Kununurra Sun
I used to pay good money for a sauna session postgym, believing that sweating my backside off had some magical health benefits. But honestly, if I’d known I could get that experience for free every morning in Kununurra at 6am, I would’ve packed my bags and moved here years ago!
On a cooler note (or not, depending on your sense of humour), our Kununurra Sun team has grown! We’re thrilled to welcome three new volunteer writers: Jessica Baker, Darcy MacCartie, and Candice Linton-Smith. These brave souls have dived right in, contributing some cracking stories for this edition. And as if that wasn't enough, Naomi Lorkin has joined the fun, adding her wonderful illustrations to brighten things up (colouring page is back, by popular demand!).
We’re always on the lookout for fresh talent—writers, photographers, illustrators, proofreaders with eagle eyes—you name it. If you’ve got a knack, we’d love to hear from you!
Now that I am done with a smidge of shameless selfpromotion (hey, someone’s gotta do it), we bring you our last edition for the year!
This issue is bursting at the seams with local tales. We’re digging into some agricultural dirt (literally not figuratively), offering survival guides for the build-up weather and house-sitting, spotlighting our incredible health sector, and even kicking up our heels with Wild Brumbies.
So grab yourself a coffee, juice, or even a well-deserved beer, and join us for this final, jam-packed edition of the year.
Enjoy the read, Sunnies—see you in the new year xoxo
Wani-mageny
wajamab-gerring goondarri-geny This is the time for fishing.
Goondarringa jangeb berrandawoon malin The fish are feeding on water weeds
MIRIWOONG TO ENGLISH TRANSLATION
Kununurra Sun acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this nation. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands throughout the Kimberley and in particular the Miriwoong and Gajirrawoong people of Kununurra and surrounding areas where we live, work and welcome visitors from afar.
PAGES 6-7
A Guide to Embracing the Glistening Glow
PAGE 15
Kicking Up Dust with Kununurra's Wild Brumbies
PAGES 8-9
Home Sweet Health: Care at the Doorstep
PAGES 18-19
House Sitting Hijinks: Tips and Tricks
PAGES 10-11
The Dirt on Dirt
PAGE 20
Kimberley Creative: DJ TashNat
Team KNX Sun
CREATIVE DIRECTORS:
ROSIE DUFFY, JESS BUCHAN & SEBASTIAN TASI
PHOTOGRAPHY:
JESS BUCHAN & SEBASTIAN TASI
EDITORIAL:
ROSIE DUFFY, JESS BUCHAN, ELIZA PARRY-OKEDEN, RACHELLE EISENTRAGER, SEBASTIAN TASI, JESSICA BAKER, DARCY MACCARTIE, CANDICE LINTON-SMITH
GRAPHIC DESIGN:
SEBASTIAN TASI
We are always looking for new people to join our team, contact hello@kununurrasun.com
A Nod to Those Who Keep the Sun Shining
Kununurra Sun emerged with a vision to uplift, educate, and connect the Kununurra community.
We remain steadfast in this mission. We rely on businesses and organisations in the Kununurra region to help keep the Sun shining. We'd like to acknowledge our current sponsors and thank them for their continued support. If you'd like to become a sponsor of the Sun, please reach out to discuss collaboration opportunities. Let's follow the Sun, together.
The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley (the Shire) is the northernmost local government area in Western Australia, extending from the Northern Territory border to the northern tip of WA.
It serves as the eastern gateway to the Kimberley and the northern gateway to Western Australia, encompassing the towns of Wyndham and Kununurra, along with numerous small Aboriginal communities, the largest being Kalumburu.
The Shire has been our number one supporter since the birth of the magazine, ensuring we are able to continue to shine light to all that our community has to offer.
SWEK.WA.GOV.AU
Boab Metals is currently developing the Sorby Hills Project 50km north east of Kununurra in the East Kimberley of Western Australia. Sorby Hills is Australia’s largest undeveloped, near surface lead-silver deposit with granted mining leases, EPA approval and is 150km from the Wyndham Port.
Boab Metals is committed to developing lasting relationships with stakeholders and the communities in which they operate. Through engagement with stakeholders they seek to understand the social, cultural, environmental and economic impacts of their activities in the local areas.
Wayfinder Pathways provides support to people living with a disability throughout the East Kimberley. As a registered NDIS Provider, the organisation provides a highquality service by empowering participants to write their own story. Wayfinder's provision of supports embraces a personcentred approach, involving family and care networks. Wayfinder also offers grant funded programs that provide capacity building opportunities to enable improved access and connection within the local community.
Wayfinder strives to align with the needs of the Kununurra community and the people that live here. The team are looking forward to sharing stories in the Kununurra Sun.
Local & fresh
We’re
A Guide to Embracing the Glistening Glow
WORDS BY THE KUNUNURRA SUN TEAM
We’re officially knee-deep in the Build-Up season, and you can feel it everywhere—in the air, in your armpits, and definitely during that short but sweltering trek from the Coles carpark to the blessedly air-conditioned shopping centre. Some folks love it; others, well, they’re just trying not to melt into the pavement.
Here at Kununurra Sun HQ, we’ve got a mix of Build-Up veterans and fresh recruits still adjusting to the sauna-like charm of the season. So, we thought, why not ask everyone their thoughts?
If you’re a long-timer, what are your tried-and-true survival tips? Share your secrets—besides hiding in the fridge. And to the new kids on the block, what have you been warned about? Are you ready to tackle this sweat-fest head-on, or are you still hoping your spray bottle will do the trick? We’re all sweating through this together!
Darcy
Well, I can confirm it’s not cold, in fact, it’s rather warm. As a newcomer to Kununurra, I’ve heard a bit about this ‘build up’, but it’s been a while since my childhood days that I’ve experienced one.
So, when asked how I combat it, all I can simply say is, throw yourself into as many social activities as possible… Yes, some may think I’m mad, but I’ve found playing squash, social netball and some other sports has helped me tackle the hot days head on… it has given me something to look forward to after a day’s work and made the aircon at the end of the day an even bigger reward.
Apart from getting stuck into all the activities Kununurra has to offer, it has been a good chance to get out and visit some of the permanent water holes on the weekend for a cool dip.
Nothing beats grabbing the esky, a couple of mates and sending it out for the afternoon in one of many hidden gems in the area. Early days yet, so I can’t say my formula is proven but so far so good!
Seb
Four build-up seasons under the belt—does that make me a seasoned pro? (pun intended) Honestly, I’m fresh out of life hacks for surviving this sweaty stretch of the year, except to say it gets better… and then it doesn’t. Sure, some folks claim there’s “nothing to do” during build-up, but that’s just wrong. I mean, it’s prime time to catch a Barra, drop a few kilos just walking from your car to the gym, and kick back by the aircon on that new couch. Yep, that’s been my strategy this year.
This year, Kununurra Water Ski Club threw a build-up bash to celebrate the hotness! I missed it because I was busy inflating balloons for my niece’s 5th birthday in Perth, but judging by the talk about town, it sounded like a blast.
So, when it comes to the build-up, it’s all about perspective. You can embrace the tropical glow and sweaty charm, or hop on a plane with a ticket to the Cook Islands and enjoy the hot weather by the beach instead (cause that is what I'll be doing).
Rachelle
Have you seen that good looking airstrip on your way out of
town? Yeah, that’s my build up survival tip. My partner and I have conveniently been invited to weddings a few days apart on the East Coast at the end of October, so we have no choice but to leave during this lovely (lol) weather.
All jokes aside — during my first build up season last year, I struggled when someone turned on the heater at the start of September. By struggle, I mean I ate and drank everything I possibly could, which was clearly my body’s way of trying to stay alive.
Once I got through the first couple of weeks, I found I was able to adapt and life continued on as per! So I would say being kind to yourself during the ‘period of adaptation’ is key and if you need that bag of lollies to counteract the sweat, then you get that bag of lollies, queen.
