Kununurra Sun - July 2022

Kununurra Sun

HELLO

Well, well, well, it took its time but the dry season finally feels as though it has settled in. The cool mornings and evenings are a welcome relief and my washing machine is getting some peace and quiet after months of cycling through piles of sweaty wet season clothes. My legs are feeling slightly claustrophobic after I wore jeans for the first time since last year but I have to say, I’m thoroughly enjoying the novelty of pulling out my beanies and jumpers to rug up for ‘winter’.

The brisk (and dark!) mornings might make getting out of bed that little bit harder at the moment but every morning, I’m glad I do. Too often, we get caught up in the hamster wheel of life, just running and running with no end in sight. Missing the sunset every now and then turns into a daily occurrence and weekends that were once spent exploring, are now spaces of time to recuperate from the week that was. I guess in other parts of Australia, they call it the ‘winter blues’?

Writing the content for our July edition has reminded me of how lucky we are to call Kununurra home. Chatting to Sharyn and Graham Vick about their budding business on Lake Kununurra, being inspired by the whimsical artwork of Coralee McCarthy, and seeing the excitement in Lisa Woodhead’s eyes when she talks about her new business, the Kununurra Ice-Creamery has reignited that desire to explore and learn more about this incredible place. It’s also another reason why we started KNX Sun. To hear the stories, the new opportunities, and to meet the movers and shakers in this vibrant community.

For many of us, July is a busy month with lots of family and friends visiting. While it's delightful to be reminded of home and to be able hug your family - and not have that awkward ‘can we hug?’ COVID era anymore - it’s even better to watch them fall in love with the region like we have. To hear the tidal waves of comments about how lucky we are to live in a place like this. Life in the Kimberley. What. an. Experience! But let’s be honest, we’re all a little smug as we play tour guide, showing off the pristine Lake Kununurra, the spectacular sunsets from BBQ Hill and the breath-taking vistas of the not-so-Secret Springs. Sure Mum, you’ve got fully stocked shelves at your Coles, but do you have Elephant Rock at sunrise?

And while the visits from family and friends can often have you wishing they’d just go again (I’m kidding Mum, please stay!) It's also a great reminder of why we chose to live here. Not everyone can swim alongside freshwater crocodiles everyday or have the magnificent El Questro just down the road. Stop snoozing that alarm, take a leap off the hamster wheel and make sure you give yourself the chance to sit back and watch the sunset. It’s worth it, trust us.

Have a brilly, chilly July!

What's On in July

NAIDOC WEEK

Sunday 3rd July - Sunday 10th July

This year's theme is Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! Whether it’s seeking proper environmental, cultural and heritage protections, constitutional change, a comprehensive process of truth-telling, working towards treaties, or calling out racism—we must do it together. It’s also time to celebrate the many who have driven and led change in our communities over generations. NAIDOC Week events in Kununurra include

Welcome to Country, Family Movie Night, Bush Tucker Day, Language & Cultural day, the Junior and Senior NAIDOC Balls. For more information, head to Kimberley Land Council's Facebook page.

KUNUNURRA AGRICULTURAL SHOW

8-9th July - Kununurra Showgrounds

This vibrant and unique community event has been running since 1972 and is a great addition to the East Kimberley experience bucket list. For more info, visit www.kas.org.au

TOP END MUSTERING RODEO

Saturday 30th July - Kununurra Rodeo Grounds Kununurra Rodeo and Campdraft Association's 'Top End Mustering' Rodeo is a serious competition with big cash prizes. It’s a great day for adults and families and in addition to the bull rides, there are numerous events including saddle bronc, barrel racing and more. For the kids, there is a barrel race event and also a poddy ride.

There is a fully licensed bar, live entertainment and various food outlets – no BYO alcohol is allowed. Gates open 3.00pm and the night ends at midnight. Get your tickets on Moshtix now!

KUNUNURRA VISIT CENTRE TURNS 50!

Kununurra Visitor Centre celebrates 50 years of operations in July. Stay tuned to their social media for more details!

Woorlab Yarrenkoo Miriwoong!

LET'S ALL TALK MIRIWOONG!

For NAIDOC Week, we asked the Mirima Dawang Woorlab Gerring Language and Cultural Centre if they would teach us some words from the Miriwoong dialect.

WELCOME EVERYONE, THIS IS MIRIWOONG COUNTRY.

Barriyanygoo yawoorroong, ngenjaying Miriwoong Dawang. *Miriwoong has no one word for welcome HOW ARE YOU GOING? Garni woora-ngoong?

*Miriwoong doesn’t have one word that means “hello” –use this as a greeting WHERE ARE YOU GOING? Gabi nindan? I AM GOING FISHING. Ngenadayin wajamab-gerring. WE WILL WALK UP KELLY’S KNOB. Gerliwany yarraya Thegoowiyem HE IS GOING TO IVANHOE CROSSING TO SEE THE Marram girayin Jankerrm-melig derdbany-gerring joowinyin. SALTWATER CROCODILES.

BANDICOOT BAR IS A BEAUTIFUL PLACE. Darram ngoondenginga dawang

Some notes on pronunciation:

- In Miriwoong most words are pronounced the way you read them, but there are some exceptions:

- 'A' is pronounced ‘U’ as in up or cut.

- 'ng' is always pronounced as the 'ng' sound in sing

- Where an 'N' sound is followed by a 'G' sound, you will see an 'n' or an 'ng' followed by a 'K' to represent the 'G' sound.

- 'E' is more relaxed than in English. It is pronounced like you hear in the end of butter or sofa

- 'rr' is a trill like the 'R' in arriba in Spanish.

