Kununurra Sun - July 2023

Kununurra Sun

As I sit here writing this, the skies are covered in a dreary grey cloud and remaining drizzles of last night’s downpour are making their final leap off the roof into the garden bed. I’m currently snuggled up in a jumper and tracksuit and not long ago, my partner walked out of the house wearing a beanie.

This would all make sense in any other part of Australia at this time of year but for us, here in Kununurra - it’s truly out of season.

Whether you blame global warming, the Earth being flat or it’s simply the universe doing its thing, we have to admit that this cold snap has been rather nice. Us Kununurra locals usually only get one chance to pull out the winter woollies and boy, do we make the most of it.

Bomber jackets get dusted off, scarves are thrown around necks, plans are cancelled and God forbid anyone remembers how to drive correctly. It’s like the overcast skies are cue to forget how to indicate. It’s every man for themselves out of Messmate Way!

Meanwhile, all of us who have been planning our KNQ Pride outfits are trying to decide how we can make our sparkly outfits not only look cute, but keep us warm! If there’s one thing that’s not conducive with Pride, it’s a lot of clothes. If you’ve had the pleasure of friends and family visiting during this time, we feel for you. It’s one thing to entertain our loved ones when the weather is beautiful, let alone when you’re housebound by the rain. ‘What dry season?’ We hear you say.

The skies are predicted to turn blue soon and our regular dry season programming will go back to normal. But we encourage you to sit in this cold weather (figuratively, not literally) and take a moment to appreciate that while we might get a week or two of rain and temperatures in the single digits, this kind of weather plagues our East and Southern friends for months at a time. When we’re back to camping under the stars, boating up the lake and leaving the house in just a shirt and shorts, they’ll still be pulling on that second doona and running the heater on high.

If that’s not enough to bring some sunshine and warmth within you, then we don’t know what is!

Happy July folks!

PAGES 6-8

Agriculture ShowAll You Need To Know

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Celebrating

NAIDOC Week

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Lake Kununurra Boat Hire

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Boab MetalsSupporting Community

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KNX Cottoned On To Future Success

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Kimberley CreativeBianca Long

in and try the wide range of great tasting food choices including sandwiches, wraps and salads. Also, did you know Subway Kununurra sell subway pizzas? Subway, Eat Fresh!

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.

Whats On

NAIDOC WEEK

Sunday 2nd - 9th July 2023

Join the NAIDOC Week celebrations between Sunday 2nd July - 9th July. This year's theme is 'For Our Elders' as we honour the wisdom, resilience and guidance they have bestowed upon us.

There is a whole week of events in Kununurra so come along and get involved.

FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP TROPHY TOUR

Sunday 9th July 2023

The FIFA Women's World Cup trophy tour is heading to Kununurra! They will host a community event at Celebrity Tree Park on Sunday 9 July from 3-5pm. Come join the celebration!

Time: 3pm - 5pm

Venue: Celebrity Tree Park

Type: General

Audience: All ages

Cost : Free

Team KNX Sun

CREATIVE DIRECTORS: EDITORIAL:

ROSIE DUFFY & JESS BUCHAN ROSIE DUFFY, JESS BUCHAN, ELIZA PARRY-OKEDEN,

PHOTOGRAPHY: GRAPHIC DESIGN:

JESS BUCHAN (unless stated otherwise) SEBASTIAN 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.

KUNUNURRA AGRICULTURAL SHOW

Saturday 15th July 2023

Free community event including a teddy bear fashion show and medical clinic, craft activities, emergency services and face painting.

Time: 8am - 12am

Venue : Kununurra Agricultural Show Grounds

Cost: Free

Website: http://www.knxshowtime.org.au/

SUNSET MARKETS

Sunday 16th July 2023

(Multiple dates between 16th July to 17th Sep)

Join the Kununurra Water Ski Club for sunset markets on the river.

Time: 3pm - 8pm

Venue: Kununurra Ski Club

Cost: Gold coin donation

Wanyarring thawala-ban-tha

The bauhinia trees have flowers

Joong-joong yirremendayin ngarenga-ni

We slurp the honey out of them

MIRIWOONG TO ENGLISH TRANSLATION

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

@TRAVELLING_HEREANDTHERE

@CHARLIE_THE_TROOPY

@TRAVELLING_HEREANDTHERE

@JENNY_COYNE

@MAGNAY

@BORGLUNDS_BIGLAP

OWEN KIRTON, RACHELLE EISENTRAGER

KNX Agricultural Show

The Kununurra Agricultural Show is not far away, so mark your calendars and prepare yourself for a weekend of fun and games with plenty of fairy floss.

The Ag Show is only possible thanks to the hard work of the Kununurra Agricultural Society. The Ag Society exists to promote and support excellence in agricultural, horticultural and pastoral endeavours. In line with this objective, the East Kimberley comes alive with an event that showcases the heart and soul of the community every year.

The Kununurra Agricultural Show, held annually at the picturesque showgrounds, is a testament to the region's growing agricultural importance, local talent, and the resilience of its people. This exceptional event brings together producers, artisans, and families from near and far to celebrate the bountiful produce, showcase skills, and foster a sense of unity.

Kununurra Sun caught up with Sarah Brett the Vice President of the Ag Society and site coordinator extraordinaire to hear a little more about what being a member of the Ag Society is all about!

How long have you been in Kununurra and why did you move here?

I have been in Kununurra for 33 years, I don’t know how that happened! I came here to do a three month LOCUM for the very rudimentary vet clinic here, which in 1991 was out at the airport. Mostly they did TB testing and station work at that time, and the small animal work was very a poor second to the large animal work. I loved Kununurra from the moment I got here and haven’t left since!

Tell us how long you have served on the committee for?

I have been involved with the Ag show since 1992, I have been a committee member, was Secretary for many years and am now Vice President. I have coordinated the

entertainment and sites for many years now and would love someone new to step up and do that! Over the years we gradually built up the Pet Pavilion from a tiny little shed to the beautiful purpose-built pavilion we now have.

Why did you sign up to be on the committee?

Initially I joined the show committee because there was no pet section in the show, so since I suggested we needed one had to do it! I have been a part of the show ever since and have stayed because it is a great committee to be involved with and do love the challenges that come with running the Show.

What is your favourite competition at the Ag Show?