Jess Baker
Gosh. How does one prepare for the wet season build-up? I have asked this question a few times since I moved to town in July. The advice that has stuck with me is to invest in light, quick-drying, and breathable clothes, and to surrender to the sweat.
You’re going to be sticky and you’re going to have to be OK with it, or so seems to be the consensus. I brought a nowobviously ridiculous assortment of clothes with me when I moved to Kununurra, including jumpers, a couple of blazers, and a handful of long-sleeve shirts, which all together took up a significant amount of the limited space I had in my one suitcase.
I am currently on a mission to make my wardrobe more buildup-friendly and am thus in the midst of a Depop rampage.
Revive, I will be coming for you next.
Jess Buchan
Ahh the build up. How two little words can spark fear and anxiety amongst my peers still amazes me, even as I enter my fourth year in Kununurra.
I prefer to look at it positively - the time of the year the community comes together and glows.
It’s also the time of the year I can sneak my dogs inside without too many complaints from my partner. He can’t deny our furbabies the joy of air-conditioning when the concrete outside is literally sizzling.
I will admit and be entirely transparent, that I’ve never really experienced the full brunt of the build up. The past few years I’ve been escaping town pre-Christmas under the guise of ‘it’s the most convenient time to visit family’.
This year however, my partner and I are staying put for Christmas so I’ve decided to tackle the build up head on - frizzy hair, sweaty upper lip, a non-stopping cycle of washing and all! I’m mentally preparing for a ridiculous power bill, have successfully navigated the fastest route between my car and work and fully embracing the ‘coastal grandmother’ look, wearing only linen on linen until April.
Oh, and we bought a boat. The biggest build up hack there ever was!
Home Sweet Health Dialysis Bus Brings Care to Kidney Patients Doorstep ' :
WORDS BY JESSICA BAKER
The most conspicuous bus in Kununurra, currently parked outside the Ord Valley Aboriginal Health Service (OVAHS) clinic, is a vital connector between people, culture, and country.
It’s the reason many patients who live in town solely so they can receive dialysis treatment are able to visit their families and home countries at all.
Tyrone Minga, 38, was born and raised in Halls Creekand no doubt would have wanted to stay there had he not required life-saving dialysis treatment for diabetes. He moved to Kununurra about five years ago to undergo dialysis at the town’s renal health centre, which is at capacity with 41 patients and operates seven days a week.
Dialysis essentially serves to clean a person’s blood and eliminate excess fluid and harmful build-up of toxins when their kidney function is compromised. Each treatment takes four to five hours and must be repeated every second day for the rest of a patient’s life - unless they are one of a lucky few who can get a kidney transplant. If a person requires dialysis and lives in a small community in the Kimberley, they will have to relocate to a place that
does have a renal health centre, such as Kununurra, Fitzroy, Derby or Broome. There are lengthy waitlists for placements at renal health centres across the Kimberley, due to the region’s remoteness and extremely high rates of kidney disease. Some 333 people in the Kimberley are understood to have kidney disease, according to ABS, a large percentage of whom are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
Clinical nurse specialist Chelsea Mason of Kimberley Renal Services says “Unfortunately, when patients come to dialysis here (in Kununurra), when they’re not actually from here, they’re not happy as they are disconnected from their country and family.
“Chronic kidney disease is an awful disease that’s debilitating because it controls you. It controls where you are.”
Kimberley Renal Services’ Mobile Dialysis Unit (i.e. the colourful bus at OVAHS) offers patients who have had to relocate for their health - and, frankly, for their survival - a chance to visit home and stay connected to their culture and country.
This past dry season, the two-chair mobile unit - plus two Kununurra-based patients, two Broome-based patients, and
two nurses including Mrs Mason - went to Halls Creek for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic brought their service to a grinding halt.
All four patients were able to receive treatment on the bus and spend the remaining hours in their days connecting with their family members, friends, and community.
Two others who require dialysis and live in Halls Creek with their carers also received treatment on the bus, meaning their carers were able to enjoy a two-week period of respite.
Mrs Mason explained “The main purpose is to get people back to their home country, to have a holiday, to see their family.”
Speaking about Mr Minga, who is wheelchair-bound following a below-the-knee amputation related to his diabetes, she added “He gets treatment here (in Kununurra), but he got to go home and visit all of his other family.
“It was just amazing. He would come in so happy to do treatment and say that he was up all night telling stories with his family. That was the best part for me.”
Mrs Mason says “He’s like a different person when he’s there. The feeling of being home, for him … he just said he’s incredibly happy. His favourite thing is telling stories around the campfire with his family.
“He also tells us stories of Halls Creek when we’re there
because he feels so connected to country and grounded and … he just loves sharing that.
“And he thoroughly enjoyed sharing that with his children, he said, because he wants to raise them there.”
The Mobile Dialysis Unit has the ability to service up to eight patients per trip - although patients do have to travel to the bus’ destinations themselves. It is partially funded by Englishman Richard Lockwood who generously donates a large donation to the cause every year and is said to love helping people get back to their countries.
The generosity of other people and organisations - such as Yura Yungi Aboriginal Service in Halls Creek, which kindly allowed Kimberley Renal Services to park the bus nearby and use its water and power - is also crucial to it being able to continue servicing communities.
In years past, the bus has gone to Balgo, Billiluna, and Bidyadanga as well as Halls Creek, and is projected to return to Balgo in the near future.
Mrs Mason says “When our patients put in requests for funerals, we try to manage that and take the bus out to a funeral so that people can attend.”
The bus service has wrapped for 2024 and is set to resume next year in the dry season.
Photos Supplied by Kimberley Renal Services
The Dirt on Dirt
WORDS BY DARCY MACCARTIE
Let’s talk about dirt... yep dirt. Why may you ask? Because it’s the backbone of everything we grow, and it’s what this town was built on.
Kununurra sits on seriously good dirt and by that, I mean it’s some of the most productive soils in Australia.
So, what distinguishes it from other dirt? For that, I needed to get an expert opinion by asking someone who makes their living from it.
Jack Daniel is a local agronomist in the valley and a dirt expert. He has seen different crops come and go, but one thing has remained constant and that is the soil. So, I jumped in the ute, drove down to the paddock, and caught up with Jack and his fellow agronomist Abaigh while they were doing some soil testing.
I asked Jack, ‘What makes this dirt so special, mate?‘ Well, the predominant soil type here is Cununurra clay (and I know what you’re thinking... No, that’s not a typo, it is Cununurra with a C! But that’s another story) which is more commonly known as black soil’.
Now people who have bogged their cars in this will be thinking, “I never want to see that dirt again,” but please let me continue.
‘This black soil has many unique properties, but one key ingredient is its ability to hold nutrients, which crops love. This means that the crops we grow thrive because they have access to an abundance of essential elements such as nitrogen and phosphorus.
It also means that when fertilised, the nutrients are held for longer in the soil, meaning that the crops can access them’. To
put it shortly and stop boring you all. It’s the bees’ knees of dirt.
In one teaspoon of Cununurra clay, there are more microbes than people on the earth. So, what do they do? In the valley’s soil, they help to rapidly break down organic matter, releasing it back to the plant as food. They also help to provide good soil structure, allowing for the soil to be easily worked. These important little buggers are often overlooked but are an essential part of the valley’s dirt.
I then posed the question to Jack, ‘Why is our dirt different from other regions?’ ‘For that,’ Jack said, ‘we need to look back at how the land has evolved.’ The Ord River as we know it ran in a different direction, and over thousands of wet seasons, sand, silt, clay, and organic matter combined to create our soils. The direction of the river changed, leaving us with what we have today.
I’ll be damned, not all dirt is the same, and it's always good to have a history lesson too!
This valley of ours is incredibly fertile. So next time you’re heading back from the Keep River, enjoy the scenery of what’s growing either side and ponder at how it all came to be. That begs the question: with all this fertile soil, what grows well out here? There are a variety of crops that are grown, including corn, chickpeas, and cotton. These plants do especially well in the heat but also require fertile soil, meaning that we can provide them with the perfect environment to thrive.
Due to the water from Lake Argyle, crops are able to be watered when required, and the soil does an excellent job of holding that moisture in there for long periods of time, meaning the crops can continue growing in the driest months.
So, there we go! Who would have thought there was so much to learn about the local dirt? If you’ve read this far, I hope you appreciate how important it is! And just remember, not all dirt is good dirt.
Prescription for Change A Remedy for Community Health :
WORDS BY ELIZA PARRY-OKEDEN
The Ord Valley Aboriginal Health Service, or ‘OVAHS’ as it’s fondly known about town, is a local Aboriginal corporation focused on primary health care and providing accessible and culturally safe health services to local Indigenous communities.
The aim of the service is to empower individuals and communities to take control of their health and well-being through education, prevention, and early intervention. The importance of OVAHS in addressing the health disparities faced by many living in remote areas, and in creating a comprehensive and integrated health care system that meets the diverse needs of the most vulnerable in our community, cannot be overstated.
And yet, with great power comes great responsibility, so finding the right fit for the top job comes with its own challenges.
Earlier this year, after a fruitless twelve months of external recruitment, local firecracker and proud Gadjerong girl, Mary Baird, was appointed the CEO of OVAHS, and what a journey it’s been so far…
“I started in February this year as the interim CEO; before that I was the chairperson of OVAHS so I sat on the Board of Directors. I was appointed as a Director in November 2022 and it was my first rodeo! The Board of Directors then elected me to become the Chairperson of OVAHS. I was the Chairperson from November 2022 up until I had to resign in January 2024.
“Throughout 2023 we had quite a challenging year; we had an acting CEO and then we were actively recruiting to fill the role from December 2023 to January 2024. By this time, our acting CEO had already been in the position for ten months and was due to go back to Perth and the OVAHS Board had found no one culturally appropriate for the position.
“Then I came into the OVAHS Board meeting in January 2024 and I was asked to leave the room. I was like, ‘Holy smokes, what did I do now?’
“I came back in, and there was a proposal for me to step into the interim CEO role. I think I went pale because I didn't think it was real… I think it was fear!”
Since her appointment as the CEO, Mary has had a lot to learn, though she has hit the ground running.
Photo Supplied by OVAHS
“Before this I ran my own family business, a yard maintenance business, from home,” she says.
“We initially had to create a business to be tailored around our lifestyle because my partner and I have a seven-year-old daughter, and a four-year-old daughter as well. So coming from running your own business to stepping into interim CEO was a big jump!”
“I started my interim-ship in February of this year, and the OVAHS Board decided to go back to recruitment in June of this year… so I put my hat in the ring for the position and then I ended up landing the job. Yeah, so I've now gotten permanency!”
Mary says that although not a lot of her day to day role has changed since becoming the permanent CEO, she is relishing the sense of stability and the opportunity to set some of her big plans in motion.
“OVAHS has been around for 40 years and I want OVAHS to thrive,” says Mary when asked about her motivation to be involved. “I felt like there was a missing piece and I needed to contribute to try and help OVAHS.
“I thought, being a Kununurra girl and from community, that I could be that missing link.”
So why is OVAHS important to the community?
“You just have to go for a walk down the White Gum Park and you'll know why OVAHS is important,” says Mary emphatically, before elaborating –
“But I guess, you know, the abuse of alcoholism; the rates of children with FASD today, which is Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder; the violence that has become somewhat normalised in Aboriginal families or in community; the increasing drug use; even the abuse in the sexual health space; there’s just a combination of issues, and, you know, health is at the core, right?
“I think what makes OVAHS really important is firstly our primary health care; if you have a head cold, we're there to assist you; if you have chronic illnesses, we're there to assist you; Or if it's a rheumatic heart – that's all within the primary health care space.
“Then we have the other wraparound services that make up our health promotion: where we're tackling indigenous smoking, and that's your FASD, and it's your elder care support. It's the ‘A Better Life’ program, so we’re helping people go to rehab. And then we also have NDIS support. We have SEWB, which is
social and emotional wellbeing. And we have the allied health space. So I think OVAHS is so important because of the holistic services that we deliver in the community –
“And, if you're not mentally strong, how do you expect to function just in general?”
Mary is obviously passionate about the unique position held by OVAHS, given its model of care.
“I think the most beneficial part of OVAHS is our Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services model of care, with our people being at the heart of that, and that determines how we deliver services.
“The model has family, culture, spirituality, language – so that's somebody coming into the service and English is not their first language, then we have to break it down into words that they can understand. It's quite huge in how we deliver our services, and that makes the people of the community more comfortable to come to our service and receive treatment.
“For example, we are now wanting to highlight men's clinics. This year we had a ‘Deadly Dad's Day'. We flew in a barber from Broome and he was able to come and give free haircuts.”
“That was more to invite the community to OVAHS and for the men to feel comfortable with coming to our services… I guess it's a mentality thing, right? Men think that they're robots and they're untouchable and they don't get sick, but in all actual fact, they get sick.
“We are just trying to make a space that's safe and comfortable for everyone to come to. Our delivery of events is going to start changing from here on out and we’re making it more family friendly.”
But that’s not all that’s in store for OVAHS moving forward –“I've been trying to work hard on disguising health and health education so people don't realise they’re being educated,” says Mary.
“I guess, for me, as an Aboriginal woman, I've noticed that Aboriginal people don't take health seriously. Health is not important enough, so I really want to have my community get to a stage where they realise that health is a big issue and it's very important in their day-to-day life. We’re aiming to be more preventative, rather than working at the chronic illness stage.
“There are exciting things in the pipeline for OVAHS and what we are hoping to deliver and achieve,” says Mary, proudly. “So I guess, watch this space!”
The Shire’s Baby Tree Program will celebrate babies born within the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley on or after 1 January 2024 - 31 December 2024. Each year a Boab tree is planted with a plaque including all of the registered babies’ names.
Kicking Up Dust with ' Kununurra s Wild Brumbies
WORDS BY CANDICE LINTON-SMITH
Every Sunday and Thursday, safely tucked away in a cool, air-conditioned room, the Wild Brumby Line Dancers gather to dance in (mostly) coordinated movement and rhythm. They are led by Kununurra’s very own line dancing expert, Debbie Marschall, who carefully curates an eclectic mix of line dance choreo, from traditional country classics (Slim Dusty) to 90s (Shania Twain) and modern pop (Pitbull).
Debbie Marschall has a certified glint in her eyes when she talks about line dance, and her passion is palpable. She mentions being reluctantly dragged to Old Style Dance sessions as a kid, where it was all partnered waltzes, until discovering line dance and never looking back. She’s entered comps all around Australia, and last year she decided to start up her own community group here, inviting anyone, “even those with two left boots”.
If you search Debbie’s name in Youtube, you’ll see her original line dance choreo uploaded and performed globally, by people from Indonesia, USA and South Korea.
She added that there are several benefits to line dance, other than being a form of exercise.
She explained her joy of witnessing the growing confidence in her students, especially with their courage to perform. She also detailed the positive influence dance can have on the brain. Studies show that dance significantly improves mental acuity, and Debbie reinforced that it's just as good for the mind as it is for the spirit.
And don’t worry about getting your knickers in a twist! Deb will kindly call out some of the moves to prompt you as you learn the routine, everything from the Paddle, the K step and the Giddy Up.
The Wild Brumbies have a packed performance calendar, including KNQ Pride, the Ord Valley Muster Party and Teddy Bear’s Picnic. Other than that, they are truly the most authentically friendly group of Kununurra locals and welcome anyone to give it a crack for an afternoon.
One Wild Brumby noted - “I smile more than I dance” - and I promise you it's true.
If you’re looking to participate in some boot-scootin’ boogie, head on down to Neighbourhood House on Thursdays at 5.30pm and Sundays at 4.30pm. Cost $10.
Housesitting Hijinks Tips to Make the Best of Someone s Nest : '
BY RACHELLE EISENTRAGER
Kununurra Dictionary definition of house sitting house-sitting noun, pronounced ‘howss-sit-ing’ a perfect, seamless, mutually beneficial arrangement. Someone goes away, leaving a responsible human(s) to look after their home, animals, pool etc; another party agrees to fulfil said responsibilities and has a place to stay on their own.
According to my Kununurra Dictionary (very legit), house sitting is perfect on paper. Which would be great if that’s how it always transpired. But we all know that for every dream house sitting story, a horror story lurks.
If you’re reading this, it’s safe to assume you’re not a dry season blow in (congratulations!) This means you may be about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime over the Christmas period - no, not the African safari or lap around Australia - finding a house sitter, or in fact, being one. So how does one set the ground rules for a house sitter without sounding like Paranoid Pete? Or as a house sitter, how do you know what’s expected of you stepping into your temporary digs?
There’s no bible for this debacle, but never fear, Kununurra Sun is here! Now, I wouldn’t say I’m a subject matter expert on house or dog sitting, but I will say I’ve done my fair share both in Kununurra and elsewhere. Boy, have I heard some doozies from the other side too. I’ve compiled tips for the obvious, the brownie points and the hilarious.
Let’s start with the obvious (well, one would think):
• Leave your house the way you want it to be when you return and vice versa, leave the house the way it was when you arrived. Simples!
• Do not rearrange the kitchen and linen cupboards, house sitters. Or furniture, I might add. I’m not even giving this point the dignity of elaboration.
• Do not. I repeat, DO NOT abandon your post while house sitting. If you agree to look after another person/family/ couple’s pride and joy, then commit to that post or give the owner a heads up so they can make other plans. No getting blind at Lake Argyle for 2 nights, no New Year’s trip to Darwin, no changing plans to go East for 2 months. You signed up for a thing and you gotta do the thing (!)
• Leave sufficient food and medication for your animals while you’re away. Seriously. It is not a house sitter’s
WORDS
responsibility to stock up on kibble or venture around town looking for your fur baby’s poached chicken livers with no added salt. Especially when pet diets these days are like: ’low fat, no fat, full cream, high calcium, high protein, soy, light skim, Omega 3, high calcium with vitamin D & fluoride or extra dollop?’
For brownie points:
• The best dog sitters provide proof of life pictures on a regular basis. Let’s remember these gorgeous furballs are as precious as a firstborn.
• Provide a list of instructions for your house sitter. Think of it as a download from your brain. ie. what and when each animal is fed/medicated, things the animal/s might do (is the dog an escape artist that likes to visit his girlfriend down the street?) how often to water the plants, what to do if the retic cuts out, who to call if the power is cut, where to find a spare x, y, z. It saves you being bothered with ‘sorry to bother you…’ messages and is reassuring for a house sitter to be fully informed from the get go.
• Leave a cooked meal (and dessert!) in the fridge for the owner’s first night back home. No one feels like grocery shopping or cooking after trekking across the country. (But also - come onnnn, show offs!)
• The best people to house sit for provide unlimited eggs and mangoes (you know who you are - thank you!)
For the giggles:
• House sitters, do not pinch the bloody Tupperware or kitchenware. Yeah, ‘they always go missing’ and NOW WE KNOW WHY, Tupperware thieves! Yes, the wine glasses might be reallll noiceeeee, and okay the serving plate might be cute, but it ain’t yours lady. Admire while you’re at the house and then put it back where it belongs. Channel your childhood ‘put your toys away’ lecture from mum on this one.
• Home owners, put ya knickers away. Yes it’s your home and you can do what you want but someone - maybe a stranger, maybe someone you know - is coming into your home and they really don’t need to see it.
Anyway, there you have it: ground rules to nail your house sitting gig, or have someone look after your place. Writing this article has made me want to do a call out for anonymous house sitting lols and horror stories, but we’ll save that one for a future edition… In the meantime, good luck!
Town Centre Glow Up
Kununurra is laying the groundwork for an exciting transformation, starting with the creation of a strategic plan to guide the revitalisation of the town centre.
The newly formed Kununurra Collaboration Group—featuring the Shire, MG Corporation, East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Kimberley Development Commission (KDC)—is working together to craft a longterm vision that will enhance public spaces, infrastructure, and overall liveability.
With $327,500 in State Government funding and an additional $50,000 from the Shire, this
Kimberley Regional Group launchedProspectus
The Kimberley Regional Group has launched it’s 2024 KRG Investment Prospectus Enhancing the Rich Diversity & Liveability of the Kimberley.
The 2024 Investment Prospectus contains a range of enabling infrastructure projects developed by the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley, Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley, Shire of Broome and Shire of Halls Creek to deliver sustainable longterm growth and prosperity.
It is a great example of the collective work of the Kimberley Shires driving our vision to maintain and enhance the rich diversity and liveability of the Kimberley for its people and the world.
Our Shire looks forward to partnering with the KRG, State and Federal government, business, industry, and the non-government sector, to drive these initiatives. To download a copy of the KRG Investment Prospectus and Policy Positions please visit the Kimberley Regional Group website https://kimberleyrg.com.au/
strategic document is the first step toward securing future funding for Kununurra’s glow-up.
Community input will be key in shaping this vision, and locals will have plenty of opportunities to get involved through consultations in the coming months. The Shire will provide updates throughout the process, so stay tuned for how you can help influence Kununurra’s future.
Ready to dive in? Email the Shire at mail@swek. wa.gov.au and be part of the conversation!
Historic Wyndham Port Precinct receives Funding
The Minister for Ports, the Hon. David Michael, has announced a $250,000 funding commitment to support the revitalisation of the historic Wyndham Port precinct. This grant will go towards developing a new concept plan and business case for the area, unlocking potential tourism opportunities, creating jobs, and enhancing the quality of life for the local community.
The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley will work with the Kimberley Development Commission, Balanggarra Traditional Owners and local businesses and services to agree on a final concept plan for revitalisation.
Kununurra Leisure Centre
16 December 2024 to 26 January 2025, the following facilities will operate on reduced hours:
• Leisure Centre (Hall, Squash, Gym) 9am - 5pm
• Splash Park - 9am - 5pm
• Splash Park Slides: TBC
• Gym: Staffed 9am - 5pm, after hours access still operate as normal.
Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day (Gym after-hours access as normal).
SWEK Facilities Holiday Season Hours
Shire Administration Building
Kununurra & Wyndham Office
Close - 4pm, Friday 20 December 2024
Open - 8am, Monday 06 January 2025
Kununurra School & Community Library
School Holiday opening hours from Mon 16 Dec 31 2024 - Fri 31 Jan 2025. Normal hours resume Mon 3 Feb 2025
Close: 1pm, Tuesday 24 Dec 2024
Open: 10am, Tuesday 7 Jan 2025
Wyndham & Kununurra Landfill
Closed on the following dates:
25 December 2024
27 December 2024
01 January 2025
All other dates are normal operational hours.
Celebrate Seniors Week with Us!
Join us for a fun-filled Seniors Week Luncheon on Wednesday, 13 November at Ord River Sports Club Inc from 11am – 1pm. Enjoy a FREE lunch, along with classic games like bingo and card games. There's even a door prize up for grabs for one lucky winner!
Need a lift? Free transport is available—just call 08 9168 4100 and ask for Brooke to arrange your ride.
We can’t wait to see you there!
DJ TashNat
KIMBERLEY CREATIVE
Meet DJ Tashnat, a talented art teacher by day who transforms into a powerhouse DJ by night. With creativity fueling both her classroom and the dance floor, she brings passion and energy to everything she does.
TASH, TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO KUNUNURRA AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED HERE?