An Insight Into Savannah Nickel Mine

Located just off the Great Northern Highway in between Warmun and Halls Creek is the Savannah Nickel Mine. Savannah has been running since 2004 and currently exports out of Wyndham. While Savannah’s mining operations are world class, the people and the work they are doing in the community is what is setting them apart.

Now, don’t get me wrong. If you had asked us when we first envisioned Kununurra Sun if writing mining stories was top of our list, you would have got a hard ‘no’ as the answer. Neither of us had ever set foot in a mine site, let alone understood any of the operations associated with mining. Admittedly very ignorantly, other than knowing what FIFO means and the ongoing debate about Clive Palmer v Mark McGowan, our knowledge on mining is extremely limited. Luckily for us, our initiation into the mining world was welcoming and inclusive, and actually a whole lot more fulfilling than either of us thought it would be.

On arrival at the Savannah Nickel Mine, we were met by Gordon Low, Savannah’s Environment and Community Superintendent. A tall and imposing man, Gordon looks every bit of the rugged miner however despite the tough exterior, he was kind, softly spoken and extremely patient in answering the long list of (probably totally irrelevant) questions we rattled off to him while having a tour of the mine site.

In my mind I had always pictured mine sites as dusty, dry, hot workplaces. I had never given much thought to the natural fauna and flora that calls the area home – and before I go

any further, I want to make it clear, this is not a political article. I am in no way equipped with the knowledge to argue the rights and wrongs of the mining world, however here to simply highlight some of the positive work Savannah is doing - above their government requirements.

During the tour, Gordon tells us about his journey to Savannah Nickel Mine, joking along the way about ‘selling his soul as an environmental consultant to work in mining’. You can tell from the way he engages and describes the native plants and animals that inhabit the area, that he is passionate in ensuring the land is looked after and the local Aboriginal communities and the Traditional Owners of the area are respected.

Gordon is a keen twitcher and rattles off at least 15 different bird species he sees on a regular basis. He tells us about the Gouldian Finches onsite, and the pride he has in seeing the numbers increase during the past five years after a number of practices he has introduced.

After a tour of the mine where Gordon points out where he usually sees a freshwater crocodile, where the family of wallabies usually come out to say hello, and of the pack of dingoes that frequent the area, he joins us at dinner to chat about the work

Savannah are engaging in with the local communities. In addition to the royalities paid to the Traditional Owner's of the land on which the mine operates, Savannah Nickel Mine has a fund specifically intended to support community initiatives and opportunities for individuals from the Karntewarranginy Kurrumuluny close-up families. The ‘Spread Your Wings’ fund has been used to fund a female ranger program, improve drinking water quality in a neighbouring community and send a rising football star to the Fremantle Dockers development camp, just to name a few.

The mine has also recently used their resources to grade roads, remove old cars and revive the school oval in the local Frog Hollow Community. As well as rebuilding an abandoned house to rehome a family of eight after their previous house had been destroyed by fire.

After dinner, it's off for an early night – not before I somehow unknowingly set off my fire alarm and get a knock on the door from my neighbour to let me know it is in fact my alarm going off and would I mind switching it off? Note to self: don’t mess with miners, especially the ones that get up at 4am! Apologies again to all the residents I woke up…

The next morning we’re up and out on the road by 5am. Our trip has coincided perfectly with a visit from one of the mine’s Environmental Consultants. They visit the mine every two years to do a health check of the creeks, both up and downstream, to keep track of the aquatic elements that could possibly be affected by the mining operations.

While enjoying a coffee as we wait for the consultants to arrive, Gordon points and whispers to some Crimson Finches basking in the morning sun. His face lights up as he tells us all about these rare beauties and the new chicks the family has just welcomed.

Once the consultants arrive, we drive out to the creek where they are testing that day. They’re brimming with excitement. They had found a series of freshwater mussel shells the day

before, which had not been picked up in any previous surveys and are keen to discover more.

As the consultants take samples from the area, Gordon sits on the banks of the creek, looking completely at home. He closes his eyes and can tell us about the species of birds in the trees, from just the sounds they are making. I can barely tell a kookaburra from a crow, so to say I was impressed was an understatement. We sat and listened to Gordon and the consultants chat about what they were finding and the excitement that shone through as they collected their samples. It was quite the interesting juxtaposition of the stereotypical miner and these men that stood before us, clearly very passionate about the environment.

Soon enough, the samples were taken and we were making our way back to the mine site. It was a successful trip, with a few more freshwater mussel shells spotted and the area looking healthy and productive.

Our trip to Savannah Nickel Mine was a whirlwind with a lot of information to process and retain. Despite our initial perceptions about the mining world, it was fascinating and also reassuring to learn from Gordon about all the positive impacts Savannah is having on the area and the local communities. As we drove away, we felt energised by the bright future Savannah was creating.

Nickel may be what Savannah mines, but I’d say one of their best discoveries is Gordon Low, the twitcher with a difference.

Lake Kununurra Boat Hire

A day floating down Lake Kununurra, soaking up the magic of this astonishing waterway that snakes its way from Kununurra to Lake Argyle is a reality for some Kununurra locals , however for those without boats it has been more of a pipedream... Until now. Say hello to Lake Kununurra Boat Hire.

How exactly do you describe the essence of the East Kimberley?

There’s a distinct feeling people describe when landing in Kununurra, an instant sense of ease. Yes, ‘Kimberley time’ is a way of life up here, but it runs deeper than that.