My favourite part of the show is the Dog Show…of course! love how much people love their dogs here and it is a great crowd pleaser. We all have such fun watching all the doggies waggy tails and the joy they bring to their families.

Do you have any interesting stories or does anything stand out to you from your time at the Ag Shows over the years?

Oh! I have SO many Ag show stories of different sorts. One of my favourites though is the year that we had my pet pig Priscilla on display in the Pet Pavilion, and as she had grown so much, she was going to a new family after the show. Priscilla was the cutest pink pig, who had a little black mask like Zorro and she had the perfect little black markings like a skirt.

When her new people came to collect her she managed to escape and run around the grounds at a 100 miles an hour!

Luckily, it was the very first year when the Ag show grounds had a huge boundary fence, so she couldn’t escape the grounds, but there was a lot of country for her to cover on the grounds.

Images supplied

Anyone who has ever tried to catch a pig, large or small, will know how hard it is to catch a running pig! In the end there were half a dozen people chasing her and it took quite some time. It was truly one of the most hysterical ‘events’ have ever witnessed. They did finally catch her and there was a huge amount of squealing and swearing involved as they loaded her up into a ute.

What have you noticed has changed over the years you have been involved?

Over the years the committee has worked very hard to do some fantastic improvement to the facilities on the grounds. There has been much effort involved to get grants for these works, as well as to coordinate the management and the actual doing of the developments. The grounds have fantastic facilities now, a credit to all involved.

What I have really noticed though, is that people in the community are far less keen to volunteer to help these days. It makes running a community event very difficult, when we

rely entirely on volunteers.

Many of our committee members have been on board for many years, and many of us are getting somewhat worn out. We desperately need new people to come on board so that we can keep our show going into the future. This year is our 51st Annual Show, so it’s been a huge effort for a small town.

What are you most looking forward to about this year’s show?

I look forward to the show every year, even though I am always utterly shattered by the end of it! I do love the process of laying out the plans for the grounds and bringing it all together for the two days. This year there will be a few changes as we had to source more entertainers and our side show from the NT and East Coast as the road was out at Fitzroy Crossing when we started booking people. It is always a fun and interesting weekend and I do love how it brings together locals, businesses, agricultural folks, station people and tourists.

The Ord River MarathonA Bucket List Item For Dragon Boaters

YOU MIGHT HAVE SEEN THEM ARRIVING WITH PADDLES STRAPPED TO THEIR LUGGAGE OR WEARING THEIR BRIGHTLY COLOURED TEAM SHIRTS AS MORE THAN 100 DRAGON BOATING ENTHUSIASTS ARRIVED INTO KUNUNURRA FOR THE ANNUAL ORD RIVER MARATHON ON SUNDAY 11TH JUNE.

If you missed them before the event, you might have seen them on Monday morning walking a little stiffly, trying to ease the lactic acid from their muscles after the challenging 55km paddle the day before.

Each year in mid-June, dragon boat enthusiasts from across Australia descend on Kununurra to take part in what has become an iconic bucket list event amongst Australia's dragon boating community.

The annual Ord River Marathon is an endurance challenge amongst the spectacular scenery of the Ord. Alleged to be the longest annual dragon boat paddle in the world, each year a crew of 15 navigate their 12-metre boats from the Lake Argyle Dam Wall, through the rapid water sections of the upper Ord and continue paddling an approximate 6-7 hours before reaching the finish line at Lily Lagoon.

'”People love this event as much as we love it,” says Josie Dean, Ord River Paddlers Club President.

“We’re a small club, and this event is the highlight of our year. We train for it and then welcome the influx of camaraderie and sporting spirit as paddlers of all ages across Australia take up the challenge".

This year saw teams from the Sunshine Coast, Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, Dubbo, Hervey Bay, Parkes and

Darwin as well as individual paddlers making up combined teams from Perth, Melbourne, Bendigo and Victor Harbour.

The event was launched in 2003 and each year there is growing interest in our spectacular Kimberley scenery and the fitness challenge this event offers.

For the not-so-fit, the event provides for paddler companions to follow the marathon course from the comfort of the Triple J spectator boat and join the morning tea and lunch stops along the trip before a final celebration dinner to congratulate paddlers on an Ordsome Adventure!

"We are really proud of how the event has grown and incredibly grateful to the Kununurra community who support the event each year," adds Kelvin Pine, the club coach who trains the local team every Saturday 6am-8am throughout the year to reach the fitness required.

Registration queries are already filling the clubs email inbox for the 2024 event so if you are a local and up for a unique challenge, visit the Ord River Paddlers Facebook page.

FINAL FUN FACT: Suitable for all ages 18-80 years - It is estimated that one hour of dragon boating can burn between 500 and 800 calories. The sport offers a great upper-body workout, and the paddling motion engages leg and core muscles.

Piicture credit: Danny Carter

For Our Elders, Bobbi

NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC WEEK IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL AUSTRALIANS TO LEARN ABOUT FIRST NATIONS CULTURES AND HISTORIES AND PARTICIPATE IN CELEBRATIONS OF THE OLDEST, CONTINUOUS LIVING CULTURES ON EARTH. IF YOU’RE UNFAMILIAR WITH THE ORIGINS, HERE’S A BRIEF HISTORY OF NAIDOC WEEK AS TOLD BY THE NATIONAL NAIDOC WEEK COMMITTEE.

On 26th January 1938, while many Australians celebrated the 150th anniversary of the landing of the First Fleet, a group of over 1000 Aboriginal people gathered at Australia Hall in Sydney to call for full citizenship status and laws to improve the lives of First Nations people. As one of the first major civil rights gatherings in the world, this day became known as the Day of Mourning.

From 1940 until 1955, the Day of Mourning was held annually on the Sunday before Australia Day and was known as ‘Aborigines Day’. In 1955 ‘Aborigines Day’ was shifted to the first Sunday in July when it was decided that the day should also become a celebration of Aboriginal culture as well as a day of protest. Major Aboriginal organisations, as well as state and federal governments, all supported the formation of the National Aborigines Day Observance Committee (NADOC). In 1974, for the first time, the NADOC committee was composed entirely of Aboriginal representatives.

