Kununurra Sun - August 2023

Kununurra Sun

If you’re anything like us, July has easily been the most chaotic month in the 2023 calendar. We have been flat out at work, had friends and family visiting from all parts of the country and trying to fit in some semblance of a social life, July came and went before we could even exhale.

While it’s a busy month, it's also a great way to reassure ourselves that life in Kununurra is pretty bloody wonderful. For those of us who have lived here a while now, the beauty of Upper Ord and the Bungles is often forgotten and we become complacent about the clear, blue skies and gentle breeze. Instead we focus on meeting work deadlines, what bill needs paying next and whether we should wake up early and take that gym class.

It only takes showing the wonders of Kununurra and surrounds to our nearest and dearest to really hammer home the fact that we truly live in the best of the west. While we might be strapped to a desk for 7-8 hours a day, we also have a spectacular backyard to explore in our free time. What might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience like cruising down the Lower Ord spotting salties or hooking a barra, is just a regular Saturday afternoon for us.

Today’s world events can make even the most optimistic of people feel cynical and deflated about our Earth’s future, however, it only takes watching your Mum look up in awe at the towering walls of El Questro Gorge or the squeal of laughter from your best friend leaping into

the chilly fresh water on a Lake Argyle sunset cruise to feel a little hope.

I had to catch myself with recent visitors, after their repeated exclamations of ‘this place is amazing, you are so lucky to live here!’ started to become a little tedious. I found myself replying ‘Yes, but there’s also this issue’ or ‘Yes, but.. blah blah blah’.

It wasn’t until we visited a place I hadn’t been to before that it occurred to me that they were right - ‘This place IS amazing, I am so lucky to live here!’

So if you’ve been feeling a little socially exhausted, and the golden glow of the Kununurra sun has been blocked by your day-to-day dramas, we suggest taking a step back and giving yourself a moment to catch your breath.

And if you’re thinking ‘what’s a couple of breaths going to do to fix my lack of sleep and/or ridiculous workload?’

Just remember, we’ve only got a short amount of time before the build up begins and our grievances can really be justified!

Have a fab August!

PAGES 6-7 A Permanent Home for Piriwa

PAGES 12-14

Tapas and Togetherness with Catering Queen, Temali

PAGES 15

Headspace Heroes: Healing Places with a Paintbrush

PAGES 18-19

Kimberley CreativeSophie's Scrubbers

PAGES 20-23

A Vote for a Voice: we break it down for you

PAGE 23-24

Catching Flights and Feelings for Nexus

Local & fresh

We’re proud that our ingredients are locally sourced and freshly made. For all your sandwiches, wraps, salads or catering needs - visit Subway Kununurra.

We’re

(opposite Aus Post Office)

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.

Team KNX Sun

CREATIVE DIRECTORS:

ROSIE DUFFY & JESS BUCHAN

PHOTOGRAPHY:

JESS BUCHAN & SEB TASI (unless stated otherwise)

EDITORIAL:

ROSIE DUFFY, JESS BUCHAN, ELIZA PARRY-OKEDEN,

OWEN KIRTON, RACHELLE EISENTRAGER, SEB TASI

GRAPHIC DESIGN:

SEB TASI & JESS BUCHAN

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

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Whats On

GREAT NORTHERN CLEAN UP EVENT

Friday 11 August 2023

The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley is hosting our towns biggest clean up event for the year and everyone is invited to help! We will meet at Celebrity Tree Park at 7:45 for a debrief before splitting into teams and heading out to several locations around town to pick up all the litter. Following the clean up we will have a big BBQ breakfast as a thank you to everyone who helped out.

Join us in making our town beautiful again! to register your attendance please email events@swek.wa.gov.au or call 08 9168 4100.

Time : 8am - 10am

Type: General

Audience : All ages

Venue : Celebrity Tree Park

SUNSET MARKETS

Sunday 20 August 2023

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

Time: 3pm - 8pm

Venue : Kununurra Ski Club

Cost : Gold coin donation

THE JOURNEY DOWN ART AND MUSIC SHOW

Thursday 24 August 2023

Time : 6pm - 7:30pm, Free

Venue : Kununurra Picture Gardens

Type: General

Audience : All ages

LADIES DAY - KUNUNURRA RACES

Saturday 26 August 2023

The race club is nestled at the foot of the ancient Kimberley rock formation called Carlton Ridge/Sleeping Buddha and is the only race course in Western Australia north of Geraldton that is turfed.

Time : 11am - 11pm

Venue : Kununurra Race Club

Type: General

Audience : All ages

Website : http://www.lakeargyleadventurerace.com.au/

LAKE ARGYLE ADVENTURE RACE

Saturday 26 August 2023

Swim, Run, Mountain Bike & Paddle in the Remote East Kimberley. Solo or Relay Teams of two, three, or four.

Venue : Lake Argyle

Website : http://www.lakeargyleadventurerace.com.au/

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.

goowindayin. It will be warming up Derrererrebe yarrinda dawanga gamamelem

We will be camping out everywhere

MIRIWOONG TO ENGLISH TRANSLATION

A Permanent Home for Piriwa

WORDS BY RACHELLE EISENTRAGER

Launched in 2020, Piriwa Enterprise Hub and Op Shop has gained success and a reputation for female entrepreneurship in Balgo. Since its inception, Piriwa has raised the community’s awareness of self-employment, developed individual and collective readiness for entrepreneurship and capacity building to sustain a business.

Piriwa has a new, permanent home — a keystone collaboration between 14 project partners. Nestled within two renovated sea containers, Piriwa Op Shop is housed in one container, with a meeting and making place in the adjacent container. A proud feature spanning the containers is the art mural, a collaborative project that has been photographed and designed into postcard sets available for sale at the Piriwa Hub.

Off the back of an exciting launch event and positive response from the East Kimberley community, Kununurra Sun was keen to unpack what it’s been like in the lead up to and since the opening of Piriwa's permanent home. We sat down with Clare Wood from Enterprise Partnerships WA (EPWA) and Kathryn Njamme from the Piriwa Leadership Team to find out more.

THIS HAS BEEN A SIGNIFICANT COLLABORATION BETWEEN MULTIPLE ORGANISATIONS AND THE BALGO COMMUNITY. CAN YOU SHARE A SHORT OVERVIEW ABOUT PIRIWA, WHO WAS INVOLVED IN CREATING PIRIWA’S PERMANENT HOME AND HOW WORKING

TOGETHER WAS SUCCESSFUL?