A connection to the natural elements, igniting all your senses. The warmth of the sun on your skin, the kaleidoscope of colours that make up a sunset, the stillness of the bush that brings an overwhelming sense of peace, it fills you up, it relaxes and recharges you at the same time.

Growing up in Fremantle, the ocean has always played an important role in my life. Weekends spent with Dad learning how to swim, school holidays with cousins making sandcastles, tears after a breakup cured by the saltwater, wines and cheese watching the sunset to celebrate milestones with close friends… South Beach and I have been through a lot together.

And yet, the pull of Lake Kununurra is stronger than any urge to return to the salty goodness of the Indian Ocean.

It’s the sense of feeling a part of something so much bigger than you could have ever imagined. It’s the butterflies you feel cruising down the lake in the wet wondering where you’ll see the first waterfall flowing, the heart-warming happiness that fills you while you watch your friends smiling with the beauty of nature framing them. Your skin hitting the water and feeling as though a dip in the lake has just cured you of all your sins.

It’s the pinch me moments that just keep coming. You can’t put it into words, you just have to experience it yourself.

And, the best way to experience Lake Kununurra is by boat, well, a Lake Kununurra Boat Hire pontoon to be specific.

Sharyn and Graham Vick’s brand-new business, Lake Kununurra Boat Hire provides tourists and locals with the opportunity to experience all the beauty of the waterway, and even better, to do it with ease.

With enough room to fit 10 people comfortably, the Lake Kununurra Boat Hire pontoons come equipped with a BBQ, plates, cutlery, chairs and there’s even a toilet on board – did someone say luxury?

You don’t need a Skippers Ticket to drive the boat, but the skipper will need a driver’s licence, and after a quick run down from Graham and Sharyn you’ll be filled with enough confidence to oversee the pontoon for the day.

Like most locals without a boat, hiring a pontoon through Sharyn and Graham is my go-to suggestion to family and friends visiting, who are looking for an iconic and unforgettable East Kimberley experience.

Just like a trip out to Emma Gorge or watching

sunset from Kelly's Knob, it’s a must -do to tick off the bucket list for a Kununurra holiday.

And that was the inspiration behind Sharyn and Graham starting the business.

As well as being long term locals, Sharyn’s experience as a tourism consultant mixed with Graham’s business brain, Lake Kununurra Boat Hire was always destined to become a hit.

“We’ve taken friends and family out on Lake Kununurra in our boat over the years, and everyone has always said how they enjoy being out on the water and how relaxing it is,” Sharyn said,

“We knew there was a gap in the market and thought it would be great if we could give more people the opportunity to get out onto Lake Kununurra to explore at their own pace.

“So, Lake Kununurra Boat Hire came to life.”

But, with more than fifty percent of bookings coming from locals, it's not just tourists who are enjoying the pontoons.

Some friends and I recently hired one of the pontoons for an afternoon, and although some of us have boats, it was so relaxing being able to just rock up to Swim Beach, be welcomed by Sharyn and Graham then cruise off down the lake.

No need to worry about fuel, or boat trailers, or BBQs or any of the annoying logistics that can make a day out on the lake cumbersome.

A couple of dips in the lake, a few wines, a cheese platter, a delicious bbq and a Kununurra sunset is a pretty perfect afternoon, only to be topped by being able to hand the pontoon back to Graham and Sharyn at the end of the day, without a worry about getting the boat out of the water and back to your house.

For those who are looking for more of an active adventure or to wet a line, there are dinghys available for hire too.

Sharyn and Graham’s vision for their guests is pretty clear.

“We love that out guests can enjoy a relaxing day out on Lake Kununurra at their own pace,” Sharyn said,

“They can take in the beautiful scenery, swim and have a BBQ on the pontoon boats, even try their hand at fishing. Guest can venture a bit further upstream in the dinghys too.

“It’s great to see all the smiling faces coming back in from one of our hires, with everyone telling us how fabulous it is out on the water.”

So, going back to my original question, it’s hard to sum up the emotion the East Kimberley evokes, you really do have to experience it yourself.

And I suppose that’s the beauty of it all, isn’t it?

Find Lake Kununurra Boat Hire on Facebook & Instagram or visit their website: lkboathire.com.au

GET TO KNOW US...

SCOTT, SHIRE RANGER

“Our role in the community is to ensure community safety, not to make money. We don’t actively seek to pick up your pets - animal management is a reactive part of our position.” Scott noted.

He further explains the importance of microchipping and registering a pet. Not only is it law, it also helps the Rangers return pets back to their rightful owner. In the last six months, 93 of the dogs picked up were either unregistered, not microchipped and/or both.

“If you register and microchip your pet, we return it to you quickly and if it is the first time it’s found wandering and has been registered, we waiver the fee.”

When asked what is the hardest part of this role, Scott mentions not being able to save some of them.

Before the sun comes up - Scott, 28-year-old father of two, is up already feeding his newborn in his Ranger uniform before heading off to work. A balance he often finds challenging, yet rewarding.

“We’ve recently welcomed our second child” beamed Scott “a few sleepless nights, early morning starts and lots of coffee - but it’s worth it”.

Scott has been working as a Ranger for the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley for the last three years and has created a home here in Kununurra for himself and his family.

“I love the lifestyle of the Kimberley, it not only provides exceptional landscapes and activities for the family, but it has a very welcoming community - when in need of help you can guarantee someone will reach out” Scott revealed, “The Kimberley is also where I married the love of my life and welcomed our two beautiful children.”

When asked about his role as a Shire Ranger, Scott speaks about the misconception most people have about his position.