The following year, it was decided that NADOC be expanded to become a week of celebrations, from the first to the second Sunday in July. In 1984, NADOC asked that National Aborigines Day be made a national public holiday to help celebrate and recognise the rich cultural history that makes Australia unique.

While this has not happened (yet!), other groups have echoed the Committee’s call. As awareness of the distinct cultural histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples grew, NADOC was expanded to recognise Torres Strait Islander people and culture. The committee then became known as the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC). The National NAIDOC Committee makes key decisions regarding national celebrations each year as stewards of National NAIDOC Week events on behalf of all First Nations people.

Lockyer

there is knowledge there are our Elders. Our Elders paved the pathways for us, taught us our knowledge, our history, they passed down their art, stories and wisdom. Our Elders are the foundation of our communities and role models for our children. With this poster wanted to showcase how important our Elders are in passing down traditions and culture to our children and future.

WORDS BY ELIZA PARRY-OKEDEN

Since then, National NAIDOC Week has grown to become both a commemoration of the first Day of Mourning, as well as a celebration of the history, culture and excellence of First Nations people. National NAIDOC Week is observed annually from the first Sunday in July until the following Sunday.

WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT NATIONAL NAIDOC WEEK

The National NAIDOC Week Committee have outlined a number of ways that you can support and be involved during NAIDOC week, and every week:

Read a book by a First Nations author. “You live several lives while reading,” quipped American novelist William Styron, and what better place to find your next life-changer than Magabala Books. Based in Broome, they’ve been publishing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors, artists and illustrators from all over Australia since the ‘80s. You’ll also find some recommendations in the Between the Lines section of this magazine.

Engage with local Traditional Owners and your local Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Community. Familiarise yourself with the Aboriginal corporations, and Aboriginal-led organisations, in the area, and watch out for any events happening down the track or projects to keep an eye on. For example, the Waringarri Aboriginal Arts Centre hold Miriwoong Dawang Community Nights, while Binarribinyja yarrawoo are currently convening organisations across the Kimberley to implement an Empowered Communities model.

Find out the Country you’re on at AIATSIS Map of Indigenous Australia.

According to the map’s creator, David R. Horton, “This map attempts to represent the language, social or nation groups of Aboriginal Australia. It shows only the general locations of larger groupings of people which may include clans, dialects or individual languages in a group. It used published resources from the eighteenth century-1994 and is not intended to be exact, nor the boundaries fixed.” Still an essential resource, and you can even order a physical copy.

Display the National NAIDOC Week Poster in your workplace or classroom and get your hands on some National NAIDOC Week merchandise!

From all (my own, unreliable) reports, you can find a stall selling NAIDOC and other merchandise at the Kununurra Markets on Saturday mornings. I also saw this on the Community Noticeboard Facebook page; so gospel, naturally.

I’m sure I’ve seen them once or twice at the Phoenix Plaza markets as well, but also unconfirmed, so I’ll suss it out next Fri-Yay and report back.

Make a purchase from a Blak business – make sure profits go to First Nations makers.

Speaking of Fri-Yays, Blak Tapas are a local business that you should definitely get around, if you haven’t already. Shimmy on down to Phoenix Plaza on a Friday afternoon for tapas, a tipple and live music. If you’re looking to buy art from the region, shop around to ensure that as much of your money is going back to the maker as possible. If you’ve still got coins to spare, Ngarrimili, an organisation that offers mentorship and support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

businesses and entrepreneurs have an online ‘Black Business Directory’ for your perusal.

Listen to podcasts or music by First Nations artists and creatives.

Tune into our very own Waringarri Radio! Their weekly programs cover a whole host of topics, and are available to stream via Soundcloud and Spotify. And while I’ve got you here, Spotify have a whole host of curated playlists featuring solely First Nations artists for any taste or tone; think “Big Ancestor Energy” for the OG anthems or “Blak and Deadly” to get familiar with the up-and-comers.

Watch a television show or movie made by a First Nations filmmaker.

We’re spoiled for choice really. Locally, Nyul Nyul and Yawuru filmmaker Jub Clerc’s debut film “Sweet As” played at the Kununurra Picture Gardens on Friday 30th of June. Likewise, the eponymous short-doco chronicling the reunion of Helicopter Tjungurrayi and the daughter of the chopper pilot who saved his life is circulating Australian film festivals, and hopefully available for viewing in some form near you soon. Fascinating, and likely a must watch.

Attend an NAIDOC Week Event!

Check out the Kununurra NAIDOC Week 2023 calendar for the full run down, including favourites such as the Community Day, KWAC Bush Tucker Day and the Community Movie Night, among other things.

Educate yourself on the upcoming Voice to Parliament referendum.

Unless you’ve spent a few months out bush sans Starlink, you’ll be aware that there’s a referendum happening sometime this year. There’s already some very loud, polarising opinions and a fair whack of confusion in the midst. Although there’s no date set yet (at the time of writing), in the meantime, you can do your very best to make an informed and educated decision for positive change. And once you know your stuff, you can share it with your community so we’re all on the same page.

Follow First Nations social media accounts and share their content!

Speaks for itself, I think – the internet is (sometimes) your friend!

Picture credit: Blak Tapas

Picture credit: Sarah Duguid

Picture credit: Blak Tapas

Picture credit: Warringarri Media

Picture credit: Magalabala Books

Lake Kununurra Boat Hire

Full day and half day hire are available for both boating options and all safety equipment is provided in the hire costs. We had the pleasure of taking to the water recently on one of their BBQ pontoon boats. It was a Sunday afternoon and admittedly, I was feeling a little tired. It had been a long, busy week at work and the social events of the weekend were catching up to me. My couch looked mighty inviting and the idea of socialising for another few hours seemed impossible.

However, we were committed to round out the weekend on the water so I dragged my weary self down and boarded the boat.

Within moments of the engine purring to life, a feeling of ease washed over me. I sat back as we cruised up towards Elephant

Rock and suddenly felt ridiculous that I would have passed this up for a few hours on the couch. We stopped to anchor up, the afternoon sun beaming down on us and a view of the magnificent landscape surrounding us. I thought to myself “It doesn’t really get much better than this” and as I looked around at my friends, equally content smiles on their faces, I could tell the feeling was mutual.

If you haven’t already experienced life on the water with Lake Kununurra Boat Hire, what are you waiting for! Or, if you’re wanting to treat your loved ones, gift vouchers are also available for purchase.