Piriwa is an enterprise hub which also houses the Piriwa Op Shop. Profits from Piriwa are used for on country bush trips for women to support wellbeing and to keep culture strong. There were multiple partners that came together to renovate the sea containers that have become Piriwa’s permanent home. It has been a significant effort from many collaborators to launch Piriwa.

Central to making this project possible was the actual sea containers, which were generously donated by Wirrimanu Aboriginal Corporation. Costs to renovate the containers and make them fit-for-purpose were supported by Mary Ward Foundation, Foundation for Rural Regional and Granite Mines Affected Areas Aboriginal Corporation (GMAAAC). Westpac Foundation, East Kimberley Job Pathways (EKJP) and Lotterywest supported capacity building and leadership workshops in order for the leadership team to sustainably operate Piriwa as a business.

THE ART MURAL WAS A BIG COMPONENT OF THIS PROJECT. WHO WAS INVOLVED AND WHAT DOES IT REPRESENT?

The Art Mural was a collaborative project between Warlayirti artists, Piriwa, EPWA and Camera Story. In total, there were 22 women involved in the photography and painting of the artwork! The process was taking images on country, pasting these onto mural boards and finally, painting them. The Art Mural costs were supported by Regional Arts and The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural

Industries (DLGSC). This project had many challenges during Covid and delays as a result of January 2023 floods, so it was very exciting to see the mural installed in May.

WHAT WERE THE KEY SKILLS LEARNT AND IMPLEMENTED FROM THE LEADERSHIP WORKSHOPS?

The leadership workshops have enabled the women to manage an enterprise and small business skills. During the workshops, they learnt leadership skills, the ability to work together as a team, how to overcome challenges, as well as problem solving techniques. Through their leadership at Piriwa, the team of Kathryn Njamme, Monica Njmamme and Alison Gill act as changemakers in their community. These workshops were led by Bianca Long from Jaru Girl and supported by EKJP.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FOR EPWA TO OVERCOME SINCE OPENING?

The biggest challenge of operating a business in Balgo is the lack of access to reliable internet and the ability to access banking services. This has a big impact on Piriwa who would like to sell donated goods and other products electronically, so is therefore a significant barrier to enterprise development. We have high hopes for an improved internet service to come to Balgo later this year to support growth of the business.

THE EAST KIMBERLEY COMMUNITY IS TIGHT-KNIT AND ALWAYS KEEN TO LEND A HAND. IS THERE ANY SUPPORT THE BROADER COMMUNITY CAN PROVIDE ?

Pirwa are seeking infrastructure support in the form of an additional sea container and are actively seeking donations to support this expansion. The Piriwa Op Shop was overrun with donations thanks to the remote Op Shop project and as a result has closed donations. Over 400kg of clothes were donated in one day via the mail plane! The women are keen to learn new skills to up-cycle clothing and diversify their revenue. A new storage space is needed, so any leads on sea containers available in the region would be welcome!

FINALLY, CAN YOU SEE THIS BEING SUCCESSFUL IN OTHER COMMUNITIES?

This project was successful due to the perseverance of the leadership team, paired with the desire for women to have access and control of their learning, as well as provide a place for the community to access affordable clothing. With the right support, access to long term partnerships and resources, enterprise hubs can contribute to remote communities having access to education and activating places. We look forward to seeing more!

Don t go chasing cotton fields please stick to the gorges and the lakes that you re used to. '

We love an Insta photo just as much as the next person; the perfect lighting, a beautiful subject and let’s be honest anything taken up in the Kimberley gives you an extra bit of clout from your friends in the big smoke.

But, one thing we’re urging our beautiful community of Kununurra (and all those visiting) to do, is to steer away from this season are shots wondering through the cotton fields.

Armed with less than half a green thumb between all of us, Kununurra Sun thought we’d go to the experts at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) to get the facts.

The main reason is due to Farm Biosecurity, and before you ask ‘What’s That?' Please continue reading.

,

Farm biosecurity is a set of measures set to protect property from the entry and spread of pests and diseases. It’s the responsibility of every person working or visiting a property to ensure we are keeping out these nasty guys. So, if you’re tramping through a field of cotton you may be unwillingly spreading unwanted disease into that paddock that could have a devastating effect on the industry.

If you see a 'Farm Biosecurity' sign out the front of a property, there is a high chance of an incursion or attack of pest and disease being caused by people and vehicle traffic in that area. This could potentially cost the Ord Valley millions of dollars in production.

So, please ensure you abide by the measures that are put in place to protect our farmers and our region and remember ‘if it can move, it can carry diseases, pests and weeds’.

July Ordinary Council Meeting Recap

Shire secures funding for an All-Abilities Playground at Celebrity Tree Park

The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley has successfully obtained funding from Lotterywest for the development of an All-Abilities Playground at Celebrity Tree Park. This exciting project aims to create an inclusive and accessible play space that caters to people of all ages and abilities.

The Shire will be inviting expressions of interest (EOI) for the design and construction of the proposed facility from suitably qualified contractors and builders.

The project’s conceptual design, presented in the above flythrough video by Nature Play Solutions, played a pivotal role in securing the necessary funding. This visualisation not only aided in cost estimation but also demonstrated the potential of the All-Abilities Playground.

“We are delighted to receive funding from Lotterywest for this transformative project,” said Shire President David Menzel.

“The All-Abilities Playground is part of the Shire’s scope of work that aligns with the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan. The design concept encompasses the diverse needs of all individuals, making certain that everyone can enjoy the playground equally”

The Shire’s primary objective is to develop a play space that becomes a must-visit destination for both local residents and travellers. By doing so, the playground will enrich the entire community, offering numerous benefits beyond a traditional recreational area.

Next Ordinary Council Meeting

Tuesday 22 August 2023, 5pm Wyndham Council Chambers

CBP - a business plan that outlines all the services and projects to support the Strategic Community Plan (SCP). The plan is available on the Shire’s website.

Rates Assistance Grant Applications

Council has approved the provision of rates assistance to several community groups for the benefit of the community. This assistance covers rates, not service and waste charges or emergency service levy.

New Work Health & Safety (WHS) Act Clarrie Cassidy Oval Change Rooms

WA’s new WHS Act was passed through parliament to replace the previous OSH Act 1980. Several changes were implemented including holding organisations more accountable for workplace safety.