“I think a lot of people hear the word ‘Ranger’ and assume we just deal with dogs – but it’s such a diverse role. As a Ranger, we are responsible for emergency management, fire management, litter awareness, parking and camping management. It’s so much more – no two days are the same.”

Despite the varied role, Scott comments that this perception often leads to assumptions that it is a ‘money making’ exercise. In the last year, only 11 infringements were handed out– totalling $2,100.

“Seeing the condition some pets are in when we pick them up is heartbreaking. As a pet owner myself, it is the last thing we want to do.” sighed Scott as he pats his dogs - who are a big part of his family.

“However, seeing more and more animals in poor condition being rehabilitated and re-homed to a loving family outweighs the heartbreak of not being able to save all of them.”

Feels Like Coming Home

In 2011 Coralee McCarthy headed west from the regional city of Toowoomba to visit her daughter, who was working at El Questro Station at the time. Little did she know, this trip would ignite a passion for painting the Kimberley and lead to her spending the next decade as the Artist in Residence at one of Australia's most iconic destinations.

Driving into El Questro for the first time felt ‘like coming home’ for Coralee McCarthy.

It was the first time she had ventured to the East Kimberley, and if it wasn’t for her daughter working at the station, it’s a trip she may have never taken. In a twist of fate, the year Coralee decided to visit her daughter was the same year the Artist in Residence position became vacant at El Questro.

After falling in love with the place, and some encouragement from her four children, the artist returned to El Questro the following year and has been going back ever since.

“I remember I had a strong feeling that I was coming home, the connection was unexplainable,” Coralee says, reminiscing on her first visit to El Questro. “There is no place like the Kimberley, no place has ever had that effect on me. Talk about being in the right place at the right time”

Having always worked in creative spaces, Coralee started out as a hairdresser, then dabbled in dressmaking, but always knew she eventually wanted to be an artist. Originally from Kingaroy in

QLD, Coralee grew up on a peanut farm but calls the Garden City Toowoomba in Southern Queensland home. It sounds like the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, with her whole family talented in art and craft. She says “We were always making or creating things”

Her time is now spent between Toowoomba and her home away from home, El Questro Station where she spends the majority of the dry season as the Artist in Residence.

Her pieces depict the beauty of the Kimberley, in particular the Boab Tree, that Coralee admits she is ‘unashamedly obsessed with’. Coralee uses bright and bold colours to depict the region and says her art pieces intend to entice humour and fun.

“The whimsical style of my art goes perfectly with these crazy, human-like ancient plants,” Coralee said.

She says the Kimberley and its surroundings ‘feeds her soul’ and the sacred, vast and ancient land creates a very strong vibe that is shared by many artists who, like her, fall in love with the region.

“My art style tries to evoke a feeling rather than capture a realistic image,” Coralee said.

“It is important for me to create paintings that speak both to me and others. When people connect with my art it is very special. A part of myself stays with every piece.”

To celebrate 10 years as the Artist in Residence at El Questro, Coralee created a piece called ‘My Kimberley Story’ which is her favourite artwork at the moment.

“I wanted to create a piece of art that honoured this journey,” Coralee said. “A compilation of some of my art styles, with a few favourite places in the Kimberley is what was produced. This expression of connectivity is representing my bond to this sacred place.”

Coralee spends her time at El Questro with her partner Andrew, who joined the business in 2017 when the decision was made to diversify into clothing. They are the perfect team with Coralee noting that Andrew looks after all the ‘stuff she is ‘hopeless at’, allowing her to focus on the creative side of the business.

Their time spent at El Questro is generally filled

with lots of work, but every now and then the couple manage to escape the station and head out to explore the beauty of the wilderness park.

“Our season at El Questro allows us little time off,” Corlaee says.

“We have a few secret spots around where we chopper in to for a night, do some fishing and drink red wine then get ripped back to work the next day.”

When the season wraps up each year Coralee and Andrew head back to Toowoomba to catch up with family, have a rest and ‘pat the dogs’.

And after celebrating her 10-year milestone, it doesn’t sound as though Coralee plans to end her love affair with the East Kimberley any time soon.

“It’s hard to know how long I will do this for. All I know is, I enjoy it more each year and can’t imagine not doing it,” Coralee says. “My desire is for everyone to find their Kimberley and to feel how I do when I spend time in this stunning environment.”

See Coralee's whimsical work, visit her studio at El Questro station or visit her website: coraleemccarthy.com.au

Packsaddle Springs

HIKE GUIDE

If you’re looking for an adventure that makes you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, yet only less than half an hour from town, Packsaddle Springs is the perfect option. Just a short drive from Kununurra, you’ll be treated to rocky gorges, refreshing waterholes and (usually) the whole place to yourself!

HOW TO GET THERE

Head out of town towards Wyndham and turn off onto the Packsaddle Road. Follow this road, keeping he majestic Elephant Rock to your left and chase the many paddocks of crops until you reach the turn-off. Follow the dirt track and let the cotton fields lead you to the bottom of BBQ Hill. From there, keep right until you reach a clearing. Leave your car here, grab your hat and water and get ready to hike.

The hiking trail itself is pretty precarious. It is not distinctly marked, however walk up the hill until you reach the top of the gorge. You’ll see the clear water flowing below (and maybe even a freshwater croc or two) bush-bash your way down towards the walk and follow the stream to the left. From there, it’s up to you how far you want to walk. There are cascading waterfalls that flow generally year round and they range in size as you keep going upstream.