There’s no better feeling than cruising up Lake Kununurra, breeze blowing in your hair, cold drink in your hands and good friends by your side. Thanks to Lake Kununurra Boat Hire, that feeling has been all the more possible with their BBQ pontoon boat and dinghy hire.

It’s been a big 12 months for Sharyn and Graham Vick. Since the inception of Lake Kununurra Boat Hire, they’ve sent hundreds of happy customers cruising up the lake in either their pristinely kept BBQ pontoon boats or dinghies.

Their success and hard work has not gone unrecognised either, with the business being awarded ‘New Business of the Year’ in the 2022 East Kimberley Business Excellence Awards late last year.

Sharyn says the support from the community has been fantastic, with many familiar faces returning again and again.

“It’s what small regional towns are all about” she says.

2023 has been a turbulent year for us all however Graham and Sharyn continue to improve their operations to make Lake Kununurra better than ever. Their relocation to Millington Drive not only makes life easier for them, but for their customers too with secure parking available while they enjoy a day on the water.

If you’re new to town (or been living under a rock!) Lake Kununurra Boat Hire offers two different types of boat hire for you to enjoy the spectacular scenery of Lake Kununurra.

Their BBQ Pontoon boats comfortably carry up to 10 passengers and are fully equipped with gas BBQ, table, chairs and full-size toilet onboard. They’re also pet friendly and require no skippers ticket to hire them.

The Dinghies are for those looking to explore further up the river. Each dinghy can carry up to four passengers and have cushioned seating and bimini for shade. Skippers tickets are required to hire the dinghies.

HEAD TO LKBOATHIRE.COM.AU TO GET CRUISIN' TODAY!

AS LAKE KUNUNURRA BOAT HIRE CELEBRATE THEIR FIRST BIRTHDAY, WE CATCH UP WITH SHARYN AND GRAHAM VICKTO HEAR ABOUT HOW THEIR FIRST YEAR ON THE WATER HAS BEEN.

Images supplied

Boab Metals Limited

IF YOU WERE AROUND TOWN RECENTLY FOR THE ORD VALLEY MUSTER, YOU WOULD HAVE NOTICED BOAB METALS NAME AS THE PRINCIPAL PARTNER OF THE EVENT. THE COMPANY’S CONTRIBUTION IS A MAJOR REASON FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE FESTIVAL COMING BACK BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER THIS YEAR AFTER THE UNFORTUNATE CANCELLATIONS DUE TO COVID-19.

So, let’s find out some more about Boab Metals.

Boab Metals is an ASX listed company (BML) and is developing the Sorby Hills mining project, which is situated on the traditional lands of the Miriuwung and Gajerrong people and located approximately 50km north-east of Kununurra. That’s just three kilometres from the Western Australian and Northern Territory border.

The area where the mine is located has one of Australia’s largest undeveloped, near-surface base metals (silver-leadzinc) deposits. Ore will be extracted and processed into a concentrate on-site and transported 150 kilometres by road for shipping from the port of Wyndham.

The project is estimated to operate for approximately 10 years. Boab Metals recently completed its Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) and continues with ongoing exploration programs. Subject to making the decision to

proceed with mining, initial early works could begin in late 2023/early 2024. Construction of the mine will then commence and take approximately 12 months and be followed by the commencement of mining operations.

Approximately 160-180 jobs in total will be created through construction and then operations, with employment opportunities being available for the local community. Boab is further committed to contributing to the regional economy through procurement and contracting of services and supplies by local businesses for the mine.

Whilst mining has not yet commenced, Boab has been on the front foot when it comes to supporting the community. We asked Boab Metals CEO Simon Noon about his thoughts on the Sorby Hill’s project.

He shared that “Boab Metals wants to make a positive contribution to the Kununurra and Wyndham communities

and provide opportunities that benefit economic and social outcomes for the region and the people who live here.”

Boab has supported this very magazine since our first edition helping us to get off the ground and share positive stories about the people, place and opportunities that the East Kimberley provides.

But it doesn’t stop there! Boab also supports other groups in our community including:

Teach Learn Grow to deliver their Rural Program at East Kimberley College and Wyndham District High School which provides mentoring and tutoring by university student to assist students’ literacy outcomes and classroom engagement.

Kununurra Agricultural Society to host the Kununurra Agricultural Show on the 14th and 15th of July, which offers the opportunity for all of the community to

experience the fun of the fair and celebrate the primary industry’s amazing contribution to the Kimberley region.

The Kununurra Picture Gardens to host their very successful week long film festival in June that celebrated 60 years of providing an outdoor cinema and other entertainment events to the Kununurra community.

IF YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT BOAB METALS, CHECK OUT THEIR WEBSITE WWW.BOABMETALS.COM

KNX Cottoned On to Future Success

WORDS BY OWEN KIRTON

“It’s been a 6-to-7-year process, since the KCC formed in 2020 many people have made large contributions to getting the cotton gin project running, everyone has stood up and done their bit at different times.” He said.

“The impact of the gin will be much broader than just our town, the economic impact, cropping impact and the development of the cattle industry through cotton seed will spread right through regional Australia. We will keep expanding production and industry as the future unfolds.”

CEO of ORDCO Dan Raymond is also in good spirits now that construction is underway.

“There’s been a lot of critical moments, lots of steps, all of which have been exciting. Expansion talks are already underway, by 2030 we could be looking at a much bigger project than it is at this stage.”

“We have an opportunity to create a real niche for our product, the cotton grown here is generally of a very high quality. We will be able to gin that using hydro-electric power, whilst utilising our gravity fed water systems enabling us to

create our own Kununurra brand of ‘green’ cotton which is environmentally sustainable.”

Farmland area in Kununurra is expected to double with the introduction of the new gin, creating an abundance of new employment positions and growth for all surrounding industries in the Kimberley. New beginnings don’t come without challenges, but the prosperity of our little town continues to grow with our ability to self-sustain, harness new opportunities, and excel in the agricultural market.

Following one of the most prolific wet season’s Kununurra has faced in over a decade, times have been turbulent with freight uncertainty. The challenges the community has overcome have been nothing short of miraculous, with the collapse of the Fitzroy bridge and the flooding of the Victoria Highway, businesses were stretched to their finest sinews and the already difficult import and export of goods was a near impossible feat.