Like many new 6743 residents, my story started with, 'I was only supposed to come for a few days, weeks, maybe months…' I came up for a three-week teaching stint at St. Joseph's, romanticsing my ‘all Aussie adventure’ moment. When I asked my friend what she knew about Kununurra, she hit me with the full Tourism WA spiel and went on about the Bungle Bungles. I was like, ‘What’s a Bungle Bungle?"
I landed right in the middle of a huge rain spell. I was sidestepping cane toads, perpetually drenched and staring at bare shelves in Coles. That was the first time I heard about ‘wet season’... I was that city slicker (shame). It wasn’t sunshine, hikes, and Bungle Bungles. But then I had an incredible day with the kids at school, and my energy shifted. (Not that I didn’t also panic-call my friend from home, who connected me with Aimee. Sometimes, all you need is one new friend who just gets it.)
The work really sold me. Being part of the education space here feels so special and important. You’re surrounded by such passionate, quality people—it’s infectious. I’ve grown so much as an educator and knew I wasn’t ready to leave. The community here is incredible, and the people are so cool.
I’ve made amazing friendships and seen insanely beautiful parts of Australia. I love starting my morning with a coffee and a scroll through the Facebook noticeboard (my morning paper). Then I joined the Ord River Magpies and fell in love with country footy. Those girls at the club are the best—I’ve also probably lost a few years off my life with them, but Flagpies next year, ladies?
Being a ‘country gal’ wasn’t on my bingo card but I'm kinda here for it. Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to land the art teacher position at East Kimberley College in Term 3, and I’m hoping to give back as much as possible.
SO YOU’RE AN ART TEACHER BY DAY, AND A DJ BY NIGHT? TELL US HOW THIS CAME ALL ABOUT?
DJing started as this idea to pick up a new hobby, something I’d been thinking about for a while. I entered a comp called Your Shot in 2022, which is a 'beginner-to-stage' style of comp, and ended up leaving that experience with a new set of DJ decks. I thought, ‘Well, I better give this a good crack then!’ Which was easy, because I was hooked. I kept it fun, made sure I was enjoying myself, and then slowly, I started getting small bookings. Things just rolled on from there. I’d bring the same energy whether it was 10 people or 100. It was all so exciting to me.
Don’t get me wrong DJing requires you to go through MANY cringey moments, and getting gigs isn’t easy. There’s a hustle to it, putting
yourself out there, which can be pretty uncomfortable. And honestly, everyone’s a DJ now, so you really have to show what makes you different. But I don’t mind the dirty work, because the feeling when I’m on the decks is unmatched. I love it so much.
WHAT’S YOUR PRE-SET RITUAL BEFORE HITTING THE DECKS?
Honestly, I wish I could say it’s something epic, but really, it’s just me going full introvert mode. I lock myself away so that I can bring my full, max energy to the set.
IF YOU COULD TEACH ANY ARTIST, LIVING OR DEAD, HOW TO DJ, WHO WOULD IT BE, AND WHY?
OMG, do not make me laugh this hard, because, let’s be so for real, I would probably be need to pay THEM so much money to even say ‘hello’/ breathe the same air as them. However, excited to entertain this. Instinctively, I say Missy Elliott. Mainly because all her tracks are such crowd favorites, and she’s got that kind dfwm energy and has her all adidas look already locked in. She’d have to open her debut set with Lose Control. I’ll be sure to let her know to sign up for the beginner DJ classes at Neighbourhood House next year.
IF YOU COULD CREATE A PIECE OF ART THAT VISUALLY REPRESENTS YOUR FAVOURITE MUSIC, WHAT WOULD IT LOOK LIKE?
My DJ style and personality are a lot like Jisbar’s pop-street art— fresh, chaotic, and full of energy. He takes classic masterpieces and reimagines them with his unique vibe, layering so much into each piece that every time you look, you see something new. I’m the same way with my music. House is my foundation, but my Macedonian roots pull me toward global beats like baile funk and UK garage. When it’s time to get nostalgic, I’m throwing in hip
hop and RnB, always looking for those heavy hitters and unique edits.
Celebrations in my culture are big, loud, and centred on food, drinks, and music. For any reason—a christening, you name it—it’s a full production, with a live band, DJ, food everywhere, and drinks flowing. It’s chaotic and buzzing, just like the energy in Jisbar’s art, and that’s how I’d describe my DJ persona… and probably myself, too.
Fun fact: Did you know Jisbar’s ‘Punk Mona’ was the first painting sent into space?
WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO TRACK TO LIFT THE MOOD IN BOTH THE CLASSROOM AND THE CLUB?
I feel like every teacher knows ‘Waka Waka (This time for Africa)’ by Shakira is a classroom banger. It gets the kids pumped until you have to reel them in because they start doing the human bicycle move from that Just Dance video.
As for the club, Satisfaction - Benny Benassi is an iconic piece of dance music history. The defibrillator for any dance floor.
WHAT’S THE SOUNDTRACK OF YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW— WHAT SONGS WOULD BE ON IT?
Making playlists is my love language, here, I made this for you
A Very Revive Christmas
WORDS BY RACHELLE EISENTRAGER
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Yes, Christmas! Love it or loathe it, the season is upon us and the team at Revive are gearing up for Silly Season. If you’re a bit like me, secondhand goodies aren’t the first thing that comes to mind when shopping for Christmas, but we’re here to change (or at least challenge) your mind on that.
Okay, but why would I buy second hand?
• Eco-friendly decorations and gifts, so you can reduce waste and shop sustainably.
• Affordable prices for quality items to suit the budget.
• Unique finds that are rare, quirky and you won't find anywhere else.
Soooo, I’m listening. Can you give me some inspo?
• Christmas decorations! Duh! Have you got any idea how many people donate a brand-new tree, decorations,
themed dinnerware, unopened wrapping paper or even a mini-Rudolph statue? Thank you, leavererers (yes it’s a word now) of town.
• Secret Santa gifts. Or better yet, Dirty Santa - where the luck of the draw dictates who gets a chance of stealing someone else's gift. Nobody needs to spend $50 on the random (but fun) gift that will be passed around at the team Christmas party and end up taking pride of place on their colleagues’ son’s friend’s bookshelf. (I’m looking at you, nerf guns.) Revive has got you sorted.
• A hobby item for the ‘I have a new hobby’ enthusiast. We all know one. Revive has one of everything for everyone. Camping, fishing, cooking, puzzles and heaps more.
• Books! Did we mention Revive has a library? No, not the borrow and return sort. That’s for our friends at the actual library! TLDR: a space dedicated to all the books donated to the store: from books for cooking and kids,
to fiction, non-fiction, self-help, education and everything in between. There’s a book for everyone. And the best bit? Every single book is $1.
Alright, anything else to entice us?
• Oh yes, Revive has a Christmas promo in the works. Feast your eyes on this.
• Raffles: Purchase a ticket for your chance to win gift vouchers, upcycled furniture and Christmas hampers.
• Discounts: Each day there will be offers on categories like clothing, homewares, and camping gear. A good one for last-minute gifts and stocking stuffers!
• Grand Prize: Sounds dramatic, and it is. On Revive’s last day of trading, the Grand Prize will be drawn. One lucky
winner will receive a Christmas Hamper just in time to celebrate and eat it all.
• Follow the @revivec4c Facebook Page to find out all the details.
Make no-ho-ho mistake about it, Revive is ready to make your Christmas extra Merry this year.
Pull up your sleigh at 5 Konkerberry Drive, Kununurra, to grab your Christmas cheer.
Open: Wednesday - Friday 8am - 3pm Saturday 8am - 12noon
Adopting a Dog In Kununurra Groundbreaking ? ?