It does get quite shady in spots over the course of the day so we recommend packing enough for a picnic lunch and making a day of it.

WHAT TO TAKE

Common sense (obviously), hat, plenty of water, snacks, hiking boots, swimmers, camera

WHAT TYPE OF CAR TO TAKE

This is one of the easiest waterholes to get to by car. The dirt road to the start of the hike is in pretty good condition (in the dry season) and could be managed by most cars. In the wet season, 4WD only and go in convoy with others to avoid getting stuck in the mud!

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY

A good amount of fitness and mobility is required as this trail is not defined and you will have to clamber over rocks and up and down hills. Avoid going in the middle of the day when the sun is at its most lethal.

KNX SUN RECOMMENDS

Why not finish the day watching the sun go down from one of Kununurra’s best views, BBQ Hill. You’ll need a 4WD or at least AWD to get to the top of the hill as it’s quite a rocky and steep track but once you’re at the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views overlooking the Kununurra area.

Glammin' Up For A Great Cause!

As the sun set over Lake Kununurra, people from far and wide arrived at Ski Beach dressed to the nines for the Kununurra Black Tie Fundraiser, ready for a night of glamour and glitz to support the extremely important Lung Foundation Australia and the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

This sell-out event was a highly anticipated evening on many locals calendars. Organised by (first timers) Denise Lindsell and Brooke Smeekens-Coleman, whose lives have both been deeply impacted by the tragic effects of cancer, it was a beautiful evening where Kununurra locals and visitors alike rallied around Denise and Brooke to raise money for these important causes.

The evening began with local jazz band Jazzinga welcoming arrivals with their smooth sounds before Denise and Brooke both gave heartfelt speeches that didn’t leave a dry eye in the house. Both the silent and live auction were a roaring success, thanks to the incredible items donated by local businesses and the generosity of bidders on the night. As the auction closed out, the night kicked on with Elemental & the Part Time Pirates setting the dance floor on fire with their epic performance.

Thank you to Denise and Brooke for putting on a fabulous night to remember and like Brooke stated so eloquently on the night, ‘F**K CANCER!’

HERE’S WHAT DENISE AND BROOKE SHARED WITH US:

Denise: Tragedy hit my family three years in a row - 2014 mum (breast cancer), 2015 Grandad (Dad’s father) (bowel cancer) and then 2016, Dad’s diagnosis (small cell lung cancer). Dad's diagnosis was the hardest hit as the likelihood of beating the disease was hindered by the extensiveness and the current survival statistics. Dad was so incredibly determined to beat the cancer, he surprised all the treating doctors and specialists in making two Christmases' when we were told he probably wouldn't make one. Never have I experienced such loss and destruction in life, all the while feeling helpless and vulnerable. This event was to raise awareness for the neglected cancer and help fight and find a cure, all the while honouring my late father, current cancer sufferers and families, cancer survivors and those who lost their lives to the destructive disease we call cancer.

Brooke: In 2019 at the age of just 42, my mum was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. Nine months of chemo and a double mastectomy later she was cancer free. Unfortunately it was only three months later, a pain in her chest had her back down in Perth for more testing, only to be told that the breast cancer had metastasized and was in her bones - an incurable diagnosis. Six months later she is still fighting the horrible disease. This event showed her how much the Kununurra community cares about people affected by cancer, she was overwhelmed with the support everyone showed!

Did you know that one person dies every hour from lung cancer, making it the number one cancer killer in Australia? Despite this, lung cancer receives less than 5% of cancer funding, making it the least funded cancer in the world. Lung cancer is rated the 6th worst 5-year survival rate cancer in Australia, whilst 36 people are diagnosed daily.

Breast cancer affects approximately 55 people per day, making it the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia. Since funding commenced in 1994, the 5-year survival rates have improved from 76% to 91% however much more work and awareness needs to be done in the space if we hope to eradicate breast cancer forever.

You can still make a donation to the Lung Foundation Australia - Help Shine a Light on Lung Cancer campaign or the National Breast Cancer Foundation by visiting Denise and Brooke’s fundraising pages specific for the event: lungfoundation.grassrootz.com/shine-a-light-2022/kununurra-black-tie-fundraiser and fundraise.nbcf.org.au/ fundraisers/brookecoleman-smeekens

PaperAmy

KIMBERLEY CREATIVE

Hailing from chilly Northern Ireland, Amy Mathers ventured to the sunny East Kimberley to try life working on a station. Amy then fell in love with Kununurra, and Kununurra fell in love with PaperAmy, Amy’s ‘paper personality’. The artist and graphic designer tells us about her ‘fun, complicated, but simple’ style!

TELL US ABOUT PAPERAMY?

She’s my paper personality. I’m obsessed with everything that is paper. Books, magazines, cards, flyers, notebooks and just good old sheets of paper. I have always been creating things from paper so it was just a natural progression, I feel, which is great!

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ART STYLE?

I’ll give you the short version - building a really complicated box that’s not origami. It’s fun, it’s complicated, but simple too, it’s colourful, it makes people smile (I hope!)

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?

I started making my little sculptures at university while I was studying Graphic Design. It opened up a whole new world for me that I didn’t realise existed in the art and design world. The first sculptures I made were for one of my final year projects. The brief was along the lines of describing your life, so I described mine through paper. When I was kid I was always making random objects from cardboard and paper, any boxes

and paper tubes would have to go through me before getting thrown out. In hindsight, I was doing my bit for the planet at a young age.

WHERE DO YOU DRAW YOUR INSPIRATION FROM?