With transport access now restored and the introduction of new industry and infrastructure, this is a much-needed boost for our economy and paves the way for an exciting new future for Kununurra.

Exciting times are in store for Kununurra as the 6/7-year endeavour to build a new cotton gin is finally coming to fruition. As well as establishing a new cotton growing industry in town, the gin is expected to create around 30 job opportunities during construction and a further 31 ongoing jobs once operational. Significant public benefits of the project are forecasted with revenue of up to $386 million expected over the next 20 years.

Cotton farmed in the Ord has historically been processed in Queensland. The 3500km journey and lack of available transport has constrained the ability to mass-export cotton from the valley. Having the facility to handle the finished product locally presents a unique opportunity to amplify production, eliminate the need to export cotton for processing and gives access to international export markets in places like Indonesia from Wyndham port.

A pivotal part of the success of this project has been the formation of the Kimberley Cotton company (KCC), comprised of Kimberley Agricultural Investment (KAI), Ord River District Co-operative (ORDCO) the Miriuwung Gajerrong Corporation (MGC) and local growers. Now that financial backing is fully implemented, the KCC board is proceeding with their construction decision. The ordering of materials and arrangements with contractors is actively happening and concrete works are expected to begin within the next month, with hopes the project will be fully operational by the 2025 ginning season.

Central to progression of the gin is a key group of people including Jim Engelke, who has been leading KAI as General Manager since it first took up the Goomig land area under stage 2.

Bianca Long

KIMBERLEY CREATIVE

A truly Kimberley Creative, Bianca Long grew up in Halls Creek and now calls Wyndham home. Her Jaru Girl work ranges from textiles to jewellery and also painting. KNX Sun caught up with Bianca to hear about her childhood in Halls Creek, her journey with Jaru Girl and where she hopes to see her work in the future.

TELL US ABOUT HOW YOU GOT INTO MAKING JEWELLERY?

got into making jewellery because it was something that I found is easy to do and it was cheap and small. I started with beads then I went into a gallery in Kununurra and was shown resin jewellery and really liked what I saw. I then asked the Art Centre Manager who makes the resin jewellery, she gave me the contact details of Mo Resin who is a Melbourne-based designer that collaborates with Aboriginal Artist. Artists send them designs and they then use the design and create beautiful jewellery pieces. They give a commission to the artist for every piece that is purchased from the artist.

have recently just started using natural wattle seed of which I hand paint my design on.

WHEN DID YOU START JARU GIRL?

started Jaru Girl in 2020. I only started with painting and then in 2021, I launched my clothing line, The Connection to Country Collection.

YOU GREW UP IN HALLS CREEK ON A PROPERTY, CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR CHILDHOOD THERE? WE'RE GUESSING IT WAS FILLED WITH MANY ADVENTURES?

I lived on a small property with my mum, dad, younger brother and sister in Halls Creek where we have a lot of bush, a dam and plenty of horses. Growing up on the small property was great as we learnt a lot of skills from our father, for example he had myself and my brother and sister help him build a culvert.

Also, our dad taught us all to ride horses from which we would compete in rodeos, My mum and a very good family friend of the family used to run the local Gymkhana in Halls Creek where my brother and sister and I all would compete. My childhood was spent camping around the Halls Creek area, this was great.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT JARU GIRL? YOU MENTION YOU DESIGN FASHION, JEWELLERY AND YOU'RE ALSO AN ARTIST?

Jaru Girl comes from the word Djaru which is my Language and the area I'm from is my fathers, grandfather and great grandmother on my father's side.

My dad is a Djaru man and his country is Sturt Creek, around 210km south of Halls Creek. Djaru is both an Aboriginal nation and a language spoken by the Djaru people.

YOU ARE OBVIOUSLY VERY PROUD OF YOUR CULTURE IF IT'S PART OF YOUR BRAND NAME, WHAT DOES BEING JARU MEAN TO YOU?

combine the two. like the way it worked on the canvas but, most importantly, I wanted my painting to reflect my whole identity. The ochre represents my Aboriginal identity, whereas acrylic is a white person’s medium and I have whitefella in my heritage too so want to recognise that. Keeping my culture strong through my art is very important to me as I'm very proud of being an Aboriginal Djaru Women from Halls Creek.

had a fashion show in Wyndham in 2022 where launched the Jaru Girl brand and then in 2022 when I launched this brand, wanted to make sure that had models from my local area. also wanted to showcase my home and opted for a photo around Halls Creek and Wyndham where I now live. I had some of my family feature as models - my sister, nieces and aunty. This was important to me as the Jaru Girl brand is not only my connection to the country by my strong connection to my family.

CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR FAVOURITE

PIECES?

My favourite piece of artwork is the 'My Country' painting which is what you see on the ruffle top and ruffle dress, as this represents the county of where I’m from and where my father, grandfather and great grandmother is from.

My other favourite piece is the Rugged Country painting of which I have made shirt and pants.

YOU MENTIONED YOU WORK IN KNX DURING THE WEEK, WHAT'S YOUR 'DAY JOB'?

have been working for Vocational Training Services for 12

months, of which I have been employed as a Trainer to deliver a Certificate 1 and 2 in Leadership to the local community members, ranging from youth and older adults.

IS THERE ANYONE WHO HELPED YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY WITH JARU GIRL?

Yes, I have had a number of people help on my Jaru Girl journey. My family, Sarah Duguid - Sarah Duguid Photography, and recently Lois McGruer- Fraser, a fashion designer at Social Studios and Jen Layton from Earth Foundation. I have exhibited my artworks in the Cossack Artworks, Woodside Art Exhibition, and the 2022 and 2023 Revealed Art Exhibition in Perth.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR VISION FOR JARU GIRL?

My vision for the Jaru Girl Clothing and Accessory brand is to see my clothes in large department stores in Australia and internationally. My vision for my artworks is to have them featured in large exhibitions.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN THE SKUTTA FASHION SHOW IN BROOME?

In 2022, I showcased my Connection to Country at Country to Couture in Darwin, and in 2022 and 2023 I showcased my collection at the Skutta Fashion Show in Broome.

At the Skutta Fashion Show, I showcased my full clothing range. As part of this I had a few young women from Broome model my clothing out which is something I'm very proud of.