WORDS BY JESSICA BAKER
A dog was never part of The Plan; I always imagined myself owning cats. “Live here long enough and you’ll get a dog,” I was told when I first moved to Kununurra. “... and a boat.” Growing up, the houses I lived in were zoos - revolving doors of pets, from cats and dogs to ducks, geese, chickens, guinea pigs, hermit crabs, and fish. (Geckos, too, for a solid year after I was inexplicably given a lizard-catching device one Christmas in the mid-2000s.)
My parents bought a Cavoodle when my youngest sister was one year old. His spritely years passed by quickly and his decrepit years stretched on forever. By the time I left home, he was crusty-eyed, balding, blind, and deaf. He died of old age during the pandemic. My parents then adopted an overweight German Shepherd cross dingo (?) and a black and brown Dachshund named Peanut, who proceeded to tear my parents’ home to shreds.
Peanut had free rein of a yard but always preferred to do his business inside, on rugs and in dimly-lit corners. He ripped corners off pillows, chewed shoes and chairs, and vomited then ate his own puke. My parents were and are obsessed with him. My dad went so far as to build a raised bed beside his desk so the dog can be close to him while he works. Honestly, it baffled me how my parents could be besotted with something so destructive and needy.
My boyfriend Jack saw Daisy before I did. Someone had shared a picture of her to a Kununurra community Facebook page, along with a message explaining that she needed a new home. “I’ve found our dog,” he said, mostly joking. I was driving and Jack was sitting in the passenger seat. I craned my neck and caught a glimpse of her. She was spotty with massive Dumbo ears. Probably part-Blue Heeler. Certainly cute. Adopting had been on my mind, in a casual kind of
way. We had just stayed for five weeks with a generous local who owns three dogs - including a Blue Heeler cross with the sweetest temperament of any animal I ever met - before we moved into our new home. The idea had festered as I met more dogs, and more dog owners, and thought about how much I might like to have my own.
Things moved quickly.
It was a Friday when Jack and I asked our housemates how they felt about us potentially adopting a dog. On Saturday, we met Daisy … and she moved in. On Sunday, Jack worked and I solo-parented. I sobbed when he got home. I hadn’t realised it would be so hard, I told him, managing Daisy and her damage. Not to mention - we were responsible for a life. I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders.
I read Reddit suggestions, blog posts, and watched online videos about raising and training puppies. The trajectory of our days became fully dependent on Daisy’s behaviour - what she had discovered, how much she had destroyed, whether she had dug a hole under a fence, and - if she had - how far she had run away.
I write this piece now several months into being a dog parent, with more grey hairs than I had pre-Daisy - but also as someone who is (I think) more tolerant, forgiving, present, and grateful. Kununurra may just have made me a dog person.
It must be time to get a boat.
Majarlin Kununurra Recognition and Awards Night
On Wednesday, September 11th, the Majarlin Kimberley Centre for Remote Health hosted its annual Kununurra Recognition and Awards Night. This event honours local health care professionals and partner organisations that have supported and mentored students during their Allied Health, Nursing, and Midwifery placements throughout the East Kimberley.
Health professionals and partner organisations from across the region gathered at Phoenix Plaza for a private ceremony, beautifully catered by Blak Tapas and featuring live music by Levi McGrath to keep everyone entertained.
Finalists for the awards are nominated by students who recognize the invaluable contributions of their placement supervisors and organisations. It was lovely to hear testimonials from students describing their experiences in the region as “game-changing both professionally and personally,” with many noting the vital importance of working in remote areas and the significant impact dedicated health professionals can have.
This night serves as a heartfelt thank you to the robust support network that Majarlin has in the East Kimberley. We are truly grateful for the exceptional support that clinical staff provide to students throughout the year.
2024 AWARD RECIPIENTS:
Clinical Supervisor Excellence Award
This award category recognises an Allied Health Professional, Nurse or Midwife who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to student supervision. They go above and beyond, providing exceptional student support which profoundly impacts the students’ learning experiences and professional development.
• Nursing and Midwifery | Awarded to: Hanneke Schoe
• Allied Health | Awarded to: Eve Stowers |Awarded to: Gareth and Diane Gearon
Community Partnerships Award
This award category recognises the invaluable support of local organisations in facilitating student placements. Our community partners invest significant time and expertise into co-designing and delivering community-based projects, as well as co-facilitating student supervision and mentoring.
• Community Partnership - Individual |Awarded to: QuincyRae Gore Birch
• Community Partnership – Organisation or Program | Awarded to: Ngnowar Aerwah Aboriginal Corporation
Naomi Lorkin
Illustration Services and Prints
Ross Lake's story is one of resilience, adaptability, and a strong commitment to his future. His journey reflects the perseverance required to navigate the challenges of starting fresh in a new town and finding a career that aligns with his aspirations.
Ross moved to Wyndham from Halls Creek a year ago. Ross’ move to Wyndham was an opportunity to explore new prospects.
Ross has been supported by NDIS, which has greatly helped him in his everyday life. He has also been able to visit Wayfinder in Kununurra for respite and overnight stays, giving him the opportunity to do his shopping and take some personal time. Wayfinder also helps with his employment through the Building Accessible Workspaces program, gaining a first aid certificate, and his new job in Wyndham with Job Pathways.
Ross has been busy since starting with Job Pathways in Wyndham, doing everything from gardening and maintenance, to building furniture at the site – his latest project being a coffee table.
The coffee table wasn’t just any project—it was a reflection of Ross’s hard work, attention to detail, and growing confidence in his abilities. The table was sturdy, well-crafted, and beautifully finished. Ross put a lot of care into the design, carefully measuring each piece and ensuring the joints were
perfectly aligned. He sanded and polished the wood until it gleamed, giving the table a smooth, professional look. When the table was complete, Ross couldn’t hide his pride. He shared pictures of his work, beaming with satisfaction at the finished product. It was more than just a piece of furniture; it was a symbol of Ross’ journey. The coffee table represented his ability to take on challenges, develop new skills, and create something lasting. It was proof of how far he had come since moving to Wyndham, and it fueled his desire to keep improving, not only in his craftsmanship but also in his personal growth.
In writing this story, Ross said, “I also assisted with painting the Wyndham historical society… I greatly appreciate the time and assistance given to me by Rodney Fischer who is an excellent mentor, boss and employer. Thank you, Rodney!”
Q. What’s one thing you would like to share with people with a disability?
A. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and ask for help and assistance.
DROP IN AND SAY HELLO
Address: 167 Coolibah Drive, Kununurra WA 6743
Mobile: 0467 900 242
Email: NDIS@jobpathways.org.au Web: www.jobpathways.org.au
Humans of Kununurra
BY THE EAST KIMBERLEY COLLEGE ENRICHMENT CLASS
Humans of Kununurra is a project we have been working on this term, where we interview interesting people from our Kununurra community. We were inspired by Brandon Stanton who developed a large following through social media when he started collecting street portraits and interviews from Humans of New York. As a class, we wanted to know more about the people that we have in our community.
Theo Campbell Cane Toad Strategy Project Officer (DBCA)
WHAT MADE YOU INTERESTED IN WORKING WITH CANE TOADS?
My background is more of the marine side and working with marine animals but there are quite limited job opportunities in marine space in terms of where you can work around the state or country. So, I was quite interested in working in terrestrial spaces with land animals and because toads live in the water a lot there is quite a lot of overlap between toads and some of the skills I have from working with marine animals. I was also really interested in living in Kimberley, lastly toads have a substantial impact so it is an area where you can do a lot of positive things toward trying to reduce the impact they have on our wildlife. It is an interesting field that also has the chance to do something good.
WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD LIKE GROWING UP?
I grew up in South Fremantle, it is quite different to how I remember it back when I was young. It was a pretty ghetto place back then, now there’s coffee shops on every corner
DID YOU ALWAYS SEE YOURSELF WORKING WITH CANE TOADS/ MARINE ANIMALS?
No, when I was in high school I was quite good at maths naturally so I wanted to make lots of money so I’d always be like ‘l’ll just go be an engineer and get rich.” but thankfully I took two years off from school before going into university and during that time I grew up quite a lot, started working and realised money isn’t everything and I wanted to go into a job that was more of my passion than just one that makes me heaps of money.
We organised a list of questions that we thought would best capture each guest speaker’s story and feel comfortable enough to share with us. The stories we heard were not only interesting but inspiring to learn a lot about the community we love and live in.
We are happy to be sharing their stories with you.
WHAT DO YOU THINK WAS ONE OF THE HARDEST CHALLENGES IN OR OUT OF WORK?
One of my hardest challenges would be when I was in year 12, I wasn’t a naughty kid, but I felt like I was already an adult at this stage and felt like the teachers were treating me as a 10 year old so I’d always stand up for myself but I’d try to do it respectfully. I then got suspended for a week so I dropped out and started to carpentry apprenticeship and I did two weeks of that. I was incredibly lucky to have one teacher, she was my maths teacher who acknowledged that I didn’t quite fit the mould of the other kids at school, she would give me a bit of leeway as long as I gave her some respect so she’d bend the rules to accommodate me as long as I get the work done. She then called me up and convinced me into going back to school.
That was a pretty challenging time because school is like everything you’ve known until that period and all of a sudden you’re not there and for all of that to happen so sudden was quite challenging and all the impacts of how that affects your future. I’m really happy she did that around 6 years later when I graduated university I invited her to my graduation ceremony and she came which was really nice because I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for her.
WHAT IS THE CANE TOADS IMPACT ON OTHER THINGS OTHER THAN ANIMALS?
Well, their main impact is on predators who eat them and then die. They eat so many bugs and beetles and lots of our native animals also use bugs and beetles as their big food item. So they out-compete our native animals as well.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
I reckon my biggest fear is that I don’t want to get old and look back and say that ‘he did not do any good or explore places’. And to look back and say ‘he had a boring life’. I’m afraid of not making the most of the opportunities life presents me.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
When I think back to when I stopped playing sports, it was a big part of my life. I went down a bit of a bad track. I should have gone outside, and it took me quite a few years to be confident in myself. Do not worry about what your friends are going to say, if you want to go ahead and do it, just do it. None of my friends wanted to do what I wanted to do, so if I just trusted what I wanted to do and did it, I would have become who I am today sooner.
Class of EAST
2024
KIMBERLEY COLLEGE
As the Year 12 graduates of East Kimberley College in Kununurra prepare to step into the next chapter of their lives, they kindly shared with us memories of their primary school days, filled with laughter, learning, and memorable experiences. Here’s a look back at some of their cherished memories, favourite teachers, and aspirations for the future.
WHO WAS YOUR FAVOURITE TEACHER FROM PRIMARY SCHOOL AND WHY?
Brytiah - Miss Leah Allen because she was the sports teacher and I love sports and she was always there to support me
Jade - Miss Bosh because she was kind, warm and easy to talk to
Chais - Miss Cassie. Year 6. I only had two teachers and I didn’t like the other one.
Lorenzo - My Year 6 teacher Ms Corley
Bethany - Miss Hannah. She was my teacher in Year 4 and was the loveliest and still is
WHAT WAS A FUNNY MOMENT YOU CAN REMEMBER FROM YOUR SCHOOLING?
Brytiah - I fell off the flying fox and almost breaking my arm
Jade - When a teacher bent down and ripped the seam in her pants
Chais - PEAC, Year 5. We were making musical instruments through coding and someone played guitar for a piano.
Bethany - When I had an argument with my best friend over how to pronounce the word ‘island’. I was certain it was pronounced ‘is-land’
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE SCHOOL EVENT AND WHY?
Brytiah - School camp
Jade - Year 6 camp because we got to go on a fun trip with friends
Chais - Year 6 School camp, was so much fun at Batchelor
Lorenzo - Sports carnival because I was fast
Bethany - Cross country, I loved long distance running
WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
Brytiah - A sports teacher
Jade - I wanted to be a chef or cook but not anymore
Chais - Vet. I wanted to help the animals
Lorenzo - I wanted to be a soccer player
Bethany - I wanted to be a school teacher or physiotherapist
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORY OVERALL FROM YOUR SCHOOL YEARS?
Jade - Art classes in Year 12 talking with Miss Vidler and painting the Leavers pole
Chais - Getting to meet people, making friends, memories and enjoying my youth
Lorenzo - Hanging out with all my friends during Year 9, especially during Kimberley Cup
Bethany - Follow the Dream in Broome - it really helped my character
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE SUBJECT AND WHY?
Brytiah - Sports because I love sports also maths because I’m good at it and can understand problems
Jade - Art because I always seem to like the art teachers and it’s
fun, creative and independent work that helps me express myself
Chais - Math. I love it so much, it's so easy compared to other subjects
Bethany - Health studies or human bio
WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WISH COULD SEE CHANGED IN KUNUNURRA?
Brytiah - More young kids coming to school
Jade - The amount of rubbish around town
Chais - Crime rates, especially in youth. There needs to be more pro-social programs that keeps kids of the streets and more safe spaces for sleeping at night
Bethany - Attitude problems
HOW IMPORTANT DO YOU THINK EDUCATION IS TO EMPOWER THAT CHANGE?
B rytiah - Very important because we are the change - if we know what to do, we can make change
Chais - Extremely, the risk, danger and consequences but also available help needs to be taught more.
Lorenzo - It’s important to establish social connections through school because it can help you get people together to ask for change
Bethany - I personally think it's very important as it sets values,
beliefs and a higher knowledge of understanding. WHAT ARE YOUR ASPIRATIONS FOR THE FUTURE?
Brytiah - I’m not sure just yet Jade - Find a job and make money
Chais - To help people. I want to continue firefighting and turn it into a career
Lorenzo - Get a good job, wife and kids
Bethany - Getting my Bachelor of Nursing and becoming a Registered Nurse.
Senior school coordinator Kellie Jackson shared some parting words for the class of 2024.
‘Hold on to this child within. The sense of fun, play, and adventure that you’ve rekindled over these past weeks—keep that spirit alive. Don’t be afraid to try new things, to take risks, to push the boundaries of your comfort zone. Stay curious and let your creativity and sense of wonder guide you.’
Congrats to the class of 2024, we’re excited to see you prosper and grow!
Touchdown with Tomiets
SPORTS STORIES BY TOMIETS KABILU
Kalyn Fetcher -
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN THE CLUB AND WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME INVOLVED?
I’ve been involved in the club for six or seven years now. My husband Matt comes from Queensland, and obviously rugby league is massive over there, so Matt loves rugby and I really love playing sports. I decide to join the club because of my love of sport and I’ve been involved in tennis and soccer before, so it was natural to get involved in the club when my kids wanted to play.
CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT HOW THE CLUB HAS GROWN THROUGH THE YEARS?
When I first got there the club had two groups and around 20 kids. It was a real small thing and not many people were involved. Now it's grown to have four groups and about 80 kids and it’s been so great to see it increase in popularity in the town and see more and more people hop on board. It’s also been amazing that we’ve got to send kids to Perth, Broome and Katherine and it really shows how much the club has grown.
WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE FOR PLAYERS TO COMPETE IN RUGBY IN THE EAST KIMBERLEY?
Though we don’t get a lot of games I feel like it’s good quality what the kids get. Obviously rugby league plays second fiddle compared to AFL and soccer, it’s a less known sport in the East Kimberley but I feel like sometimes on the flip side the people who are involved are very passionate about it which means a lot of effort is put in to try and get opportunities. The fact we’ve been to Broome and Katherine and sent kids to Perth is really great and hopefully that will just grow in the future.
The Kimberley Junior Rugby League club (KRL) is a popular and growing local sporting club, where kids from of a variety of ages come together to play and enjoy the game of rugby league. The club is split into four age groups from high school to under sevens, and the season runs during terms 1 and 4 of school.
