered from it

Kununurra

down south.

These interactions helped gather information that local and minuscule help is doing something. That it begins with localism first and that small change can go a long way. The students stepped foot out of their world and into a more perplexed one. This experience expanded their minds, developing their awareness and education and trusting that it touched their lives in a positive light. Stepping out into a new environment where people are not always like-minded, where families are different and where people choose to live differently.

We listened to the culture and stories of Miriwoong told in Mirima National Park, learning and understanding that ‘welcome to country’ is no longer relevant and instead a cultural insight from local indigenous people such as the Miriwoong gives more

breadth, respect and significance to their culture.

We walked away from this experience with a deep heart, hearing the stories, the actions of community members and the love that is put into caring and supporting the Kununurra community in all facets. Where the wildlife, people and place are cared for tremendously. Where the act of localism is where it begins and ends. The students left reflective and wide-eyed from the interactions and insights of Kununurra.

Rather than be confused or mystified when I visited 5 weeks ago. I was now humbled, warmed, inspired and more connected to this beautiful little town called Kununurra and so too were the hearts of 15-year-old students.

Applications will open on Monday 18 March and close Friday 26 April 2024.

Kununurra Sun

Between the Lines

BOOK: THE GOOD SISTER BY SALLY HEPWORTH

REVIEWED BY KUNUNURRA SCHOOL & COMMUNITY LIBRARY

How can I not love a book that features the main character as a librarian? The answer is, I can’t, I loved it. There is just the right mix of suspense, humour and heart, with a plot that unwinds as you get through the story, very cleverly crafted too as you won’t see the ending coming.

I encountered this book as an audio book on a 17 hour flight to London,

I started it and it got me totally hooked but then I got too tired to finish it and knowing it was in our Library in Kununurra, I waited till I returned and promptly borrowed it.

I then proceeded to read all the other Sally Hepworth books in the Library and enjoyed them so much that we have invited her to this year’s Kimberley Writers Festival. She is so in demand (she is now on the New York Times bestseller list) that she is only going to attend two Festivals this year and she said YES to ours.

The story revolves around Fern, aged 28, who works at her local library and has dinner with her twin sister Rose, three nights a week. She avoids crowds, bright lights and loud noises as much as possible. She has a carefully structured life and disrupting her routine can be … dangerous. When Rose discovers that she cannot fall pregnant, Fern sees her chance to pay her sister back for everything Rose has done for her and offers to have a baby for her, she just needs to find a father. Simple. Fern’s mission will shake the foundations of the life she has carefully built for herself and stir up dark secrets from the past.

Highly recommended, I give it top marks!

The Kimberley Writers Festival will be on 2nd, 3rd and 4th August (more on that as we go through the year but trust me, it’s an impressive line-up).

5 Suns out of 5.

A Kununurra Toy Story

For 42 years, the Kununurra Toy and Puzzle Library has been a excellent service to our community, enriching children’s early years since its establishment in 1982. Operated by dedicated and passionate volunteers, KTPL offers an array of educational toys, games, puzzles, and activities for local families to borrow at an affordable price.

What is a Toy Library? We’re glad you asked!

A Toy Library provides an avenue for families to access quality toys for their children. This service, available to members, invites families to a kid-friendly space, building connections with other families while refreshing the toy collection for our curious kiddos. With a membership, parents can borrow multiple items suitable for ages 0-5 years old, contributing to a vibrant and stimulating play environment at home.

Benefits of Toy Libraries:

• Access a vast range of quality toys designed to withstand hours of play.

• Expose your child to a diverse range of play experiences, enhancing their development.

• Save money by borrowing instead of buying new toys.

• Reduce clutter by borrowing multiple toys at once, from bikes to scooters and more.

• Minimise toy waste by avoiding unnecessary purchases.

• Connect with other families in the community.

• Provide a space to donate well-maintained toys for others to enjoy.

Our extensive collection has over 600 toys valued at over $40,000, carefully selected or donated to add to the variety available to our members. Categories include toys for babies, toddlers, vehicles, puzzles, games, ride-ons, water play, sports, agility, imaginative play, and role play.

Memberships work out to be a little as $1.50 per week, going once, going twice, SOLD! There are various options to suit all families. Each membership includes a set number of sessions, involving a 1.5 hour commitment on a Saturday morning at the KTPL, where kids are welcome to join in the fun.

In the past year, we’ve introduced a new feature: Event Hire Bookings. Members and businesses can now access our toys for functions and events, enhancing the overall experience for children and adults alike.

The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley’s enduring support, along with contributions from businesses like Horizon Power, has been essential in our non-profit group functioning. As we reflect on our journey, we’re grateful for the continued support from the community businesses and organisations.

Now, for some fun statistics!

Top Most Popular Toys 10

INGREDIENTS

• 1 small red onion

• 2 tbsp lime juice

• 1.2kg carrots (cut widthways into 3-4cm chunks)

• 135ml olive oil

• ¾ tsp tumeric powder

• 7 garlic cloves (peeled, 6 left whole, 1 crushed)

• 2 tsp coriander seeds (roughly crushed with mortar and pestle)

• 2 tsp cumin seeds ( roughly crushed with mortar and pestle)

• tsp chilli flakes

• 1.5 tbsp maple/agave syrup)

• 20g fresh coriander (roughly chopped)

• 2 spring onions

• 40g pistachios (lightly toasted and chopped)

• 60g greek yoghurt

• salt and pepper

KUNUNURRA SUN KITCHEN

Smooshed Carrots with Coriander Pistachio Pesto and Pickled Onion

This year, we’re very sad to say goodbye to Outback Ottolenghi as they head off for a new adventure. As a tribute to their departure, we’ve included a new Ottolenghi recipe for you all to try.

This smooshed carrot dish is the perfect companion to a slow cooked lamb shoulder on a Sunday evening. If you’re anti-coriander, you can sub out for parsley, however we have served it to a table of non-coriander fans and they’ve been none the wiser - we’ll let you fight that battle!

Prep time: 25 minutes

Cook time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Serves: 4 as a side

METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees

2. In a small bowl, mix together the onion. 1 tablespoon of lime juice and a pinch of salt. Set aside to pickle

3. Put the carrots, 4 tablespoons of oil, turmeric, 200ml water, big grind of salt and pepper into a roasting pan. Give it a good mix and then roast for 25 minutes. Then add whole garlic cloves and the remaining spices and roast for another 20 minutes, or until carrots are cooked through

4. Turn the oven temperature up to 210 degrees and drizzle syrup all over the carrots. Cook for another 10 minutes or until the carrots have taken on a little colour. Leave to cool for 5 minutes then use a potato mashed to smoosh the carrots into a coarse mash.

5. While the carrots bake, make the pesto. Put the fresh coriander, spring onions, pistachios, 3 tablespoons of oil, crushed garlic and a good grind of S&P into a food processor and blitz into a coarse paste. Transfer the pesto into a bowl and stir in last 2 tablespoons of oil.

6. Make the lime yoghurt by combining the yoghurt with the remaining tablespoon of lime juice in a small bowl.

7. Spread the smooshed carrots out on a large plate and dot with spoonfuls or yoghurt, followed by about ⅔ of the pesto (serve the rest of it alongside the dish) Finally top with pickled onion and serve warm. Enjoy!