Council has accepted a tender by a local company, KGC Enterprises Ltd, to upgrade the Clarrie Cassidy Oval change Rooms and Infrastructure, including headworks, drainage, car parking, pathway access, lighting, landscaping and fencing.

Connecting Communities, Building Together

KNX Cleana Yards

During his days whipping up delicious meals in the Country Club kitchen, Marco often marvelled at the magnificent, lush tropical gardens of the property. Little did he know he was manifesting his dream job, which he has now seen come to life with KNX Cleana Yards.

Marco and Kununurra’s love story is one you have most likely heard before. He and his partner Mona moved to the Kimberley in 2012 on a travel and work visa and like most, had not planned to stay.

He said they simply picked Kununurra as the next natural progression from a Cattle station on the Duncan Road. They had moved to the station with one goal in mind - complete 88 days of remote farm work and get their visa extendedbut it seemed the pull of the Kimberley was too strong. After coming back and forth multiple times they finally moved to Kununurra for good in 2014, with plans for gaining permanent Australian residency.

Thanks to his background as a chef, Marco saw the opportunity for sponsorship in Australia and he managed the kitchen at the Kununurra Country Club between 2015 and 2017.

It was during this time working in the emerald oasis of the Kununurra Country that Marco's passion for horticulture began.

“With all the nice gardens and greenery around I started to develop an interest for plants and gardens,” Marco said.

“Although I did not plan to make it my profession back then I was interested in gardening and could see myself doing it for work. I then got the opportunity to find employment as a gardener with one of the local businesses in town and started developing my love and passion for gardening.

I also enjoy working physically outdoors, that's my happy place, and I cannot imagine working indoors ever again.” And so, from that passion Marco started a business based around being in ‘his happy place’ full time and KNX Cleana Yards was born.

A full-service landscape and gardening business that covers Kununurra and Wyndham. They offer general yard clean ups, landscaping, regular garden maintenance, mowing & lawn care, green waste management, trimming & pruning, reticulation maintenance, repairs and installation.

Marco credits Wendy Casey from the Small Business Support who was a strong believer in his abilities from the beginning.

“We would have not been able to do it without her guidance and support.” Marco said.

Vernon Lawrence was also a great supporter who saw the potential in Marco.

“He actually put the bug in my head to go out by myself and also kindly lent his trailer to get me started.”

Marco is supported by his partner Mona in the business and he is grateful for everything she does for KNX Cleana Yards.

“She has been the biggest support from day one, without her I would not be where I am today,” Marco said.

“She has taken over the administration side of the business in addition to her own full time job.”

"And of course, all of our regular clients which have supported us from the very beginning and still are, we are very grateful for your ongoing support plus all of our local suppliers." Marco and Mona have now well and truly fallen in love with Kununurra and don’t see themselves moving.

“We love the easy way of life and laid-back lifestyle. Everything is close, you don't seem to need much. We love the community spirit, the nature and adventure and the opportunities you get in a little remote outback town.” Marco said.

When asked what plants he loves working with the most, it’s clear to see the joy in Marco when he talks about his work. “I don't have a specific plant,” Marco said. “I most love the overgrown yards where I can see huge transformations. It is very satisfying to look at what we have achieved in a day's work and see the smile on my clients faces.”

Being avid lovers of the beauty of gardens (but maybe not so much equipped to be able maintain them) we asked Marco for advice for those without a green thumb. His response was sensible… “Please call us,’ Marco said.

And we’d have to agree, lets leave the gardening to the experts, so they can create the lush green garden we are all dreaming about.

To find out more about KNX Cleana Yards head to their Facebook page, call Marco on 0476 544 593 or email knxcleanayards@gmail.com

Temali Howard

WORDS BY ELIZA PARRY-OKEDEN

The lunch time rush has just died down - they’ve closed the doors for the day on The Tasting Plate’s new poké bowls - but the buzz in the air hasn’t. It’s evident in the surroundings, from the eclectic scatter of mismatched tables and chairs, the potted and planted greenery bursting forth and the strings of bulbs dangling overhead, that this space is a labour of love. Working in partnership with the owner of the building, Lisa Spackman, the two women have created a space that feels warm, welcoming and calm.

Temali begins by telling me that she is a descendant of the Jaru and Kija people in the East Kimberley. Though born in Broome, she spent much of her younger years growing up south of Perth before moving back to the West Kimberley as an adult with her first son.

“I moved back to reconnect with my father's side, which is all my Aboriginal side of the family,” she says. “I was reconnecting with my culture and bringing my son into that at the same time.” While living in Broome, Temali started working with young people, through her role at a school, who

she says were disengaged in the classroom. This sparked an interest in youth justice, and so began a career spanning almost 20 years in the field.

Though based in Broome, her work inevitably drew her back to over this way and she rediscovered her East Kimberley connections.“I was doing some work from Kununurra for little stints at a time, and I really just had more of a connection over here,” she says. “I knew that this side is my grandmother’s country (Jaru country), and it just sort of felt better for me and I wanted to move for good –that was about 16 years ago!”

Since then, Temali’s passion for strengthening community and empowering young people has shifted from the justice system into something not even she may have expected. “I don't even think cooking was a huge part of my life,” she says, when asked about her foray into food, and whether she’d consider it a lifelong passion. “If anything, as a single mum, it was probably more of a pain at times than anything,” she says. “You kind of get into a routine where

Sitting in the shade amongst the frangipanis in the recently repurposed Phoenix Plaza courtyard, Temali Howard’s pride in this little oasis is palpable.

you know a couple of solid recipes that your kids will eat and you stick to them.”

Combine this with a full time job in a role that requires you to travel a lot, and you can understand why Temali says she wasn’t very creative with food back in those days. Nevertheless, she recognised the power of food in a social setting early on. “I've always liked cooking for other people,” she says, “if I have a dinner party, or if I have lots of kids around, I like looking after people and feeding their bellies –that's kind of my love language.” So years later, after some personal highs, including the birth of another son, and some twists and turns that often accompany life, Temali says she began using food as an outlet for self expression and to rediscover herself, as well.

“I found it [food] really healing,” she says. “I started doing grazing tables, mainly at Artopia Gallery with the encouragement from gallery owner Cally Bugg for little events, and grazing tables are so colourful and creative.”