WHAT INSPIRES YOUR DESIGNS?

My inspiration for my work comes from the country that I live in and where I'm from. I reflect on the land, my country and the places I’ve been. If you look at my art, it is like looking at an aerial photo. Each painting shows different areas and features, everything from rivers and creeks to the grasses and flowers that decorate my country.

Images supplied

ABC in the Kimberley

It’s a common belief that Kimberley kids have the dream childhood. Wide open spaces, incredible locations right at your doorstep and the school of nature educating them from the dirt up. So when Christen Mijovic found a gap in the market in children's books - books targeted towards kids of the Kimberley, she knew what she had to do. We caught up with Christen about her latest book, ABC in the Kimberley.

YOUR FIRST BOOK, COUNTING IN THE KIMBERLEY WAS A GREAT

SUCCESS! WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO CREATE ANOTHER CHILDREN’S BOOK?

The original idea was ABC in the Kimberley, although with 26 illustrations to organise and pages to write I knew that would be a mammoth project for my first book. That's why I started with Counting in the Kimberley, then here we are today! I enjoy the creative process, seeing it go from the computer screen to something I can hold in my hands and share with my son, Kian. There will be more to come, so many ideas yet little snippets of spare time.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR NEW BOOK ABC IN THE KIMBERLEY

There are plenty of ABC books out there, although usually it goes something like A for alligator and B for ball. I wanted to have one that kids who live here or who have visited are drawn to from what they have seen out and about exploring. Each page has a quirky fact about each letter that I hope will stick with the kids, like don’t grab onto a pandanus leaf when bushwalking.. ouch! The book released now was the third version, as after printing and reading the manuscript to Kian at bedtime I realised some sentences weren’t enticing him, or didn’t roll off the tongue. It was hard to use my patience, but with encouragement from my partner Jaygan, I continued editing until it was just about perfect!

An addition that pairs with the ABC in the Kimberley book is matching Kimberley Kid Flash Cards. Using the animals from the book we created a set of card with multiple uses - cards for tummy time, flashcards to learn the names of animals, and the games Snap & Memory.

DID YOU WORK WITH THE SAME ILLUSTRATOR FOR THIS BOOK?

This book has a new illustrator. Olga was chosen for her watercolour style with stunning colours and realistic take on a piece. There was a delay to the start of this book, I trialled nine different illustrators before deciding on Olga. The one that won me over was her illustration of the Jabiru, the iridescent feathers really stood out! Such simple illustrations but the more you look the more detail you see!

HOW HAS THE NEW BOOK BEEN RECEIVED BY THE COMMUNITY?

Very similar to the last book, with excitement & support! I don’t think I would have tried something like this if I didn’t live in such a supportive community who backs you, gives feedback and values the books. A massive thank you to all who have supported, including the Kununurra Sun!

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN PUBLISHING A BOOK?

The biggest challenge in self publishing is that from ‘woah to go’ it’s all up to you. Meaning, if I’m lacking time, if I don’t have information and images to provide the illustrator with, if technical/printing issues arise during it all STOPS. Thankfully after I created my first book, I faced many hiccups and learnt from them so this book felt smoother!

WHAT’S NEXT FOR BOOKS BY CHRISTEN?

More books for sure, hopefully a story book is on the cards while a larger book project is happening in the background. I feel I’ve limited myself with the name ‘Books by Christen’ as love making books, yet I want to venture into products that will support my books. Anything that Kimberley kids can learn from I’d love to make. So if you see some products released don’t be confused by my business name haha!

WHERE CAN WE BUY ABC IN THE KIMBERLEY?

My website www.booksbychristen.com.au or through my social pages Books by Christen. Local stockists are Artlandish, Walkabout Souvenirs, Curlew Home & Living, Ellenbrae Station, and Purnululu Visitor Centre.

FAVOURITE PAGES FROM LITTLE READERS

Meila, 2yrs old - H for Hammerhead Shark, at the moment she is shark obsessed Caitlin, 2yrs old - T for Turtles as it’s her favourite animal Ivy, 1 yr old - S for Storm she enjoys looking at the colours Kian, 3yrs old - U for Ute, because it’s the same as Poppy’s work car

Images supplied

Success at North West Regional Netball Championships 2023

On the 16th of June, Kununurra Netball Association travelled to Broome for the 2023 North West Regional Netball Championships. Twenty players, ten officials (one baby) and countless supporters made the trip to compete in the three-day competition against rival associations from the Pilbara and the Kimberley.

The 12 & Under Representative Team was coached by Development Accredited Coach, Vanessa Jenkins, assisted by Jessica Willdigg. The team consisted of ten players and captains were voted by the team; Captain to Quintarnah, and Vice Captain to Marizelle. Although the team did not win a game throughout the competition, they persevered and showed incredible improvement, sportsmanship and drive.

The 14 & Under Representative Team, coached by Erin Whiticker (Intermediate Accredited Coach) and assisted by Georgia McGee. The team also had Carly Durrans organising things for them off court. Captain was Mary W and Vice Captain, Elsie. Overall the 14 & Under team finished in fourth place out of seven. They went into each game with passion and enthusiasm.

In the 16 & Under Division, Lescheyah (Bayah) James joined Tom Price for the weekend. Bayah is a player who has been selected for TID in the past and represented

North West at the State Cup in 2022. One of our success stories was Nyokah (Okie) James being awarded her C Badge Umpiring Accreditation. Okie is a former representative player at both Kununurra and State Cup level.

Also travelling were some of our Committee Members. Treasurer Charmaine Dawe, was the Manager for the 14 & Under team, while Secretary Teagan Lister, managed the 12 & Under team. President Natasha Storey, attended various meetings offered by Netball WA at the event. Most importantly, Registrar Bella Davis attended (along with Nyokah) as our umpire.

Kununurra Netball Association was awarded ‘Best Dressed’ for the competition. There was also the ‘Players’ Player’. The 12 & Under was awarded to Qunitarnah and 14 & Under to Zahra.

We would also like to thank our sponsors for assisting us in getting to Broome. Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, APEX Australia, Wunan, Point Farms Ag Co, Ord River Electrics, Quest Conveyancing, Kimberley Leather, BRD Construction, Maintenance & Glazing, Kimberley Marketing and Kicky’s.