This is going to be a very generic and boring answer but everything - the places I go, the natural environment, the people I meet and the new experiences. When I come across something that I find interesting, I find myself pulling it apart (in my head of course!) and puzzling together how I would make it from paper. The angles, the shapes, the techniques. Thinking back, architecture is a big inspiration for me because architects are figuring out the angles and how things will fit together. I love trying to figure out how a building has been put together. Grand Designs, the best show ever made!

WHAT IS IT ABOUT BEING CREATIVE THAT YOU LOVE?

I’m not sure, the meaning ‘creative’ is to create something from your imagination, to create something from nothing or to think of new ideas. My mind is constantly thinking and

sometimes I wish I could sit in peace and not think about projects or things to do or jot down ideas before I forget them, it’s exhausting. Wouldn’t it be great if there was an ‘on and off’ switch? But I love it, I love using my hands and building things. I’m not always being creative with my paper sculptures, sometimes I put my creativity into other things like making my new home pretty or baking and cooking or creating my new veggie garden. I suppose I enjoy the problem solving side of my creativity, it comes in useful.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE PIECE YOU’VE CREATED?

It would have to be the little Bungle Bungle in Purnululu National Park. It was so free and natural, I didn’t have to do any mathematics because it was layers and layers of flat paper stuck on-top of each other rather than measuring and making a 3D shape. I would love to make a bigger piece someday. My pieces involve a lot of measuring and noting down numbers so it was a nice change.

WHAT OTHER CREATIVES DO YOU FIND MOTIVATING/ INSPIRING?

I could name so many, I’ve met so many artists and designers in my journey so far and each one is inspirational in their own way. Meeting other artists and designers and talking about their work and their process is so motivating. Personally I get a bit of FOMO from this which gets me motivated. The creatives I find most inspirational are the artists and designers that I have grown up with and studied with. I love seeing our journeys – Rachel Taylor (Broome), Megan Burns (Ireland), Heather Browne (Canada), just to name a few.

FAVOURITE BOOK OR PODCAST?

At the moment I’m reading ‘The Last Migration’ by Charlotte McConaghy but this is the first book I’ve started to read in a long time. My attention span for books has never been good but sometimes I take notions to start into a book if someone has recommended one. I’m more of a magazine person - love a good magazine! Frankie is one of my favourites and now Kununurra Sun of course! Podcasts are definitely more suited to me, I love conversational and comedy ones that aren’t shoving information down your ear holes. My favourite at the moment is Shagged, Married, Annoyed - a husband and wife team, Rosie and Chris Ramsey, it’s hilarious!

WHAT IS THE NEXT DESTINATION ON YOUR TRAVEL LIST AND WHY?

To be honest, I haven’t really thought about travelling much since being in Kununurra. My main focus is getting home to Northern Ireland. I haven’t been home in so long, over two and a half years and I’m just longing to see my family and, weirdly, feel the cold and rain again. I would love to see more of Ireland when I go home next. After speaking with so many tourists who have been to Ireland, most have seen way more of the country than what I have and I lived there most of my life!

Seeing my own country properly is next on my list. Once I get my fix of my mum’s home cooking, travelling with my art will be back on top (which is how I came to Australia), get involved in more art in residencies across Australia and the globe would be amazing! I want to soak up as many cultures as I can.

TELL US WHY YOU DECIDED TO MOVE TO KUNUNURRA? I I came up to Kununurra for the first time in 2020 for two weeks with a station family that I was working for. I loved those two weeks and in that time I got offered a solo exhibition at Artopia Gallery for the start of the tourist season in 2021. After the station work, I was living in Broome and wasn’t really in a good head space; couldn’t go home for Christmas, didn’t feel like I fitted into Broome so I really needed new surroundings. Kununurra was ticking all my boxes and I had this exhibition lined up, so after a month or two in Broome, I packed my car up and made my way to the east Kimberley and never looked back.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THE AREA?

The scenery, the wildlife, the people, the art, my job. I count my lucky stars every day to have encountered so many wonderful people up here who have made me feel part of the community. I really love my full-time job at Artlandish Aboriginal Gallery too, I get to look at art all day! I’m quite a quiet person, I like to keep to myself so I love how relaxing it can be up here. The scenery and lifestyle and the way you can drive 15 mins out of town and feel like you’re thousands of miles away from society. It’s lovely.

Find Amy's beautiful work on Instagram @paperamy or displayed at Artopia Gallery.

Kununurra Ice Creamery

THE SWEETEST ADDITION TO TOWN!

Spotting a need for locals and visitors alike to have somewhere to get a coffee and sweet treat after 2pm, Lisa Woodhead and her family concocted the delicious idea of Kununurra IceCreamery.

Having been a Kununurra local for over 27 years, Lisa wanted to create a fun and welcoming space for people to come together in the afternoon, and what better way to bring people together than ice-cream!

The Ice-Creamery is a family affair with Lisa’s husband and daughter pitching in to help. She has also employed several local juniors who work part-time after school.

Serving up Western Australia’s udderly famous udderlicious

Simmos ice cream with 48 flavours rotating at a time, Lisa has plans to expand the ice-creamery into a dessert bar - think waffles, banana splits and creamy frappes to get your mouth around! And how can you forget that gorgeous hot pink coffee machine just waiting to serve up your hit of caffeine.

You’ll find all your favourites such as cookies and cream and bubblegum, as well as some different options such as Matso’s Ginger Beer and licorice. The best part, take-away tubs are available!

You can even give the gift of ice-cream, with gift vouchers available for purchase - how sweet is that!