It provides kids with opportunities to train and compete, progressing their skills and having fun at the same time. All skill levels are welcome, and it is a truly great and healthy sports club to be a part of. In this article we find out a bit more about the club from important club members Kerry York and Kalyn Fletcher.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR HIGHLIGHT OF THIS YEAR’S KRL SEASON SO FAR?
My highlight of this year’s season was definitely our trip to Katherine. Not only to see our first win, but to see the progression in all the kids, the growth in the club, the growth in the kids abilities, and their enjoyment in the game. You could really see it when our teams scored tries, we were competitive against the other teams, and it was really nice to see the joy it brought to the kids and to see the positive progress. I really enjoyed it!
WHO
ARE SOME OTHER PEOPLE WHO DO A LOT FOR THE CLUB?
Kerry York has got to be the first to be mentioned, he sort of started the club. When you asked why did I get involved in the club, it’s for fairly selfish motives because my kids wanted to do it, whereas when you see adults in the community that give up their time when their kids aren’t necessarily there, to me that’s the true essence of volunteering and sacrifice.
Kerry runs his own business but he still gets there on time and I think a lot of people in our community would underestimate the value of volunteers that aren’t doing it for their own selfinterest. If my kids weren’t there would I still be there? maybe not? whereas people who volunteer just to give back to the community, I think that is very special. This year we’ve also got other fellas like Rhodes Boyce, he doesn’t have kids but loves rugby and Isaac who’s coaching the little guys, his kids aren’t even old enough to play yet. It just shows that somewhere in their lives they probably enjoyed sport and want to pass that joy on and I think that’s a real credit to them.
Kerry York
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE IN THE CLUB?
I am president of the club and I also coach one of the kids groups on Thursday.
WHAT DID THE CLUB LOOK LIKE WHEN IT FIRST STARTED?
There was originally no club in Kununurra, another guy Graeme and myself both started up Kimberley Junior Rugby League because we both had a passion for rugby league and thought it would be a good thing to start. We probably had about 15 to 20 kids at the most, maybe 15 kids when we first started for the first season and it has just grown from there. I believe we started around 2016.
WAS THERE EVER AN ADULTS COMP IN KUNUNURRA?
Yeah that’s why we started Kimberley Junior rugby league. There was a Kimberley Rugby League Club and that was an adults competition that ran for quite a few years in Kununurra. It was a very competitive sport and went for quite a few years in Kununurra, and they represented Kununurra playing in other States. Unfortunately, that comp is no longer running so the Kimberley Junior Rugby League inherited the Kimberley Rugby League name and we carried on the junior rugby league and tried to get the adults going again, but that didn’t happen as there just wasn’t enough interest in town after that.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT BEING INVOLVED IN THE CLUB?
The thing I most enjoy is being able to teach the kids rugby league because I grew up playing rugby league in Katherine
for most of my teenage years, and I just wanted to bring another sport that I enjoyed into the town and give the kids another opportunity. I really enjoy seeing the kids learn rugby league and seeing them have so much fun playing it.
WHO WOULD YOU SAY DOES A LOT FOR THE CLUB?
There’s a couple of us. When we first started, Graeme and I did a lot. Now Kalyn and Matt Fletcher and Anette Gardener have done amazing things for the club and not to mention a lot of the other members over the years.
DO YOU THINK MORE PEOPLE SHOULD TRY OUT RUGBY LEAGUE AND IF SO, WHY?
I believe a lot more people should try out rugby league because it’s a very good sport. It’s a very healthy sport and I believe the kids have a lot of fun doing it, provided they’re coached the right way and play the game safely. Coaching is really important in rugby league so you don’t get injured. Some of the under 14s now I was teaching when they first started to learn rugby league a few years ago. It’s the best thing to get to see them play competitive games in other towns and I’m pretty proud of that.
The last three years the kids played in Broome and Katherine. Last year we struggled to be competitive and now this year the kids were much more competitive. I believe they’ve grown stronger in their skills, and in playing the game, and this comes from the way we’re coaching them.
Between the Lines
EDDIE
WINSTON IS LOOKING FOR LOVE BY
MARIANNE CRONIN
REVIEWED BY EMMA DAY, KUNUNURRA SCHOOL & COMMUNITY LIBRARY
One of my favourite books in the Library is “The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot” by Marianne Cronin, so I was interested to see if her second novel “Eddie Winston is Looking for Love” could also make it onto my favourite book list. The central character is, (unsurprisingly) Eddie Winston. Eddie is ninety years old, he has lived and loved, but has never been kissed. He lives on his own with his only company a pet guinea pig called Pushkin (who by the end of the book has a love interest of his own). We meet Eddie at the charity shop where he spends his days volunteering and where he spends his days sorting through the donations of the living and the dead, preserving letters and tokens of love along the way.
It is here that he meets Bella, a troubled young woman who has just lost the love of her life. She’s an Oxford graduate who had been destined for great things but has instead ended up working in a local supermarket suspended in time
by her grief. The two strike up a beautiful friendship during shared lunchbreaks in the park and when Bella learns that Eddie is yet to have his first kiss, she resolves to help him finally find love, sparking an adventure that will take them to unexpected places and, they hope, bring Eddie to the moment he has waited for all his life. The story jumps back and forward from the past to Eddie’s story and the woman he loved but could not have and to the present with Bella’s story of healing and moving forward with her life aided by Eddie and ham and cheese guy.
As Bella helps Eddie, and Eddie helps, well, everyone, a soulstirring story of friendship and kindness unfolds and we see that it is never too late to try again.My conclusion, is that yes, it is an absolutely beautiful gentle book, well written, happy and sad with a few twists towards the end. It is definitely up there on my recommended books to read. I loved it.
Xmas Reindeer and Puddings
KUNUNURRA SUN KITCHEN
SERVES: MAKES 16-20 PIECES | PREP TIME: 15 MINS | COOK TIME: 10 MINS It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the Kimberley!
Let the festive baking begin with these scrumptious Rice Bubble Christmas Pudding and Reindeer treats. So super simple to prepare, they are fun Christmas recipes to make with the kids over the school holiday break.
Ready in no time, they also make great last-minute treats for Christmas parties or a cute handmade Christmas gift to share with family and friends.
METHOD
1. Melt butter in a large pot and add marshmallows.
2. Stir until marshmallows are completely melted.
3. Add vanilla essence and stir to combine.
4. Take off heat and add rice cereal.
5. Spoon into a lined 9x13 pan.
6. Refrigerate to harden, then cut into rectangles for reindeer.
7. Melt milk chocolate following the instructions on the package, then use a spoon to drizzle chocolate on corners to create antlers.
8. Use a small dot of chocolate under the candy eyes and m&m nose to attach.Chocolate Pudding Method:
INGREDIENTS
• 6 cups Rice Bubbles/Rice Puffs
• 300g bag marshmallows
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon vanilla essence
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (for puddings only)
• To decorate we used…
• Red smarties or m&ms (mini’s work best for the puddings)
• Milk and White cooking chocolate buttons
• Eyeball candies
• Spearmint leaves lollies
CHOCOLATE PUDDING METHOD
1. Melt butter in a large pot and add marshmallows.
2. Stir until marshmallows are completely melted.
3. Add vanilla essence and cocoa powder, stir to combine.
4. Take off heat and add rice cereal.
5. Leave mix to cool slightly.
6. Use a tablespoon to measure equal amounts of mixture into your palm and roll into a pudding ball.
7. Refrigerator on baking tray to harden.
8. Melt white chocolate following the instructions on the package, then use a spoon to drizzle chocolate on top of puddings.
9. Decorate with mini m&m’s and spearmint leaves.
Tip: Dampen your hands a little before rolling, so the mixture doesn’t stick to your hands.
Art • Giftware • Souvenirs
Photo by Penelope Hopkins. Recipes tried and taste-tested by Penny and Hailie Hopkins. The official verdict… Two Thumbs Up!!"