Clontarf Kids Come From Far and Wide to Play Footy

THE CLONTARF FOUNDATION EXISTS TO IMPROVE THE EDUCATION, DISCIPLINE, LIFE SKILLS, SELFESTEEM AND EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS OF YOUNG ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER MEN.

Recently, the Clontarf Foundation held their annual Northern Football Carnival in Kununurra, which saw over 350 Clontarf boys from across 16 different academies travel to Kununurra to play.

The massive day of footy was held across both the Town and Ag Ovals, and teams travelled from as far south as Broome and Derby to as far north as Darwin and Nhulunbuy. It was an action-packed day with each team playing five games to compete for an overall aggregate champion. Each academy also got the chance to sit in on a presentation from Kununurra’s local Headspace team, which ran sessions on youth mental health and the different support and programs available to both young men and women.

The day finished with a WA vs. NT All Star game, with the WA boys coming out on top.

After the enormous day of footy, the carnival concluded with a big BBQ dinner at the Kununurra Leisure Centre, giving all the boys a chance to fill up and cool off. A big thankyou goes out to The Shire of Wyndham – East Kimberley for opening up the pools and putting on extra staff so all the boys could use the facility.

As always the carnival wasn’t just about the final result on the scoreboard, but more importantly about bringing the boys together and playing football with the Clontarf Spirit - playing hard and playing fair.

The carnival also provides a great opportunity for the Clontarf academies travelling to the event to get out and about around the East Kimberley, with academies creating a week-long camp based around the carnival. Many academies used the occasion to camp along the Gibb River Road, fish the Ord River, visit Lake Argyle and much more.

The 2023 Clontarf Northern Carnival was a huge success and all the boys played with amazing spirit and determination. We can’t wait to do it all again next year!

KUNUNURRA SUN KITCHEN

Veggie Brekkie Burger

The recipe wasn’t always intended to be vegetarian; however on a recent camping trip to Lake Argyle, it was discovered early Sunday morning that a key ingredient had decided to remain in the safe confines of the fridge at home. While we were disappointed that crispy bacon wouldn’t be topping our burgers, we were pleasantly surprised at how tasty we could make the humble brekky burger without it.

INGREDIENTS

• Bread rolls (we recommend Kimbercrust for their fluffy pillows of white bread)

• Eggs

• Avocado

• Marinated feta

• Lemon/lime (whatever might be on hand)

• Vegetables (we used tomato, capsicum and red onion)

• Kewpie mayo

Kununurra Picture Gardens

UPCOMING JULY MOVIES

Ticket Prices: Adult $15, Child $10, Family $40 (1A+3C) (2A+2C)

Gate Opens - 5:30pm | Movie starts: 6:00pm

METHOD

1. Chop tomato, capsicum and red onion into strips.

2. Heat fry pan on fire/BBQ and drizzle with a little oil. Throw in vegetables and toss until softened. Put aside.

3. While veggies are frying, mash avocado, feta and a squeeze of lemon/lime into a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Crack eggs into pan and cook as desired.

5. Cut bread rolls in half and either serve fresh or toasted (we went with toasted).

6. Squeeze kewpie mayo on one side of the bread roll and a scoop of smashed avocado on the other side.

7. Top the avocado with egg and veggies.

8. Wrap in paper towel to avoid any runny egg disasters.

9. Enjoy!

TBC (please check website)

ELEMENTAL YOU HURT MY FEELINGS

TBC (please check website) SPIDERMAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE

NO HARD FEELINGS

Friday 21 July 2023

Saturday 22 July 2023 INDIANA JONES: AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY

Saturday 29 July 2023

VOLUNTEERING AT THE KUNUNURRA PICTURE GARDENS

Are you a popcorn connoisseur? A master of ticket sales and car tetris? Maybe, you simply like watching movies outdoors? If yes, come and volunteer at the Picture Gardens!

If you’d like to volunteer at the Kununurra Picture Gardens, visit their website at kpg.org.au or email volunteerskpg@gmail.com.

Over 1,400 loans on tap. (enjoy responsibly)

Between the Lines

5. Colonial Frontier Massacres, Australia, 1780 to 1930, v3 (newcastle.edu.au), an interactive map of Australia

To quote the recommender, “this website is a bit grim, but probably important. It showcases all massacres that occurred around Australia during colonisation. There is so much information to all of them as well, it's quite sickening but it's super interesting.” I’m sure someone’s said that the first step towards the future is acknowledging the past, so with this in mind, go forth with caution as it’s not for the faint hearted.

6. Culture is Life, a not-for-profit organisation

Culture is Life is an Aboriginal-led organisation determined to see young people flourish. Their vision, in their own words, is to ensure that all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people are proud custodians of the oldest living culture on Earth and have opportunities to connect, contribute and thrive in Australia and the world. Jump on their website to explore their range of projects, from the development of educational resources for schools to community campaigns that engage with young and old people around Australia to share stories and experiences.

7. Blood, Bones and Spirit: Aboriginal Christianity in an East Kimberley Town, by Heather McDonald

dispossession. It investigates the embodiment of Christianity by Aboriginal people through their appropriation of Christ's body-his blood, bones and spirit-in order to replenish and heal their own colonised bodies. Sounds heavy, but I’m sure enlightening nonetheless.

8. Demographics, via the Kimberley Development Committee

Not an exciting read, per se, but an interesting one nonetheless. The Kimberley Development Commission presents key demographic statistics for the region through a series of interactive graphs. The data includes estimated resident population, natural population increase, migration (interstate and overseas) and population projections. It’s a good one for a birdseye glance at the fabric of where we live, and the people who make up the weave.

9. Black Cockatoo, by Carl Merrison and Hakea Hustler

FOR OVER 60,000 YEARS ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PEOPLES HAVE BEEN PIONEERS OF ANCIENT AND INNOVATIVE SOCIAL, CULTURAL AND CONSERVATION PRACTICES, WHICH HAVE MOST OFTEN BEEN SHARED THROUGH STORYTELLING. IN CELEBRATION OF NAIDOC WEEK, HERE ARE A COUPLE OF RECOMMENDATIONS FROM SOME FRIENDS OF OURS FOR YOU TO DIVE INTO, HEADFIRST.