Kununurra Ice-Creamery is open 10am - 8pm, 7 days a week.

A Day of Play !

KUNUNURRA TOY AND PUZZLE LIBRARY CELEBRATE FORTY YEARS OF FUN!

What better way to celebrate a milestone, than with a big birthday bash with all your friends?

And that’s exactly what The Kununurra Toy and Puzzle Library did to celebrate their 40th birthday.

In conjunction with World Play Day, The Kununurra Toy and Puzzle Library held a free community morning of play in May at the Showground.

They had everything you need for a successful soirée –balloons, bubbles, toys, pony rides, baby animals, a fire truck and of course, cake!

The theme for this year’s World Play Day was ‘Rediscover Play – helping families save money and reduce waste’ which is right up the library's alley, as that is exactly what they have been doing the past 40 years.

Jessica Welch, a proud committee member of the library said the 40th birthday celebration was an impressive achievement for the small volunteer run community group.

“This little toy library keeps going from strength to strength, always looking for new ways to improve and provide contemporary and high-quality resources to local families,” Jessica said.

Kununurra Toy and Puzzle Library president, Tobi Mcnamara said the day wouldn’t have happened without the support of the local community.

"We are very grateful to the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley who have supported our not-for-profit group for many years, and especially for sponsoring this big event" Tobi said.

The Kununurra Toy and Puzzle Library would also like to thank the Apex Club Kununurra, Kununurra Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, St Johns Ambulance, Coles and Ceres Farms.

The Kununurra Toy and Puzzle Library is open every Saturday from 8:30am-10am and caters for children 0-5 years old.

To view their range of toys visit: kununurratoylibrary.setls.com.au

Image: Emily McDonald

Between the Lines

THE VANISHING ACT OF ESME LENNOX

BY MAGGIE O'FARRELL

WORDS BY ELIZA PARRY-OKEDON

Well well well it's good to be back in the reader's corner of this illustrious publication. I’ve been in a bit of a reading rut, but I’ve finally pushed through.

A small section of this community who will be unsurprised to hear this, and who are likely rejoicing my return to the club, are the extremely patient and long-suffering staff at the Kununurra Community Library. If you are reading this, and happen to work there, let me just say that I am deeply sorry that I have largely ignored your very succinct weekly overdue emails and very firm but kind reminders over the phone. You probably won’t believe me when I say that I didn't mean to keep this book hostage for the better part of six months, which is fair enough, because I'm bloody glad I did.

The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O’Farrell has been the most enjoyable read I've had in a long time – a bit rich coming from someone who has just claimed a reading

drought, but here we are. The narrative flip-flops between time, characters and beautifully drawn scenery, from the period of the British Raj in India to modern-day Fife in Ireland, that served as a nice little holiday in my head.

The story is told through a number of recurring voices – the main ones you need to know are Iris and the titular Esme Lennox, who’s been locked in an asylum since she was 14. She is now seventy something and, most chillingly, not mad. Other voices that narrate the story are unidentified – this can be hard to follow initially, but the murkiness seeps into the storyline and it allows a central plot point that pays off. Esme is revealed to be Iris’ long-lost-great-aunt pretty early on, and the two form a clumsy bond as they try to figure out who this woman is, and why she has been deemed insane for over half a century.

The story probes our concept of madness and incarceration, with uneasy results, and I was a bit shocked by feisty teen Esme being left to fade away from the world.

The central mystery behind Esme’s vanishing act is prodded and nudged throughout, and little crumbs create just enough context to pull the rug out from under you for the big reveal. Maggie O’Farrell’s dreamy language lulled me into a false sense of smug-reader-syndrome, while setting such a neat little baitand-switch that I genuinely thought I had the story pegged from halfway. The story is glossy and light in places – Iris’ vintage clothes shop, the treasures inside, her life in Fife and her own semi-romantic subplot were a delight to read – which inevitably makes the revelations all the more crushing. The good guys were bad and bad guys were truly awful beneath a veneer of class and consequence. The ending was so satisfying though, and Esme is a heroine that needs one hundred thousand hugs.

With regards to my own vanishing act, you can call off the search party. You’ll be pleased to know that I’m dropping the book in the chute this afternoon. Thank you library team for all that you do, and for making my Kununurra days all the more bright. Your weekly emails are some of the more fun ones that end up in my inbox so I'll miss them a bit. As much as they make me feel a bit naughty (but more of a first class pain in the arse I'm sure), I do take them seriously I swear.

Not to worry – I'm sure you’ll have reason to chase me up again soon.

KUNUNURRA SUN KITCHEN

Smoky Shepherd ' s Pie

GRACE FROM @OUTBACKOTTOLENGHI IS BACK THIS MONTH TO SHARE ANOTHER ONE OF HER MOUTH-WATERING RECIPES. MAKE SURE YOU FOLLOW HER ON INSTAGRAM FOR HER DELICIOUS CREATIONS!

It’s been as cold as it gets in Kununurra recently, so I have taken the opportunity to make something with a ‘winter’ warming vibe.

The mushrooms and lentils make this dish very filling and hearty, while the addition of lemon and parsley retains an element of freshness we all need. A great dish for leftovers, or if your household is bigger, a good filling meal for all.