“The way that you place food is so important and I had a knack for it, so then it was like, ‘I could do this as a business.’” From there, with no prior business knowledge, except for a passing comment that she’d need an ABN to get paid, Temali set out to start one from the ground up.

“I don't come from a background of business people or anything, so I've learned everything from scratch and it's probably the hardest thing I've ever had to do.”

With help from Kimberley Small Business Support and unwavering support from business mentor Wendy Casey, from

the Business Initiative Group, Temali credits their dedication to help bring her business dream to life

Through hard work and good food, Blak Tapas was born. In addition to having a funky ring to it, the name was inspired by travels through Europe and an appreciation for the iconic Spanish appetisers. “It's always been the way that I like to eat; sharing food, talking about the food that you're eating, and trying everyone else's so that you don't have that food envy.” Temali says, “I really like the togetherness of the way that a tapas meal is shared.”

“‘Blak’ was just sort of a play on being Aboriginal,” she continues, though it was initially ‘Black Tapas’, before the business had an identity shift, and secured the focus on creating the All Bush Foods menu and theme.

“‘Blak’ with a ‘k’ is being used more and more around Australia in recognition of being a Blackfulla, reclaiming and reshaping the narrative, highlighting the history and struggles of our people and asserting identity and self determination for the future. So when you see the name now, there’s no confusion, we are a proud Indigenous business.”

From that point, Blak Tapas has delved further into the celebration of native flavours and local produce. The team takes pride in experimenting with bush foods and native meats and creating unique menus which lead to healthy and healing conversations in the kitchen. A current favourite is a pumpkin risotto with bush spices, myrtle and bush tomato which is served stuffed in zucchini flowers, while the kangaroo samosas and crocodile spring rolls are also a hit.

“I love the fact that our food comes in a package that people already understand,” she says in reference to the, admittedly daunting, samosa and spring roll combos. “If they're too scared and say, ‘I'm not going to eat that,’ we present it in a way that they will go,‘oh, actually, yeah, I'll try that!’”

While she likes to make a point of using local produce as much as possible, Temali says it can be tricky as bush food and native ingredients in the East Kimberley are seasonal, and can’t always be sourced in large commercial quantities. So, when people ask whether the food is grown here, Temali has made sure that she is proud of the response. “Because of the above, I try to get all of my native ingredients from Aboriginal people around Australia who are already in that space of wild harvesting and selling their product. I have Aboriginal growers in Broome, Darwin, Alice Springs and South Australia”

From grassroot beginnings, Blak Tapas and now the commercial kitchen space branded The Tasting Plate, has evolved into a thriving list-topper of local places to eat, drink and be merry. “I didn't expect it to grow the way that it has, but I love the way that it's blossomed really organically.”

‘Fri-Yays’ are held every Friday from 5:00pm at the Phoenix Plaza, which she calls a little wind-down at the end of the week with a chill atmosphere, and a really nice vibe. “I love that it's BYO, I love that kids can come, I love that it's outdoors but indoors and obviously the tapas style,” she says. “We focus on corporate catering a lot throughout the week, so it's nice to open the doors to bring in people that might not know us and might not have tasted our food before.”

“We're getting a lot more tourists stopping in now as well, which is exciting because then I get to have a yarn with them and share culture through the food that they're eating, and where it comes from.”

And the aforementioned lunch time poké bowls have been a blazing success.

But the true ethos of Blak Tapas never strays far from its community-centric values and Temali’s years of experience in that space.

“I really want it to be a place where I can mentor young people in a different way to my previous role – a lot of our mob in town have struggled to get jobs, or they might feel shame to knock on people's doors, or they're just not getting those jobs. And then based on some of the home life issues, might not be able to hold down work for an extended timeframe.”

“I want to create a safe place for people who've been through a tough time, and be able to use food to develop skills and create a bit more empowerment in their own life, like it did for me and hopefully use it as a stepping stone to go out and into the workforce elsewhere”

I kind of see it more as not a business where I'm in it just to make money. Obviously I have to, I've got bills and things like everybody but I really see it as a social enterprise opportunity.” “I already have about seven young local kids on my books and have plans to partner with East Kimberley Job Pathways to give jobseekers some opportunities in hospitality at our bigger corporate events.”

And of course, as a place for community for fostering human connection. “I like seeing this place alive with people – happy people creating food and sharing culture to happy people who are eating good food.”

Follow Blak Tapas and The Tasting Plate on Facebook to stay up to date with all their news and events.

Happy Space at Headspace

Headspace Kununurra recently collaborated with local artist Molly Hunt (who we have been fan-girling over for a while now) and Dion Brownfield, to engage the young people of Kununurra to work on a mural for the internal wall of their offices.

The end result is A-mazing and a credit to these two talented artists and the emerging young artists of KNX!

Deon Cox, who is the Community Engagement Officer for headspace said they were fortunate enough to engage with 14 young people over a fortnight to draw up concepts, paint and work together to make the space theirs.

“Headspace Kununurra is a space for young people and we want them to feel that they have ownership and autonomy over a space that is for them,” Deon said.

“What better way to do that then work with them to make their ideas come to life, and have their work on our walls permanently, so every time they access the service or tell

someone about it they can say, “this is my work, this is my space, this is ours we did this.”

With a focus on early intervention, headspace works with young people to provide support at a crucial time in their lives – to help get them back on track and strengthen their ability to manage their mental health in the future.

In everything they do, they aim to meet the evolving and unique needs of young people and those who support them.

Headspace Kununurra is also just about to celebrate a special milestone; it is their first birthday after opening its doors in September 2022 to help fill the Mental Health space for all Young People, aged between 12 – 25 years in the Kununurra Community.

The service also offers Employment support, Alcohol and Drugs Support, School Support and access to a GP.

Headspace is a walk-in service, but can also take on referrals For more info, call headspace on – 08 91 665 796 or email headspacereferral@wunanhealth.org.au

Images supplied

It’s been a hot minute and a lot of hustling behind the scenes, but the Revive crew have worked their magic and are accepting Containers for Change glass refunds once again. Woohoo!

I hate to bring up the ‘F-word’ once again (no, not that one — the other one) but glass recycling is another facet where the Fitzroy Bridge collapse threw a spanner in the works. Suffice to say, there’s been a lot of problem-solving in the months since to get the glass recycling process back in action. ‘The process?’ you ask. Here’s a fun diagram to show what it looks like.

The challenge faced hasn’t been the collection part of the recycling process, but the logistics of getting glass from collection points here in Kununurra to our nearest glass processing plant in Fitzroy Crossing. Glass recycling can also be processed in Perth, but that obviously comes with additional time and cost. This is the stalemate where the Containers for Change teams, both in Kununurra and Head Office in Perth, found themselves in January 2023. Ultimately, the Fitzroy Crossing processing plant has still not reopened.

The East Kimberley is the most remote WA Containers for Change region, so like organising many things here, a Plan B was made! In this instance, it took clearing a backlog of glass containers from the Containers for Change collection yard and transporting these to Perth. What does that look like? In numbers, you’re looking at a total of almost 300,000 glass bottles, 198 IBC containers full or 9 truckloads.

Thankfully, patience has paid off for our community and in the first week of accepting glass, our East Kimberley collection points received a whopping 46,000 glass bottles. There’s no doubt 6-months (or more) worth of collecting glass bottles has been taking up space in many garages and sheds in and around town. But never fear, there is no judgement here!

While it has taken some time to get back up and running again, the team would like to say a massive thank you to all recyclers for your continued support — first-timers, event organisers and avid collectors alike.

Cheers to you and happy recycling!

East Kimberley Career Expo

WORDS BY RACHELLE EISENTRAGER

On Thursday 27 and Friday 28 July, local employers came together to showcase opportunities available within their business at the Kununurra Leisure Centre. School kids, job seekers, locals and visitors were able to discover job prospects, explore different industries and network with experts eager to meet prospective talent. It was exciting to see everyone get the chance to showcase their skills, talents, aspirations and find the career of their dreams!

There were over 25 businesses and stalls, with everyone going above and beyond to engage school kids with interactive and sensory experiences. A few of the engaging highlights included KGT’s Driving Simulator, which allows users to experience what it’s like inside sedan cars, trucks and farm equipment.

East Kimberley College got the immersive memo as well, with a Virtual Reality headset in use. Gelganyem featured seeds and products that could be touched and experienced, EKJP had a dress-up ‘Choose Your Career’ photo booth and EK Services set-up security batons and first-aid dolls for firsthand demonstrations. Too many work-ready activities and fun experiences to list here — so if you missed it, you’ll have to visit next year!

Guiding students around the stalls was a Passport Activity, which provided a map of organisations and a question about

each one. Winners received a prize including gift vouchers from Subway and Red Sun Sports, or solar-charged Bush Lantern. The Passport was great as it helped break down barriers and create points for discussion between students and employers. It prompted students to ask genuine questions, which made them think about their careers and what their futures could be.

From the stallholder point of view, it’s common to see Service Provider meetings and the like, where many come together, facilitate and put forward what they do. The East Kimberley Careers Expo, however, went above and beyond, challenging each organisation to think outside the box and appeal to the youth and wider community. There were genuine opportunities on offer which made the whole Expo more authentic, and we all love a bit of networking, don’t we?! Thank you to the Careers Expo Committee for bringing this event together, led by Richard Beeck at the Wunan Foundation.

Keen to have your say? The committee would love to hear how 2024 could be better. Scan here to head to the survey.

Sophie Black

KIMBERLEY CREATIVE

CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF?

I am a local nurse motivated by keeping busy, and always having a good time. I love sharing the good times, and I think my scrubs shirts help the wearer feel good and help to brighten the patient’s hospital journey, even if it is just a little bit.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START GRUB & SCRUB?

I had been nursing for quite a few years and decided to take some time off last year and work as a station cook. It was something I had always wanted to do, and everything seemed to fall into place easily to make it finally happen. In my spare time I made scrub shirts, so posted on Insta all the fun I had while cooking, sewing, and living the station life… hence the name Grub & Scrub. I named my scrubs brand Scrubbers because a scrubber is a trashy bogan/hick type person which for anyone who knows me well would probably say it is quite fitting!

WHERE DID YOU LEARN TO SEW?

My lovely mum taught me. Growing up we spent a lot of time together in front of the sewing machine, making small pieces or patchwork quilts. She is also a mean cook, and lucky for me she passed on her skills in the kitchen too.

WHERE DO YOU FIND THE MATERIAL?

I source it all online, I try to find good quality cotton fabrics that are easy to wear in the heat and humidity, as well as wash well in the harsh Kununurra water. That means I need to be very organised and think well ahead to always have plenty of fabric in stock, which sometimes I am not very good at!

ANY FAVOURITE DESIGNS?

I absolutely love Holly Sanders, she is a contemporary Aboriginal artist and has the most fabulous art that is very wellloved by my customers. I’m a bit of a bowerbird when it comes to designs, so anything colourful and fun catches my eye.

Growing up learning to sew with her mum, Kununurra nurse Sophie Black now brightens the wards of the Kununurra hospital with her colourful creations ‘Scrubbers’. KNX Sun caught up with Sophie to find out a little more about the inspiration behind her funky and colourful scrub shirts.

HOW DOES IT FEEL SEEING THE NURSING AND MEDICAL STAFF WEARING YOUR SCRUBS?

It makes me feel pretty chuffed! Seeing splashes of colour around the hospital is lovely and I think that the patients appreciate it too. Often, I will hear patients asking about the fun shirt the nurse or doctor is wearing which is pretty cool.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN KNX?

I have been around for two amazing years now, and plan to spend plenty more time here!

WHAT DO YOU LOVE THE MOST ABOUT KNX?

There are so many things that I love about KNX but narrowing it down I would have to say the people and the country. The country goes without saying, but the people, everyone is so warm and welcoming, are always up for having a good time and many have incredible life stories.

ANY CREATIVES THAT INSPIRE YOU?

A Victorian teacher called Juanita who makes Jakatozo scrubs has the grooviest mix and match tops on the market. I find her inspiring because she is a very busy woman but still finds time to make the most amazing tops which are bound to make anyone smile.

IF SOMEONE IS LOOKING FOR NEW SCRUBS, HOW DO THEY GET ONE OF YOUR DESIGNS?

Head over to my Insta @grubandscrub and follow the link there. I currently sell on Etsy, but by the time I launch my Christmas scrubs I hope to have my own website to sell on so keep an eye out for that!

The Vote for a Voice

Later this year, the nation will go to a referendum to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First Peoples of Australia, by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

A Voice to Parliament is the means of recognition: it will be a permanent body to make representations to the Australian Parliament and the Executive Government on legislation and policies of significance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It will further the self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, by giving them a greater say on matters that affect them. To help you get your head around it all, we’ve tried to answer some common questions as best we can:

IN THE BROADEST TERMS, CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON?

Basically, after more than 100 years of colonial settlement, Aboriginal people are asking for acknowledgement of their rightful place as First Peoples of Australia, to respect 65,000 years of connection to Country and for a simple, lasting way to make their voices heard by enshrining it in the Australian Constitution.

This hasn’t come out of thin air though – in 2017, a statement by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders from around the country was made to the Australian people, asking for structural

reforms to “empower our people and take a rightful place in our own country”. The Uluru Statement calls for:

1. Voice: the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution;

2. Treaty: a Makarrata Commission to supervise agreementmaking between governments and First Nations and;

3. Truth: the Makarrata Commission will also supervise truth telling about our history

It is important to note the Uluru Statement was an invitation to the Australian people, to walk together “in a movement of the Australian people for a better future.” Though countless previous petitions to the government have not worked, The Uluru Statement was different; it was an invitation to the Australian people, not a request to the government.

“In 1967 we were counted, in 2017 we seek to be heard.”

This year’s referendum is about responding to Part 1 of the Uluru Statement: VOICE.

AH YES THE CONSTITUTION… REFRESH MY MEMORY PLEASE…

The Australian Constitution took effect when Australia was federated on 1 January 1901 and is the founding document that sets out how Australia is governed. It is our nation’s birth certificate. The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) says that

An introduction to Constitutional Recognition through the Voice

the Constitution has a special status as it overrides any other laws and can’t be changed by the Parliament of the day. While the Constitution enables Parliament to create or change laws, which we call legislation, the Constitution itself can only be changed through a vote by the people – a referendum.

SO WHAT ARE THE ACTUAL CHANGES TO THE CONSTITUTION THAT ARE BEING PROPOSED?

The official question being asked at the referendum is: "A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this proposed alteration?" Voters will be asked to write YES or NO on the ballot paper.

The proposed law that Australians are being asked to approve at the referendum would insert this new section into the Constitution:

"Chapter IX Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples 129 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice

In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia:

1. There shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;

2. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;

3. The Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures.”

RIGHT. CAN YOU BREAK THAT DOWN FOR ME?

Sure, this is being circulated by the Cape York Institute demonstrates the four parts of the proposed amendment quite nicely.

Recognition: In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia;

Guarantee: There shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;

Purpose: The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voice may make representations to Parliament and Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;

Detail: The parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures.

The first sentence of the amendment is the ‘recognition’ of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia, the second bit is the ‘guarantee’ that the Voice will remain, the third describes the purpose of the Voice as a mechanism for ‘recognition’ and finally, the ‘detail’ is how it will operate going forward.

SO THE ‘DETAIL’ BIT – DOES THAT MEAN THE DESIGN OF THE VOICE SET IN STONE?

No, the third section of the proposed amendment gives Parliament the power to make changes to the design of the Voice. The only thing that Parliament can’t do is get rid of the Voice entirely. If the referendum gets up, the Voice will be designed in consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. That’s not to say there haven’t been consultations already, and lots of hard work put into thinking about how the Voice might work: see the Langton and Calma report at https://voice.gov.au/resources/indigenous-voiceco-design-process-final-report for more information.

AND WHAT’S A REFERENDUM GOT TO DO WITH IT?

As mentioned above, a referendum is a vote that asks the people of Australia to respond ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to a question. A referendum is the only way to make changes to the constitution.

To vote in a referendum, you have to be enrolled to vote with the AEC. In Australia, It is compulsory by law for all eligible citizens to enrol and then vote in federal elections, by-elections and referendums. Once you’re enrolled, it’s then compulsory to keep voting to avoid being fined.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF ‘YES’ IS THE MAJORITY?

If the majority of people vote ‘yes’, the referendum passes. According to the Australian Government “Voice” resources, the next step is to begin consultations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, the Parliament and the broader public to design the Voice. This is why it’s been hard to pinpoint what exactly the ‘Voice to Parliament’ will look like in practice.

Once an agreement has been reached as to the design, a Voice establishment bill will be introduced into the Parliament. This is where we move from the ‘Constitution’ to the ‘Legislation’ phase, and it’s out of the people’s hands and back into Parliament… Legislation to establish the Voice will go through standard parliamentary processes to make sure it’s been adequately scrutinised by elected representatives in both houses of Parliament to ensure that the sky won’t fall in.

Once Parliament approves the legislation to establish the Voice, the legislation comes into effect and the work to set up the

Voice will begin. The Voice is a simple, practical proposal. It is not promising any revolutionary change, and it definitely won’t be closing the gap overnight. It is a modest ask from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to provide advice on matters that affect them, and in a lasting way that cannot be dismantled by whim of government.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF ‘NO’ IS THE MAJORITY?

Technically, nothing will happen; it’s definitely the safer option which is likely the reason that uncertain or conservative voters may choose to vote this way. Things will continue as they are. There is also a lot to be said for inaction. It’s likely that a lot of the reservations and frustrations that are driving a ‘No’ vote, would be better addressed in the long run with some sort of forward momentum rather than none at all. You can’t help but wonder if we’ll spend a lifetime wondering what could’ve been, if nothing changes at all.

HM I’VE SEEN A LOT OF BACK AND FORTH AND IT SEEMS LIKE SOME ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PEOPLE DON'T EVEN WANT THE VOICE TO GO AHEAD…

We have to recognise that First Nations people are not a homogenous group who all think the same. Just like with any community, there will be disagreement. Debate and difference of opinion are what makes a healthy democracy. What is important to note, however, is that the The Voice proposal comes from the Uluru Statement, after the most proportionately significant consultation process of first nations people took place. More than 1200 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people participated in 12 regional dialogues – from all parts of the southern sky.

More than 97 percent of the delegates agreed with the Voice, and poll after poll shows more than 80% of First Nations folks support the Voice.

BUT IF THE CONSTITUTION IS FOR ALL AUSTRALIANS, WHY SHOULD RACE BE INVOLVED?

Let’s not forget that the Constitution has been in play since 1901, and was designed to support the nation as it was, at that time.

The concept of race actually comes up a few times already; for example, there’s a section that gives parliament the power to legislate or make laws for “people of any race for whom it is deemed to be necessary to make special laws”. That section was originally included to give effect to the White Australia Policy, and Aboriginal people were excluded from it.

Following a nationwide campaign for change, the section

was amended in 1967 to include the power to make laws that affect people “of the aboriginal race in any State”. Since then, as intended, the power has been exercised for the benefit of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. However, the same power has the potential to be used to pass laws that operate to their disadvantage. Its existence in the Constitution, and the wide scope of the power that it provides, underscores the need for a mechanism – the Voice – to listen to the people that are directly affected by those laws.

This Constitutional Amendment is asking for all Australians to recognise the First Peoples of this great nation.

THE VOICE REFERENDUM FEELS LIKE IT’S COME OUT OF THE BLUE… WHY ARE WE TALKING ABOUT THIS NOW?

It’s quite the opposite, in fact. Rather, the journey to ‘recognition’, and the subsequent Voice Referendum phase that we’ve entered now, has involved decades of planning, petitioning and fine tuning from all corners of the country. We’ve finally reached a point where the proposal has passed all the necessary hurdles and has garnered enough support to be put to the people as the final step. A timeline of the events leading up to this moment in history can be found here: ulurustatement. org/the-statement/history/

SO HOW WILL THIS AFFECT ME?

As Australians, this will affect all of us by beginning to right the wrongs of the past. Around 120-odd years ago, the Constitution was written to the exclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, in a time where the continent was considered uninhabited before British settlement. We’ve come a long way as a nation since then, and this is a chance to formally recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the first people of this country, in a manner that has been proposed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

On a more practical level though, for non-Indigenous Australians, this is unlikely to have an impact on your lives. The proposal will only impact “matters that affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people”.

For Indigenous Australians, this could have an impact on your lives, as it will change the ways that laws and policies are made for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

For more information about the referendum, go to: https://voice.gov.au/community-toolkit

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCnv3G0rDLo&ab_ channel=ABCNewsIn-depth

Design Principles of the Voice to Parliament

as agreed by the First Nations Referendum Working Group

The Voice will give independent advice to the Parliament and Government

The Voice will be chosen by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people based on the wishes of local communities

The Voice will be empowering, community-led, inclusive, respectful and culturally informed

The Voice will be accountable and transparent

The Voice will be representative of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, gender balanced and include youth

The Voice will not have a program delivery function

The Voice will not have a veto power

The Voice will work alongside existing organisations and traditional structures

Catching Flights and Feelings for Nexus Airlines

WORDS BY SEBASTIAN TASI

Not often do you get the chance to witness the launch of a new airline or be among the first to fly with it. On Friday 28 July, I had the incredible privilege of embarking on a round trip from Kununurra to Darwin, as I hopped on Nexus Airline's inaugural commercial flight for their Northern Routes. Yes- I did a round trip in a day - albeit a tad jetlagged due to the time difference ;).

As I checked in with the friendly Nexus staff, carrying my trusty Canon camera bag and dressed in the most quintessential Kununurra outfit (shirt, shorts, and thongs), I joined my fellow passengers in the café area. There, we were treated to delightful Nexus coffee cups and scrumptious toasties while eagerly awaiting the arrival of the flight from Broome.

Fortunate enough to access the Airport apron, I captured some great shots of Nexus landing its first commercial flight in town. The excitement in the air was palpable, and applause erupted in the terminal as the Managing Director, Michael McConachy, and the first batch of passengers disembarked—though a moment of hilarity ensued when they encountered a locked automatic door (ahh..classic Kununurra). With laughter and warm welcomes, we

eventually boarded the plane for Nexus' first official flight from WA to NT.

The cabin crew, including two coincidentally named Michael (I have a feeling McConachy might have been in charge of hiring the cabin crew), greeted me warmly as I settled into my allocated seat. Being a rather big guy (45% muscle, 55% fatthanks to Rosie's chicken at the Roadhouse), I was concerned about the seat size, but to my surprise, it was spacious enough to accommodate even this islander boy.

Once we were airborne, we were served delectable scones, which I am a sucker for (my best mate would tell you all about it, because I always steal his scones at work…and every other food item he comes in with), complemented by jam and cream—I was in heaven. The return trip treated us to a custard tart, all locally sourced from Oasis Bakery in Broome, exemplifying Nexus' dedication to supporting regional small businesses.

To wash it all back, we had a choice of any drink – including the new Spinifex Brewing Co non-alcoholic ginger beer. I’m not going to lie, I don’t understand the whole non-alcohol vibe that is surging the country (isn’t it just a soft drink?).

Nonetheless, I boxed up my first world problem thoughts and took a swig of this new non-alcoholic ginger beer - and boy was I an immediate fan. Shit was so good my life flashed before my eyes and reset my thoughts on non-alcoholic beverages. 11/10 would reccommend.

As we prepared for landing in Darwin, the cabin filled with applause once more (claps all day round). Exiting the plane, I was surprised to see a large crowd with cameras and reporters eagerly capturing the moment. At this point, I am thinking – dammit, why did I go for the Kununurra classic outfit. An unexpected welcome from Darwin and a fashion blunder on my behalf. I am glad that none of my mates watch the news because I would’ve 100% been roasted in the group chat.

After a heartfelt welcome to country by local Larrakia man, Liam and a media frenzy at the Darwin Airport, we made our way to check-in for our flight back home.

The return journey to Kununurra was filled with camaraderie among the twenty of us round-trippers. It was evident that Nexus Airline’s had fulfilled a much-needed void in our region, providing an affordable means to fly to Broome and Darwin,

bringing the outside world closer to our doorstep.

The airline beautifully represents the Kimberley in every detail, from its logo designed in partnership with Waringarri Art Centre to the locally-inspired food and beverages onboard. Nexus Airline's commitment to the region was evident, leaving no doubt that this journey marked the beginning of many more to come.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Nexus Airlines team for an incredible day. Witnessing the birth of something local that will have a profound impact on our region has been aweinspiring. Congratulations to everyone involved, as this airline has successfully soared to new heights, embodying the spirit of the Kimberley and its communities.

For those interested in booking a flight or learning more about Nexus Airlines, visit nexusairlines.com.au . Let's rally behind this local gem and embrace the endless possibilities it brings to our community.

P.S. We spotted a fellow KNX Sun fan on the plane reading the latest edition—KNX Sun takes on NT? ;)

The Art of Giving

This painting is from Lake Argyle looking away from the dam wall. It was actually the first place I went to checkout after I had arrived in Kununurra in late March.

I had just driven the length of Australia over 5 days from Barwon Heads, a costal town an hour-and-a-half south of Melbourne. The colours of the desert and the sky towards the end of the wet season were like nothing I had seen before; the lush greens against the burnt oranges, the clouds wandering through the landscape.

This is my attempt to capture that beauty that followed me all the way to Kununurra.

I have always painted for the love of getting to appreciate and interpret landscapes, and have always given them away to people for who that land holds meaning.

Peter Angliss

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

At North West Finance, there’s no such thing as too much of a good thing. All we do is loans. And with over 1,400 on tap, we can pore over all the exciting complexities to find the one that hits the spot, for free. Refreshing, right? It’s simple as blue and white.

METHOD

Super Lemony Olive Oil Cake

BY @OUTBACKOTTOLENGHI

It truly felt like peak cake season last monthfrom birthdays, morning teas, and of course the Kununurra Ag Show! I made this cake a few times in a row (using a Bon Appetit recipe), after a very specific birthday request for a lemon olive oil cake. It’s been a hit with friends and colleagues and even came second place at the Ag Show! It’s quick and easy to make and truly is super lemony, fluffy and tasty at all at once. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

1 ½ cups extra virgin olive oil

3 large eggs

1 1/4 cups granulated sugar

1 1/4 cups whole milk (I used soy!)

2 tsp vanilla extract

Zest and juice of 2 lemons

2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp bicarb soda

Icing sugar and extra lemon zest (for serving)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XOjOeD5_Dw4M8LltRkaew5CAZ5PPAcvd/view?ts=64d03cd4

1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees. Lightly oil a 25cm round cake pan with a pastry brush. Line bottom with baking paper and brush with oil. Whisk eggs, 1½ cups oil, and 1 cups sugar in a medium bowl until smooth. Add milk, vanilla, and zest and juice of 2 lemons and whisk to combine.

2. Whisk flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a large bowl to combine. Make a well in the centre and gradually pour egg mixture into well. Whisk, using circular motions to slowly incorporate egg mixture, until batter is mostly smooth (some lumps are okay). Scrape batter into prepared pan and smooth surface. Sprinkle remaining 1 Tbsp. sugar over.

3. Bake cake until top is golden brown and a tester inserted into the centre comes out clean, about 50 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack and let cake cool before taking it out of the pan.

4. Just before serving, dust cake with powdered sugar and top with more lemon zest if you have it.

5. Enjoy!

This method is from Mina Stone’s recipe on the Bon Appetit website: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/super-lemony-olive-oil-cake

In the wide of Dry Season

In the wide blue of dry season Black Kites circle glide plunge then rise and rise high again on warm breezes and gusts. Seeking ground level prey and searching the weathered, rounded ranges, their elegant flight is perfectionin the wide blue of dry season.

Their whistling and whinnying call says, “Pause and look up.” And in that split second of listening,

you see them. Your breathing slows, and your heart and mind stop racing.

You see Black Kites right above you, circling gliding plunging and they are rising and rising again. The wonder of this sight is like a meditation.

You are in the wide blue of dry season.

Poem by Katherine Healy

AQUARIUS – 20 JANUARY-18 FEBRUARY

Communication is the key to making an impact in the world. You are acutely aware that you can change someone’s life, good or bad, with just a single thought or gift of wisdom. Tread carefully, communication is as much about listening as it is about speaking.

PISCES – 19 FEBUARY-20 MARCH

Get a grip, time for a reality check this month, Pisces. You have been a bit self-absorbed of late. You should slow down and stop speaking aloud the chatter inside your head. You’ve been darn fortunate of late, time to give back.

ARIES - 21 MARCH-19 APRIL

You are prone to feeling frustrated by the inadequacy of others. As a result you put pressure on yourself to make every moment and interaction meaningful. Lowering your expectations is the key to happiness.

TAURUS – 20 APRIL- 20 MAY

Things have been moving a bit too quickly for you recently. Some people around you may have let you down, look safely on your road ahead. Have faith in yourself and journey by not getting suffocated by whatever the crowd is doing.

GEMINI – 21 MAY-20 JUNE

Unexpected energies enter your sphere. Don’t let other peoples’ insecurities become yours. Let the charge of the full moon fuel your soul. A fun-loving attitude will emanate from within. Gift this energy to the world with confidence and bravery.

CANCER – 21 JUNE-22 JULY

You enter a phase where new encounters present you a mental challenge of having to try to make good impressions. You can’t lean on history to get you by. Alas, no fear, the stars are showing that luck will smile upon you twice in August.

LEO – 23 JULY-22 AUGUST

Feeling like a lone wolf howling at a silent moon. A lack of echo heightens your inner senses. You’re usually adept at seeing the bright side, however this month might challenge you. Find solace and energy from your inner self and past that you are capable of coming out on top in the end.

VIRGO 23 AUGUST-22 SEPTEMBER

Your logical consciousness has been clouding your intuition. Enlightenment will come to you from an inner connection to the struggles of others and manifest in the form of a commonsense approach toward the greater good of the commons not the self.

LIBRA - 23 SEPTEMBER-22 OCTOBER

Usually balanced and careful in your approach, you can let your guard down. Be strengthened by the lunar power, without fear of reprisal, unleash your inner spiritual form into the present world.

SCORPIO - 23 OCTOBER-21 NOVEMBER

A recent honey-pot has come your way. With the craziness around you, you find yourself being the responsible one for a change. Tightening the belt buckles now means freedom at a greater magnitude in the future. Besides, the buildup is knocking and there’s not much to do except recharge for the wet season!

SAGITTARIUS – 22 NOVEMBER-21 DECEMBER

Your goal is in sight but fleeting. There will be forces at play that seek to unsteady you. Be wary and read between the lines as your enemies may not immediately make themselves obvious. Steady yourself and keep one eye on the prize.

CAPRICORN - 22 DECEMBER-19 JANUARY

You’ve been dancing on the push and pull of someone else’s tide for some time. The big swell of the month may be getting too turbulent for you to be a passive passenger any longer. Time to pull your socks up, put your big person pants on and steer the ship.

LUNAR ENERGY DOMINATE THIS MONTH, WITH TWO SUPER MOONS IN AUGUST BRINGING BIG TIDES AND UPWELLING OF INNER SPIRITUAL DRIVERS.

Getting Quizzy With It