1. This Book Thinks ya Deadly: A Celebration of Blak Excellence, by Corey Tutt and Molly Hunt (illustrator)

Not only is this compendium of fabulous First Nations people hot off the press, it’s bloody nice to look at and the vibrant illustrations feel worthy of a frame or two. Each page showcases inspirational people across a range of industries, and is accompanied by visuals from local legend, Molly Hunt. Molly is a Balanggarra and Yolngu woman from Wyndham who has illustrated, in her own words, an awesome book targeted to everyone! Well, you simply can’t argue with that.

2. Growing up Aboriginal in Australia, edited by Anita Heiss

Perhaps the most acclaimed of the ‘Growing up (insert demographic) in Australia” anthologies, this one attempts to showcase as many diverse voices, experiences and stories as possible. Each account reveals, to some degree, the impacts of invasion and colonisation – on language, on country, on ways of life, and on how people are treated daily in the community, the education system, the workplace and friendship groups. All of them speak to the heart –sometimes calling for empathy, oftentimes challenging stereotypes, always demanding respect.

3. Country Matters, a podcast produced at Waringarri Media Aboriginal Corporation, presented by Donny Imberlong Among other cool things, Jaru man Donny Imberlong

presents a radio show and podcast called ‘Country Matters’ that delves into all things conservation, land and water management, and development across the Kimberley. You can tune in to the show on Waringarri Radio, or you can listen at your leisure via your usual streaming services, such as Spotify and Soundcloud. Donny has graced these pages before as a Kimberley Creative to discuss his passion for nature and the wonders of the region, which he channels deftly through photography. It’s fitting then that his recent endeavours are further explorations of country and culture.

4. Skin Names: Ngalim-Ngalimbooroo Ngagenybe, Shirley Purdie, via the National Portrait Gallery

Shirley Purdie, a prominent Gija woman and renowned artist, presents the concepts of kinship, dreaming and self-identity through a collection of artworks exhibited as a singular piece at the National Portrait Gallery. It’s a self-portrait, as much as an autobiography, of which she says, "It’s good to learn from old people. They keep saying when you paint you can remember that Country, just like to take a photo, but there’s the Ngarranggarni (Dreaming) and everything. Good to put it in painting, your Country, so kids can know and understand. When the old people die, young people can read the stories from the paintings. They can learn from the paintings and maybe they want to start painting too.”

For fans of non-fiction, Blood Bones and Spirit may be of interest to those fascinated by religion and anthropology in the region. The book says that it analyses how Aboriginal people have appropriated Biblical stories of land inheritance, expansion and loss in order to make sense of their own

Written by Jaru man, Carl Merrison, and former Halls Creek District High School teacher Hakea Hustler, Black Cockatoo is, according to the blurb, a vignette that follows Mia, a young Aboriginal girl as she explores the fragile connections of family and culture. Mia is a 13-year-old girl from a remote community in the Kimberley. She is saddened by the loss of her brother as he distances himself from the family. She feels powerless to change the things she sees around her, until one day she rescues her totem animal, the dirran black cockatoo, and soon discovers her own inner strength. A wonderful small tale on the power of standing up for yourself, culture and ever-present family ties.

AQUARIUS – 20 JANUARY-18 FEBRUARY

It’s time to realise that it's time you took your relationships beyond the superficial. Recognise the origins of your jealous thoughts and resolve to let them go. The material pursuits in life are about as useless as socks on a dog.

PISCES – 19 FEBUARY-20 MARCH

Working on your mental game is essential. What will be is up to you. You might feel forced to be energetic and productive but would much rather be curled up on the couch. Maybe it's time to do just that. Doing not much else for the purpose of relaxing can be a productive pursuit too.

ARIES - 21 MARCH-19 APRIL

All good things come to an end, thus is the circle of life. This lull you are feeling is time to reflect and grow. Before you know it, you'll be on the up and good things begin again. You are exactly where you are meant to be.

TAURUS – 20 APRIL- 20 MAY

Who are you? Do you even know anymore? Teetering on the edge of a precipice, lean in too far and you'll find yourself lost amongst a rocky scree of non-descript fragmented morals. Look up, step back and see the land beyond the horizon.

GEMINI – 21 MAY-20 JUNE

Leaving the safety of the nest is the hardest part, but really, it's just one step out the door and only good things from here. You've missed out on too much already, so time to get out there, if not for you, but those people and moments you've missed out on experiencing and witnessing that make you scream, 'I'm the luckiest person alive!'

CANCER – 21 JUNE-22 JULY

The Cancerian birth month of July. Your sun sign breathes new life. Plant some seeds to provide future gifts from the Earth

Getting Quizzy With It

you've tilled thus far and share nourishment from the care and commitment you display. Let the warm satisfaction of achievement wash over you.

LEO – 23 JULY-22 AUGUST

Dedication to your dreams start to pay off, be patient and thoughtful in the pursuit and don't downplay the achievements made so far. Your thoughtful planning and manifestations are beginning to flower.

VIRGO 23 AUGUST-22 SEPTEMBER

Something is baking in the world of Virgo. Don't let the opportunity to fill the breadbasket go. However, don't open the oven too soon, else things might deflate. When life gives you mould, make pancakes.

LIBRA - 23 SEPTEMBER-22 OCTOBER

There's no shame in walking away, in fact all power to you. It's not selfish to follow the path of your spiritual and personal growth. Walking away is going forward towards new horizons, opportunity and connection to self.

SCORPIO - 23 OCTOBER-21 NOVEMBER

Finances align as do the stars. Keep the potential of your hand close. Do what you want but be careful not to hurt anyone else in the process. Whatever it is, an active hand is needed to nurture its growth.

SAGITTARIUS – 22 NOVEMBER-21 DECEMBER

Solitude without a purpose is aimless wandering. Dedicate this month to set a purpose that aligns with your values. Distance yourself from those who don't respect or support you.

CAPRICORN - 22 DECEMBER-19 JANUARY

You're a graduate of the school of hard knocks however this month you'll find that building strength in your shadow self is the foundation of your resilience. Accept your desires and fears with loving grace. July will provide resources to improve your emotional well-being.

MARS, VENUS, AND MERCURY ALIGN IN JULY. NOW IS A TIME FOR CLARITY, NEW IDEAS AND NEW BEGINNINGS.