INGREDIENTS

Filling - ¾ cup whole green lentils cooked (or 2 tins brown lentils)

- 30ml extra virgin olive oil

- 1 onion chopped very finely

- 3 garlic cloves crushed

- 50g sundried tomatoes finely chopped

- ½ tsp chilli flakes

- 2 tsp smoked paprika

- ¼ teaspoon cumin powder

- 1 tablespoon tomato paste

- 8 large brown mushrooms, chopped into cubes

- Splash of red wine if you have it

- 1 medium zucchini chopped into small cubes

- 1 tin of cherry or whole tomatoes

- 15g parsley chopped finely - ½ teaspoon salt

- ½ teaspoon lemon zest

Potato Mash

- 8 medium potatoes boiled (peeled)

- 1 tablespoon butter

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

- 2 tablespoons milk or soy milk

- 1 tablespoon parsley

- 1 teaspoon lemon zest

- 3 tablespoons parmesan (or more if you wish)

- Salt and pepper to taste

METHOD

1. Boil potatoes for about 30 minutes or until all are cooked well. Meanwhile, put lentils in 2 ½ cups of water and cook on medium heat for 25 minutes.

2. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees on fan force. While the lentils and potatoes are cooking, prepare the filling

3. On medium heat, add the olive oil to a large pan and add the onions. After 2-3 minutes, add the garlic and chilli flakes and cook for a further 2-3 minutes (ensuring garlic does not burn). Then stir in the paprika, cumin, tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.

4. Add mushrooms and cook down for 5 minutes. Add a splash of red wine if you have it on hand. Then add zucchini and allow to cook for 5 minutes again. You can cover the pan with the lid to help the vegetables cook down. Add the tin of tomatoes, cooked (and strained) lentils, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ cup water. Stir well, cover and let cook for 10 minutes. Take the lid off and cook for another 10 minutes or until most liquid has absorbed, stirring occasionally.

5. Add parsley and lemon and stir through. Turn the heat off and allow the sauce to sit while you make the potato mash.

6. The potatoes should be cooked by this time. Mash the potatoes until smooth and combine all ingredients under the ‘Potato Mash’ heading.

7. Spoon Filling into a lasagne pan and top with potato mash.

8. Bake for 20 minutes or until the potato mash is slightly browned.

Balls ' n ' All -

KUNUNURRA WARRIORS BOXING CLUB

The KNX Warriors Boxing Club is a relatively new club, building capacity and spreading awareness of the incredible sport of Boxing. The club is registered with KidSport and coaches are qualified with Boxing WA. Club is registered with Boxing WA and fully insured. Fantastic for overall fitness, brain health, coordination, cardiovascular health, and loads of fun. All levels, ALL abilities welcome. Ages 10yrs+

Located @The Shed, Picture Gardens 32 Coolibah Drive, Kununurra. Training Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.

Youth 4.30pm-5.30pm

Adults 5.30pm-6.30pm

Saturday morning sparring (by Coaches invitation only) Find them on Facebook or Instagram or call 0458 470 177 or email: knxwarriorsbc@gmail.com

KUNUNURRA BRUMBIES TOUCH FOOTBALL

Mixed touch will again enjoy a school holiday break in the coming month before things get serious coming into the finals. The committee is beginning to whisper about Men’s and Women’s competitions launching so keep an eye and ear out for your opportunity to sign up should it come to fruition.

EKFL

The finals are fast approaching with both the Crows (3rd) and Magpies (5th) currently in contention whilst two of the Halls Creek sides are sitting in first and second which could mean a couple of road trips ahead for our local sides, The Magpies have a mixed run in playing two teams above and two below them on the ladder in the regular season with a cross show-down in the last round against the Demons. The

Crows have a slightly easier run home with their only large challenge being a return trip from the Halls Creek Hawks where they will try and reverse the result of round 9,

INDOOR CRICKET

The season is well underway with action across two time slots (6pm and 7:30pm) continuing on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights. With plenty of room around the net and the bar just a couple of metres away why not enjoy a beverage and become a part of the action (including mixed levels of wit and banter). You can catch all of the games down at the Ord River Sports Club

INDOOR CRICKET

There is some exciting news on the horizon for all abilities sport in Kununurra with a couple of State Sporting Organisations looking to visit town. Whilst we can’t say too much currently keep an eye out for announcements in the space and more details in the next issue.

SOCIAL TENNIS

We thought this month we should shine a light on some different sports and what better way to share the love than give a shout out to the Kununurra Tennis Clubs Tuesday Night (from 6pm) social tennis. With yearly memberships through to weekly payments available why not dust off the racquet and head down to the courts for some social sport? The club is fantastic at matching abilities between opponents to make sure everyone enjoys the experience.

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

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

Twitching Hour

STRIATED PARDALOTE

Pardalotus striatus

This widespread pardalote lives in diverse habitats covering almost the entire continent, from wet coastal eucalypt forest, rainforest and mangroves to watercourse trees and the mallee or mulga scrubland of arid and semi-arid interior. Six races: all have black caps, conspicuous yellow and white brow line, either a yellow or red wing spot, and a white wing stripe. May be seen in pairs, alone or, except when breeding, small parties to large flocks. Forages in foliage, taking insects, especially lerps, and other tiny creatures in the leaves, bark and flowers. Call is a clear, sharp, musical "witta-witta', the second part slightly lower, repeated regularly at several second intervals for long periods; also gives soft, low trills. Common; some races migratory, others locally nomadic or sedentary. 9.5-11.5 cm

Breeding

Jun.-Jan. Builds bark and grass nest, domed if space permits, in a tree hollow, or a tunnel in a creek bank, other bank or crevice in a building. In south-west of Western Australia, always in tree hollows. Clutch 3-4 (18 x 15 mm). Both sexes build nest, incubate and feed young.

Are you a keen twitcher? Send us your bird recommendations! Email them to kununurrasun@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram.