Kununurra Sun - Build Up 2022

Kununurra Sun

HELLO

Well, the wild and tumultuous year of 2022 is almost coming to a close. Christmas is just around the corner but with this heat and humidity it seems like it’s going to be more of a crawl to the finish line as opposed to a sprint.

Sorry to talk about the weather, but it has to be done. It’s been bloody hot.

The run from your car into the Coles air-con has never been quicker, gloves for your steering wheels seem to be a must to avoid the scorching hot leather and well, going outside for anything other than putting the bin out on a Monday morning seems to be a no go unless deemed absolutely necessary.

Kate Guymer’s T.A.N.E Training should now come with a severe weather warning disclaimer as HIIT sessions in 90% humidity aren’t fun for anyone. I finished up a session then popped into Wild Mango for a takeaway coffee and got asked if I had just been for a run in the rain. Note to self: Next time just go straight home to the air-con (or an ice bath) before facing the public post workout. Even a dip in Lake Kununurra feels like a warm bath, which is great for keen fisherman, not so much for the general public looking to cool down.

When is this rain coming?!

You may have noticed we decided to skip a few months and instead create a quarterly ‘Build Up’ edition encompassing October, November and December. In this edition our resident writer Eliza surprises and delights us again with her ‘Stayers Guide to Leaving Town’, we get some fishing tips from Brad Pasfield from East Kimberley Charters and we help you out with your Christmas shopping list with our ‘Buy Local Christmas Gift Guide.’

Our cover image is by the talented Dylan Graham & Teegan Lazarus. Read about their stint in the Bungles this season on pages 8-9.

Despite our love for Kununurra, we’re scooting off to catch up with our families (and dodge this scorching weather) for the festive season.

Jess, her boyfriend and their two pups (and the kitchen sink) are making their way to Inverell over in New South Wales, while Rosie is jumping on a plane and heading straight to South Beach in Freo. We’ll both be back in early January to catch the wet season storms, dodge the hordes of cane toads and tackle that never-ending list of waterfall adventures.

As always, we hope you enjoy the read and thank you so much for your continued support!

Enjoy the wild vortex that is the festive season, lose track of the days, eat all the foods and just relaaaaxxxxx. And remember, there is only a short period of time where an espresso martini is acceptable for breakfast - make the most of it! We know we will be.

Merry Christmas and see you in the new year!

PAGES 6-7

A Stayers Guide to Leaving Town

PAGES 16-17

Wet Season Fishing Guide - Brad Pasfield

PAGES 20-21

Kimberley CreativeBen Broady

PAGES 8-9

A Home Among the Bungles

PAGES 18-19

Growing the Potential of Ord Valley Farming

PAGE 22-24

Shop LocalChristmas Gift Guide

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 (unless stated otherwise)

EDITORIAL:

ROSIE DUFFY, JESS BUCHAN, ELIZA PARRY-OKEDEN

GRAPHIC DESIGN:

SEBASTIAN TASI

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.

@ALEXKYDDPHOTO

@OUTHERELOST

@SARAH.SMITH

@WHERE_WEWANDERED

@LAURENJESSSMITH

@NICKANDLIL

Buy Local This Christmas

You know what they say, every time you buy something from a small business, that business owner does a little happy dance.

Support our community and buy local this year! There are so many fabulous businesses in town with a wide range of unique gifts for your friends and family.

We’ve done all the hard work for you and searched high and low for the best Christmas gifts in town.

Check out our Christmas Gift Guide on pages 22 – 24, which includes products from Red Sun Sports and Casual, Kimberley Fine Diamonds, Books by Christen, Landi Bradshaw Photography, The Hoochery Distillery and The Kununurra Rodeo and Campdraft Association.

Don't miss the Christmas Markets at the Leisure Centre on the 18-19th November. We can't wait to check out all the goodies on offer (Christmas shopping for yourself still counts, right?)

Make sure you keep an eye out on our social media channels to find out how you can win one of two $100 Buy Local Gift Cards, thanks to the East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

.

‘It is the hot time now. The country is very hot. ’

MIRIWOONG TO ENGLISH TRANSLATION

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

Leaving Town

WORDS BY ELIZA PARRY-OKEDEN ARTWORK BY SUNNY JIM

The end of another year is hurtling toward us faster than you can say “border control on the first of July”, and what a cracker it’s been.

To call the Year of the Tiger a bit of a slippery dip would be an understatement, and the community has held on to their hats for a wild ride. However, it could also be the most ‘normal’ one we’ve had in a while, which says alot about the total chaos we’ve come to expect.

There was the peak and fall of COVID-19, a wedge of new local businesses and the loss of a few old favourites, flocks of tourists, the meteoric rise and roaring success of Kununurra Sun (humble creatures that we are), and a dash of wining and dining at inaugural events to top it all off. The year has been significant and small, strange and salubrious, all culminating in 2022 being pretty bloody spesh when you look back on it.

There’s also plenty to look forward to – work contracts,

tenancy agreements and ski club memberships are due for renewal, the festive season is upon us and the adventurous get itchy feet as the call for a change of scenery burns a bit hotter.

Many will embark on their annual pilgrimage to the fabled East Coast, while the WAliens duck down to Perth or elsewhere south. The airlines don’t discriminate though, and regardless of your destination, everyone has equal opportunity to a two hour plus delay in the Kununurra departures lounge, or flat-out cancellation for the especially lucky, usually with a connecting flight involved.

Despite all this, our local airlines undoubtedly provide better service and complimentary snacks than those offered by the major airlines, something even the most frequent of flyers can appreciate and will no doubt tell you about.

Others will forgo airlines altogether, and rather take their chances with the road. I don’t envy you (I swear) if you’re road tripping over the summer – you can keep your stunning scenery and delicious roadhouse snacks! Though might I suggest a pool noodle in lieu of wheels if you're heading further east than Katherine.

The true believers will stay for the Wet and languish in the tropical idyll that is Kununurra at half capacity, probably eating prawns and sipping cocktails or some such heaven.

Some may decide that it’s time to move on, and that’s OK too.

“It won’t be me,” I think to myself, smugly, when I hear of another victim of the Kununurra vortex. “Ha! The old here for a couple of months and suddenly it’s ten years later trick – I’ll know when it's time to move on."

I am, for some reason, obsessed with the idea of never leaving or getting ‘stuck’. I’ll leave that one to my therapist I think.

However, on a recent sojourn to Sydney, I realised how good we’ve got it. For many, this is probably not news; though I am, as usual, late to the party. After the initial sparkle and excitement of the big city life wore off and I remembered that shopping for jeans was up there with frogs and feet pics on my list of favourite things, I was desperately looking forward to stepping out of the doors at the Kununurra airport into the balmy 43 degree midday sun.

Whether you’re leaving for a holiday or for good, here’s a quick guide to the outside world:

1. BRING A BOOK

No matter the destination, it’s going to take a while. Even a weekender in Darwin requires a plane or a good sixteen hours on the road. A Kununurra Community Library membership gives you access to AudioBooks from a WA wide database for free!

2. PRACTICE CHOOSING ITEMS FROM A MENU

The luxury of knowing a menu back-to-front is a godsend for those suffering from chronic can't-make-up-my-mind-help (me) and you’ll avoid lots of food and beverage misreads if you prepare now. Being a regular is a treat, and I can never remember which milk substitute I like in my latte when I’m put on the spot!! Honestly, the injustice.

3. STOCKPILE KUNUNURRA SUN MERCH

I shouldn’t even have to say this, but holy hell we have basically done your Christmas shopping for you. While you're at it, send us photos of your favourite family members in the

KNX Sun kit and we can share the love and passive-aggressive lunch energy. Full family gathering vibes. Bonus points if you get your dog into a hat, shirt and shorts combo!

4. PACK A JUMPER

Take this advice with the aforementioned jeans (grr), as they will likely come in handy during summer literally anywhere else in the country. Particularly if Miss El Nina keeps it up with her Hot Girl Summer. Someone simply must, I suppose.

5. RECITE YOUR KUNUNURRA TOURISM SPIEL

Everyone will want to know if it's really, like, that hot in Kununurra, and whether there are crocodiles in all those nice swimming holes you’ve put on Instagram. Some might even ask how you’re enjoying living in Cootamundra, and you’ll have to gently remind them that that’s a town in the back-end of NSW, starting with C mind you, that you’ve never been to in your life, but thanks for trying. This is the perfect time, over a bit of Chrissy ham, to whip out your well-rehearsed spruce of the area. A few good photos of iconic scenery help!

6. CANE TOADS

I have heard that people (scientists I presume, but I could be wrong) will pay for cane toads for research purposes… this is unconfirmed and now that I’ve written it down it seems wholly untrue, but I’m interested for you to try and report back.

7. PACK A TORCH

I’m not sure why, but my Dad insists! In capitals! Phone light doesn’t count apparently… I have made that mistake for you.

When all is said and done, you’ll probably wish you were still in Kununurra stockpiling mangoes for daiquiris and telling strangers at Dog Beach that you reckon there’ll be a good storm this arvo. But enjoy your time away, and I look forward to catching up upon your return.

If your Kununurra days are coming to an end, we wish you all the best on your next adventure and offer a gentle reminder that you can subscribe to Kununurra Sun for five bucks a month.

No doubt we’ll see you again. It seems that the red stuff gets under your skin.

As for moi, it looks like I’ll be sticking around for another year yet, as maybe ‘stuck’ deserves a rebrand. Afterall, I’d choose being stuck in a shout at Hotel Kununurra over sticking denim to my crotch in a Myer change room any day of the week.

A Home Among the Bungles

WORDS BY TEEGAN LAZARUS

PHOTOS BY DYLAN GRAHAM

Have you ever thought, what it would be like to sleep every night under a canopy of millions of stars, and to wake every day to an orchestra of birds as they sing their morning song to the rising sun?

That’s what I experienced working at Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge in the heart of Purnululu National Park. Working remotely throughout the dry season in the Bungles was an experience like no other, set amongst some of the most overwhelmingly breathtaking scenery within Australia.

Being a girl from a small country town on the outskirts of Sydney I had the convenience of quite literally the world in the palm of my hand. Many friends and family thought I was mad when I told them I was going to pack up and move to one of the most remote places in Australia. However, like so many others I have met, I felt a need to trade comfort for adventure and had a thirst to experience life a little unconventionally while discovering how special this country really is.

Sure, living remotely was difficult at first, there was little to no reception or contact with the outside world and most importantly, my family. The landscape of hard, rugged, towering red rocks and spinifex as sharp as needles was

somewhat otherworldly to the soft green paddocks and gumtrees I grew up with. It was hotter than anything I had ever experienced, and I had lost nearly all creature comforts which I had become accustomed to.

Life was stripped back to the basics, a roof over my head, some great food, a bed and good company. After a while I traded the lack of reception for connection. A connection to the land, to the people and to country.

The landscape of Purnululu National Park is far from the ordinary. Who would have thought the soaring rusty coloured rock-faces would be contradicted against the tall green Livistona Palms as they both arched and stretched towards the sky. The contrast of the red, the green, and the bluest of skies was like a perfected painting for all those who visited the park. I remember my first-time walking into the famous Cathedral Gorge. Following the sandy riverbank between the escarpment of bee hive mounds to the mouth of the gorge as it opened up and welcomed us into its

graces. The previously energetic buzzing and chattering of the crowd of tourists became hushed as the presence of the gorge silenced them.

It was undeniable the feeling of significance, history and culture the gorge has. The only sound beside the soft crunching of the sand beneath our feet, which echoed as it bounced off the walls, was the gasps of amazement. After hearing the story of the Australian Children’s Choir performing ‘I Still Call Australia Home,’ for an international Qantas tourism campaign, many people had wanted to sing but none were brave enough as the acoustics within Cathedral were so stunning that only the best of voices could serve justice to its superior sound.

One of the biggest highlights of living and working in the Bungles was the people. I became best friends with Cherylene, a Gija woman and a traditional owner of Purnululu who taught me so much about the land.

On days off Cherylene would greet me with a smile as wide and as bright as the stars of the Milky Way in the desert sky, and we would go for drives throughout the park, where she would point to different rocks and formations telling me stories of her dreaming.

She was often on the hunt for ‘sugar bag’ - a honey that the native bees make and store in the knots of trees, and I was just happy to be there, learning and listening. She became my ‘Bungles mother’ and even adopted me as ‘Nungala ’, a traditional word meaning ‘daughter’.

Cherylene had a remedy for everything, all of which came from the land. If I was feeling sick she showed me where to find bush lemongrass and taught me how to brew up some lemongrass tea, if I was feeling afraid she would speak to her ancestors asking them to protect me on her land, and if I had any body aches or joint pain she would rub her bush medicine on me.

Cherylene welcomed all of the staff to her land with open arms, she blessed us through the traditional smoking ceremony known as a ‘muntha’. The experiences and knowledge Cherylene shared with me are memories which I know I will cherish for years to come.

Although living remotely had its challenges I left Purnululu National Park with a better appreciation for everything I have and the experiences I made. The pace of life moved at the same speed as paint dried, slowly, but as the saying goes, you have the time to stop and smell the roses.

Teegan & Dylan are now travelling around Western Australia in their Trroopy. Follow their travels on Instagram @teeganlazarus and @bubbleodyl

Photo: Jess Buchan

We are proud to be a local Kununurra business operating for the past 10 years.

It has been a challenging few years for many local businesses and families but we have seen the ‘bush resilience and toughness’ not only endure but to shine.

We would love to thank everyone for supporting our business and our fantastic employees that had gone above and beyond this year.

We wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas and we hope you all have a very well deserved break.

We are proud to call this town home. Where friends become family. Katie and Lee Guymer Lee 0428137753

A Night Celebrating Local Business Sucess

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE NOMINEES AND WINNERS OF THE EAST KIMBERLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY AWARDS!

The event was held at the Kimberley Grande on Saturday 29th of October and celebrated the successes of our local business and community organisations over the past twelve months. We all know how turbulent the few years have been on business owners big and small, so it was an excellent opportunity to come together and recognise everyone's achievements. The judges had a very tough job of deliberating over all the finalists in each category before deciding on the below award winners.

INNOVATION AWARD – EK Services

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION AWARD – Kununurra Neighbourhood House

INDIGENOUS EXCELLENCE AWARD – Gooring Jimbila Contracting (GJC)

TOURISM EXCELLENCE AWARD – Freshwater East Kimberley Apartments

SUSTAINABLE AND ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES AWARD – Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge

NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – Lake Kununurra Boat Hire

BUSINESSPERSON OF THE YEAR – Temali Howard, Blak Tapas

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – Cambridge Gulf Limited

A round of applause...

It’s been a big year, that’s for sure. Kununurra Sun is six months old and just like it takes a village to raise a baby, it’s taken a community to get our baby, KNX Sun to this milestone.

So, as we sit and reflect on the past six months there’s a few people we need to wrap our arms around and say a big thank you to for helping keep the Sun shining.

Firstly, our famous (sometimes slightly infamous) wordsmith Eliza Parry-Okeden. Let’s be honest, her witty words and outrageous train of thought are what keeps you guys picking up the Sun each month. Receiving Eliza’s emails with her latest creation is always the highlight of our month. Wondering what on earth she will have in store for us each edition keeps our motivation and momentum of the mag going, whilst also some slight anxiety about if we can actually go to print with her words. As someone once put it, ‘It’s great to see you girls write your stories after a few glasses of wine’. However what they didn’t realise is that no vino is needed for these pieces, her catchy and hilarious words flow without any liquid inspiration required.

Seb Tasi also kills it every month with his design work. He never, ever makes us feel like we are twisting his arm, which we definitely do with our super short deadlines and we absolutely take advantage of his people pleasing ways, but we don’t take Seb and his creative mind for granted! He has been so supportive from the beginning and without his assistance the magazine wouldn’t be what it is. Thanks so much Seb!.

P.S - We promise not to hassle you so much next year with silly design requests when you really would rather be relaxing on your weekends.

P.P.S - That last promise was a lie.

And then there’s the guys with the dollars who helped Kununurra Sun get up and running. When we had our first meeting with a potential sponsor things got kinda awkward when the conversation changed to asking how old the both of us were. Generally, when you get on the other side of 30, being called young is a pleasant and welcome surprise. However, being told you sound like a couple of 17-year-olds was an interesting twist to us asking for a few thousand dollars to bring the Sun to life. It’s okay though, we obviously charmed them as they sponsored us and hung up the call with some great advice that the both of us will never forget ‘Right, deal done. Now don’t f**k it up’.

Absolutely no sleepless nights for us after that!

We won’t let slip who that was but we do need to say a huge thanks to our very special sponsors who have trusted us to ensure we ‘don’t f**k it up’.

Boab Metals Limited, Panoramic Resources, Bishops Transport and the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley are the ones who have put their hands in their pockets and forked out to help cover the costs associated with putting the Sun together each month. In return they haven’t asked for anything, other than for us to keep sharing all the amazing stories that happen in town each month. Because of our wonderful sponsors, we don't have the pressure of having to scramble for funds each month and instead invest our time into making the magazine the best it can be. A mammoth thank you to Brad, Simon, Victor, Gordon, Shane and Guy. Also, to Vernon and the team at SWEK for all your support.

And then of course, there is all of you! Thank you to each and every one of you who picked up the mag to have a flick through, purchased our merchandise or advertised in the magazine.

We get so excited every time we see a merch order come through or an email from a business wanting to advertise.

You all keep the Sun shining in Kununurra and every cent made from advertising and merchandise sales goes back into ensuring we can keep the magazine free for everyone to read.

You guys are the real MVPS, and the reason why we keep doing what we do with the mag and we just can’t thank you all enough!

T H E U L T I M A T E

W e t S e a s o n

F I S H I N G G U I D E

R O D & R E E L S E T U P

K N O W Y O U R T I D E S

I f y o u p l a n o n f i s h i n g s a l t - w a t e r r i v e r s a n d e s t u a r i e s , o r e v e n i f y o u p l a n o n t r a v e l l i n g a r o u n d t h e c o a s t , i t i s v e r y i m p o r t a n t t o u n d e r s t a n d t h e t i d e s s p e c i f i c t o t h e a r e a y o u w a n t t o f i s h a n d t r a v e l t h r o u g h

T h i s i s t o a v o i d a n y u n n e c e s s a r y i n c i d e n t s a n d i m p r o v e s y o u r c h a n c e s o f c a t c h i n g f i s h , u n d e r s t a n d t h e t i d e s a n d y o u ’ l l g e t t o k n o w y o u r b i t e w i n d o w s

T h e B u r e a u o f M e t e o r o l o g y h a s t i d a l c h a r t s s p e c i f i c t o t h i s a r e a

T h e m o r e y o u b u y , t h e m o r e y o u w a n t . W a l k i n g i n t o a t a c k l e s h o p t o f i n d t h e p e r f e c t r o d a n d r e e l c o m b o c a n s o m e t i m e s b e o v e r w h e l m i n g , n o t t o m e n t i o n , w h a t i s t h e ‘ p e r f e c t ’ r o d a n d r e e l c o m b o ? W e l l , t h i s c a n d e p e n d o n s e v e r a l t h i n g s , b u t , i f y o u ’ r e j u s t s t a r t i n g o u t w i t h b a r r a f i s h i n g I ’ m g o i n g t o t r y a n d m a k e i t a s e a s y a s p o s s i b l e f o r y o u

F i r s t l y , s p e a k t o t h e t e a m b e h i n d t h e f r o n t c o u n t e r T h e y g e n e r a l l y h a v e e n o u g h k n o w l e d g e t o p o i n t y o u i n t h e r i g h t d i r e c t i o n I w o u l d h i g h l y r e c o m m e n d b u y i n g a r o d f r o m a s h o p , i n s t e a d o f o n l i n e , u n t i l y o u h a v e a g r i p o n w h a t y o u ’ r e a f t e r

W o r k o u t i f y o u ’ r e a b a i t c a s t e r f i s h o , o r a s p i n g e a r f i s h o I a l w a y s f i s h w i t h b o t h s e t u p s a n d m y s t y l e o f f i s h i n g d e t e r m i n e s w h a t r o d I p i c k u p T h e r e a r e s o m e g r e a t s e t u p s , p r i c e d v e r y r e a s o n a b l y , s o d o n ’ t t h i n k y o u h a v e t o s p e n d b i g t o c a t c h b i g ! I w o u l d e x p e c t t o p a y a r o u n d $ 3 0 0 f o r a v e r y r e a s o n a b l e s e t u p

W A T E R W A T E R W A T E R !

I l i k e t o c a r r y 6 5 l i t r e s o f w a t e r f o r e a c h p e r s o n e a c h d a y , e s p e c i a l l y w h e n t h e w e a t h e r s t a r t s t o w a r m u p

N o r m a l l y , I w o u l d e x p e c t t o u s e a r o u n d 3 - 4 l i t r e s p e r p e r s o n p e r d a y a n d d o n ’ t f o r g e t y o u r f u r r y f r i e n d s ! I f y o u h a v e r o o m f o r m o r e w a t e r , t a k e i t ! Y o u n e v e r k n o w i f y o u m i g h t c o m e a c r o s s s o m e o n e t h a t m a y n e e d s o m e , o r a l e a k y r a d i a t o r !

S N A C K S & S U P P L I E S

A s t h e w e a t h e r s t a r t s t o w a r m u p , I t w o n ’ t b e l o n g b e f o r e y o u s t a r t f e e l i n g t h e h e a t w h e n y o u ' r e o u t f i s h i n g . , I f i n d c o l d f r u i t i s a n e x c e l l e n t s o u r c e o f e n e r g y a n d t r y t o a v o i d u n h e a l t h y b r e a k f a s t s a n d h e a v y l u n c h e s

Brought to you by Brad Pasfield from East Kimberley Charters

S E A R C H & R E S C U E ( S A R )

E M E R G E N C Y C O N T A C T

T h i s i s b y f a r o n e o f t h e m o s t i m p o r t a n t t i p s I c o u l d g i v e a n y o n e

L e t t i n g s o m e o n e k n o w w h e r e y o u ’ r e g o i n g a n d w h e n y o u i n t e n d o n c o m i n g h o m e i s v e r y i m p o r t a n t

N o r m a l l y i t ’ s o n e o f t h o s e ' q u i c k t r i p s d o w n t h e r i v e r ' t h a t e n d u p g o i n g w r o n g M a k e s u r e y o u r e m e r g e n c y c o n t a c t k n o w s e x a c t l y w h e r e y o u ’ r e g o i n g ( ' d o w n t h e O r d s o m e w h e r e ' i s n ’ t g o o d e n o u g h ! ) a n d m a k e s u r e t h e y k n o w r o u g h l y w h e n y o u p l a n o n b e i n g b a c k K e e p i n g i n m i n d t h a t a c o u p l e o f h o u r s l e e w a y m a y b e p e r f e c t l y r e a s o n a b l e .

I f i n d t h a t a S a t P h o n e o r a p e r s o n a l t r a c k i n g d e v i c e t h a t c a n b e s e e n b y s o m e o n e e l s e t o b e e x t r e m e l y h a n d y f o r t h e s e p a r t s o f t h e w o r l d

B E C R O C W I S E !

A l t h o u g h c r o c a t t a c k s a r e u n c o m m o n , i t w o u l d b e s t u p i d t o l e t y o u r g u a r d d o w n o n a n y o c c a s i o n B u t i t ' s n o t j u s t h u m a n s t h a t a r e v u l n e r a b l e a t t h e b o a t r a m p , c r o c s a r e v e r y h a p p y t o t a k e a n e n t r é e o f y o u r f u r r y f r i e n d I t ’ s b e s t t o a s s u m e t h a t t h e r e ’ s a l w a y s o n e w a t c h i n g y o u , b e c a u s e t h e r e p r o b a b l y i s

D o n ’ t a p p r o a c h r i v e r s o r c r e e k s w h e r e i t i s k n o w n f o r c a t t l e t o e n t e r t h e w a t e r t o d r i n k , t h e s e a r e b i g c r o c h o t s p o t s a n d w o u l d s t r o n g l y e n c o u r a g e n o t t o b e a n y w h e r e n e a r t h e w a t e r i n t h e s e l o c a t i o n s .

R E S P E C T T H E L A N D & W A T E R W A Y S

F I S H F O R T H E F U T U R E

W e a l l h a v e o u r r e a s o n s a s t o w h y w e f i s h - s o m e f i s h f o r f u n , s o m e f i s h f o r

f o o d B o t h a r e p e r f e c t l y a c c e p t a b l e a n d m o r e o f t e n t h a n n o t , w e a l l f i s h f o r

b o t h o f t h o s e r e a s o n s

W a y s w e c a n r e s p e c t t h e l a n d a n d w a t e r w a y s i s t o n o t t a k e m o r e t h a n w h a t y o u n e e d , b e m i n d f u l w h e n t a k i n g y o u r c a t c h h o m e , y o u d o n ’ t n e e d t o f e e d a l l y o u r n e i g h b o u r s a n d w a t c h y o u r d a i l y l i m i t s s e t b y D P I R D

T h e r e ’ s n o t h i n g w o r s e t h a n a r r i v i n g a t y o u r f a v o u r i t e f i s h i n g s p o t t o f i n d s o m e o n e h a s l e f t a d e a d c a t f i s h s i t t i n g o n t h e b a n k , a t o r n - u p t h r o w n e t o r e m p t y c a n s l e f t a l l o v e r t h e p l a c e

T h e E a s t K i m b e r l e y i s a n e x t r e m e l y p r e c i o u s p a r t o f t h e w o r l d a n d n e e d s t o b e t a k e n c a r e o f T h e r e i s n o t h i n g w r o n g w i t h e x p l o r i n g p a r t s o f t h e l a n d , b u t y o u r i m p a c t o n t h e l a n d a n d w i l d l i f e n e e d s t o b e m i n i m a l . T a k e y o u r r u b b i s h w i t h y o u , t r y a n d s t i c k t o t h e t r a c k s , m a k e s u r e y o u p r o p e r l y p u t o u t y o u r f i r e s a n d t r y t o l e a v e t h e p l a c e l o o k i n g b e t t e r t h a n w h e n y o u c a m e .

D o n ’ t e n t e r p r i v a t e p r o p e r t y a n d m a k e s u r e y o u c l o s e t h e g a t e b e h i n d y o u !

Growing the Potential of Ord Valley Farming

Cotton, maize and sandalwood are not the only things growing Kununurra’s economy. A fresh crop of local students are busy growing into important contributors too, thanks to EKC’s Kimberley Education for Life program, DPIRD and a handful of local businesses.

A direct to job pathway for Year 11 and 12s, the East Kimberley College KEFL program aims to help students attain their WACE graduation certificate, and a full-time traineeship or job once they’ve completed school.

After a chat with KEFL coordinator Peter Treeby however, it quickly becomes clear that KEFL is so much more, playing a somewhat quiet yet critical role not just for the students, but the local community as well.

In improving attendance and helping more students graduate with career ambitions the KEFL program is undoubtedly a success. But beyond that Peter says the program’s true success lies in helping his students grow as young adults; finding things they’re passionate about, developing communication and life skills, and importantly, going on to contribute to their local community.

In a town with a highly transient workforce and staffing shortages, hiring a ‘KEFL Kid’ may be exactly the long-term solution local businesses have been searching for.

In fact, this year all KEFL graduates will finish with jobs across a variety of local businesses including MG Corporation, The Hospital, Ord Valley Aboriginal Health Service and Water Corp.

How does it work? Starting in year 10, students apply for the program, and with Peter’s help find an industry, TAFE course or traineeship they’re interested to pursue. Over the next two years they split their time between TAFE, a paid traineeship, school studies, and various programs designed to expose them to ‘The real world’.

Helping to broaden students’ knowledge of local industry and the local environment, these KEFL programs include locally run camps, Station stays, outdoor education activities (including abseiling 75m down Black Rock!), and a much-loved agriculture program KEFL have developed in collaboration with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

DPIRD’s KEFL Program Manager Holly Cattermole explains, “We started out in 2019 bringing students to the Research Station to grow pumpkins for the Ag Show. The students loved it so much

that we’ve now developed that into a full program across terms 2 and 3 where students can learn an overall understanding of biology, agricultural practises, farming challenges and research methods.”

“It’s been great to expose students to career pathways in primary industries and regional development they may not have been aware of, but equally, in a town where agriculture is a key industry and nature is such a big part of our lives, it’s been great to help raise more awareness of what we do here at DPIRD and in Kununurra.”

The program is based 70% in the field and 30% in a classroom setting to complete activities and worksheets to consolidate their learning. Not surprisingly, the students have thrived with a hands-on approach, showing an impressive ability to retain knowledge about local agriculture and farm practices, and applying that to the world around them.

Holly says a highlight of this year’s program was handpicking from the herb garden to make a tomato and basil pesto pasta. “It was great for the students to experience and be responsible for the full cycle – from hand planting the seeds to months later picking the ingredients and turning it into a delicious meal.”

Hearing stories like these and seeing the passion that both Peter and Holly have for what they do, it’s easy to see why students are thriving in the KEFL program and that local businesses have been keen to jump on board.

It’s also no surprise to hear that KEFL were recent finalists in the WA Outdoor Recreation Awards for ‘Innovative Outdoor Program or Event’ where Peter says attendees were very impressed by the outcomes and real life pathways KEFL is providing students.

KEFL have an excellent list of local industry partners with students currently placed at Ord Mechanical Services, Ordco, Allgear Motorcycles, BRD Constructions, Santinol, and The Shire, but Peter says they are always on the look-out for more.

Local business interested in the KEFL program should reach out directly for more information Peter.Treeby@education. wa.edu.au.

Equally, Holly says DPIRD are open to expanding their agriculture programs and farm excursions to more students and encourage educators to reach out if interested, Holly. Cattermole@dpird.wa.gov.au.

Ben Broady

KIMBERLEY CREATIVE

Ben ‘Broady’ Broadwith is a true East Kimberley local. Moving to Wyndham when he was just one-year-old, his childhood was spent exploring the East Kimberley and is where his love and passion for the region developed. As a young boy he remembers having his face pressed up against the window of the school bus, staring in awe across the mudflats at the Cockburn Range – a place he now photographs and shares with the world. Fast forward to today and ‘Broady’ has since spent the past 43 years living in East Kimberley. His spectacular photography collection showcases the East Kimberley, Wyndham, Kununurra, Lake Argyle, El Questro, the Ord River and Purnululu National Park.

WHAT WAS IT LIKE GROWING UP IN WYNDHAM? DO YOU STILL TRY TO GET ACROSS THERE FAIRLY OFTEN?

Growing up in Wyndham was the best. I have very fond memories of my childhood and count my lucky stars everyday that Wyndham is the place that shaped and moulded me. My current favourite places to shoot and favourite places in the world are within cooee of Wyndham, so yes, I get across there often.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT CALLING KUNUNURRA HOME?

I love the East Kimberley more and more every day. I am blessed that I grew up here and it's my favourite place in the world. Not gonna lie, I could do without living here October and November, but December through to late March are off the charts - there is nowhere else like the East Kimberley in the wet season. I love the dry season too, it's comfortable and predictable, especially out bush where I try to spend most of my free time.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY?

By chance, it almost feels like it found me. I started shooting as an amateur 10 years ago. Every time an image pops up on the back of the camera, I get the same feeling as I did 10 years ago, bewildered at what the camera is capable of.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?

I specialise in low light landscape photography and my intention is always to replicate the scene as it was when I shot it, colours, light etc.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR INVOLVEMENT WITH MYSTERY ROAD?

I first got involved with Mystery Road in 2017 where I was invited as a Camera Attachment and drone pilot. Since them I have worked on 'High Ground', 'Total Control', 'OUR LAW' and most recently as the Timelapse Director of Photography on the third season of Mystery Road.

YOU HAVE SOME EPIC CONTENT FROM THE WET SEASON, DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE WATERFALL OR SPOT TO HEAD TO?

100%, hands down, without hesitation, the Cockburn Range. Having seen a fair slice of the Kimberley, ran workshops in Iceland and Norway, I feel that when the Cockburn Range are in flood, nothing compares to it on this planet.

TELL US MORE ABOUT THE WORKSHOPS YOU RAN IN NORWAY AND ICELAND, HOW DID THEY COME ABOUT?

Through some online conversations, I met a legend one day called Dale Sharpe from DK Photography. We hung out for a week and he literally changed my life. A lot of my success today, I attribute to him. In 2019 he was living his dream chasing Supercells in Tornado Ally in the USA. He was hit by a car and unfortunately passed away. Just prior to that he asked if I wanted to join him as a co-leader on his very successful Dream Photography Workshop tours. In honour of Dale we continued the workshops and they are still very successful to this day.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE VIDEOGRAPHY JOB YOU'VE DONE?

I recently spent seven days in the Great Sandy Desert at a place called Dragon Tree Soak Nature Reserve with the Karajarri people and it was easily one of the top five experiences of my life, let alone a favourite videography job.

ANY TIPS FOR NOVICE PHOTOGRAPHERS/ VIDEOGRAPHERS?

Find something you love doing and do it everyday, it doesn't matter if it's drawing lines in the sand or singing in the shower, do something that brings you joy.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE PHOTO YOU'VE TAKEN?

'Altruism' It's a panoramic astro photo of the Milky Way arching over the Cockburn Range and my favourite Boab tree. It’s as much about the image as it is the company I had that night, a dude who inspired me and has unfortunately since passed.

FAVOURITE BOOK OR PODCAST?

I mostly watch philosophical and inspiring videos in the morning. I'm a big fan of life!

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

I'm off to Sydney next month to go to an immersive exhibition Australian Geographic are putting on where they have used a ton of my storm and astro timelapse footage, then out to the Kimberley Coastal Camp at Christmas for six weeks solo caretaking to defrag the hard drive.

You can find Ben's unreal photography on his website: benbroady.com or on Instagram @ben_broady

CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE GIFT GUIDE

We have 2 x $100 Shop Local EK gift cards to giveaway! Keep an eye on our social channels to find out how to win

Kununurra Sun Hats $30-35

Hoochery Argyle Pink Gin $84 Hoochery Distillery

Pierre Cardin Leather Wallet $75 Kimberley Fine Diamonds Zag Bijoux Earrings From $55 Red Sun Sports & Casual

Hoochery Kimberley Time Gin $86 Hoochery Distillery

Hammamas Turkish Towels From $45 Red Sun Sports & Casual

Between the Lines

Three years ago, Rose de Tezanos Pinto booked a one-way ticket from Argentina to Australia. She envisioned a multi-cultural, bustling-city-life experience. Instead, soon after arriving in the country, she found herself calling our remote, rugged and beautiful Kununurra home. 15,000km away from Buenos Aires where everyone and everything she had loved for the first twenty-seven years of her life was, Rose has held onto the only thing that makes her feel connected to her Latino roots - books. Rose has shared her thoughts (and love for the Kununurra Public Library) in this edition’s Between the Lines.

Being so far away from everyone and everything I knew I turned to the only place I knew - The Kununurra Library. This was a wonderful haven and proved to be an invaluable resource for ethnically and culturally diverse literature, amplifying the voices of authors belonging to minorities and stocking gems from lesser-known editorials. My frequent library excursions have always led to a substantial expansion of my ‘to be read’ pile, and dangerously enticing daydreams of ditching jobs to spend my hours browsing its ‘fully booked’ shelves.

Among the minorities that our glorious library amplifies is my own, Latin. For general knowledge enthusiasts, Latins are, generally speaking, everyone born on every country in the American continent (yes, it is a continent, no not just one country), except Canada and the US. With some exceptions, we speak Spanish, but we’re not Spanish (from Spain); we were colonised by Spain.

This is the tongue-twisting spiel that normally follows my response to the seemingly innocent questions of “what’s your name?”, inevitably followed by “wow, where are you from then?”. Latin America is comprised of twenty-one countries, including my motherland, Argentina.

Latin literature, like its people, or rather because of them, is characterised by colourful, passionate characters with seemingly uncontrollable desires and heart-felt emotions that border drama. My last two latin reads, both available from our library are Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez and The Woman

From Uruguay by Pedro Mairal.

Gonzalez explores the hypocrisy of tight-knit Latin families where criticism is as abundant as affection, and often perpetuated by the families’ power dynamics and the unspoken rules of keeping appearances for the sake of belonging. Fastpaced, quirky and moving, this contemporary fiction story has something to offer for all readers.

Olga Dies Dreaming follows the story of an audacious and highachieving wedding planner in contemporary NYC, who has been deeply traumatised by her mother’s abandonment at a young age.

Our protagonist is US-born but part of a large, noisy and very opinionated Puerto Rican family who raises Olga and her brother after their mother, an anarchist with ties to revolutionary groups in the island, gives up on motherhood in favour of her dream of Puerto Rican independence and liberation from the control of a very apathetic US government.

Olga navigates the conflicting duality of these two clashing cultures she belongs to, while trying to redefine her identity as something other than her mother’s daughter.

Gonzalez explores the hypocrisy of tight-knit Latin families where criticism is as abundant as affection, and often perpetuated by the families’ power dynamics and the unspoken rules of keeping appearances for the sake of belonging. Fast-paced, quirky and moving, this contemporary fiction story has something to offer for all readers.

The Woman From Uruguay is a raw, honest and twisted tale of a writer’s obsession with the idea of a distant lover, that allows him to escape the disconnection he is experiencing with his current partner, Catalina, and their family life with Maiko, their child, in the tumultuous Buenos Aires.

Lucas has only seen his lover, Guerra, twice and nothing much has ever happened between them, but he is hoping his upcoming trip to her hometown, Montevideo (Uruguay), will turn his luck with this elusive, enigmatic woman.

The trip to neighbouring Uruguay has a clear objective, unrelated to his romantic fantasies, to get all his dollar savings out of the Uruguayan bank and subsequently make a profit by exchanging them for Argentinian pesos in the black market. His savings are the advance payments from editorials, who are expecting the novels he has committed to write.

However, Lucas’s initial determination to regain control over his finances and finally publish his work will become increasingly clouded as he allows his obsession with Guerra to take over.

This short, fast paced story has ample references to the Argentinian/ Uruguayan way of life and it’s translation might, at times, prove difficult to understand for readers that are not familiar with that part of the world. Other acclaimed Latin authors the Kununurra Library stocks include Isabel Allende (Chile) and Mario Vargas Llosa (Perú). For avid readers wanting to explore Latin literature beyond the confines of our library, Gabriel García Marquez (Colombia) and Julio Cortázar (Argentina) are behind our classic, magical realism master pieces. Contemporary Latin authors worth the hype include Samantha Schweblin (Argentina), Junot Díaz and Julia Alvarez (Dominican Republic) and Javier Zamora (El Salvador), to name just a few. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the excellent resource Bookstagram can be for readers wanting a more diverse exposure to literature. @lupita.reads, @cafeconlibros_bk and @tomesandtextiles are three of my favourite Latin-inspired accounts.

Let's Get Quizzical!

MONOPOLY MIGHT CAUSE QUIZZICAL FAMILY FUEDS SO WHY NOT TRY SPRUCING IT UP THESE HOLIDAYS WITH OUR FESTIVE CHRISTMAS TRIVIA!

1 How many white boomers pulled Santa’s sleigh through the blazing sun?

2 What is the key ingredient in Paul Kelly’s gravy that gives it an extra tang?

3 Which destination do Kevin Mcallister’s family plan to travel to for Christmas in the first Home Alone movie, before they realize that he has been left behind?

4 When the Who’s of Whoville invite the Grinch to their annual Christmas parade, his schedule won’t allow it – what does he have planned at 5:30?

5 What famous Christmas carol became the first song ever broadcast from space?

6 Name of actor who played the Prime Minister in Love Actually?

7 Which one of Santa's reindeer has the same name as another holiday mascot?

8 Where did the word and idea "Christmukkah" come from?

9 What is the best-selling Christmas song ever?

10 What was the first company that used Santa Claus in advertising?

Balls ' n ' All

EAST KIMBERLEY SPORTS AWARDS

The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries hosted another successful East Kimberley Sports Awards in October. Congratulations to all the award winners and thanks to those who nominated. DLGSC and the event organisers would also like to thank the sponsors of the event for their generous support, without them celebrating these award winners wouldn’t be possible.

AWARD WINNERS

Service to Sport

Bronja Ramsey - Kununurra Gymnastics Club

Female Sports Star

Tiarna Mckay - Kununurra Netball Association

Female Rising Sports Star

Nyokah James - Kununurra Netball Association

Coach of the Year

Anton Mazzella - Kununurra Taekwondo Club

Volunteer of the Year

Teagan Lister - Kununurra Netball Association

Inclusive Club/Association of the Year

Kununurra Warriors Boxing Club

Club/Association of the Year

Kununurra Netball Association

Official of the Year

Luke Donovan - Junior Football

Male Sports Star

Melvin Tataya - Halls Creek Hawks Football Club

Male Rising Sports Star

Carl Rex - Junior Football

KUNUNURRA NETBALL ASSOCIATION

The Kununurra Women’s Netball season was once again

highly successful in 2022 with 13 teams participating across A and B grades. The association would like to thank all players, coaches and volunteers as well as congratulate the Hornets who took out both the A and B grade titles. With the mixed netball season now underway, the association will boast over 300 participants for 2022.

INDOOR CRICKET

The indoor cricket season has come to its pointy end with the finals now underway. In an interesting turn of events, after narrowly scraping into A Grade the Shooters came out on top after the regular season and the Bushchooks are looking like hot favourites to take out B Grade. With all teams playing post-season matches nothing is impossible, especially with A Grade being such a tightly contested division.

TENNIS

Social tennis is continuing despite the warmer weather with numbers remaining healthy. If you would like to have a hit, head down to the tennis courts on Tuesday evening at 6pm with $10 cash. And don’t worry even though the score card is in use, enjoyment remains the aim of the game. All skill levels are more than welcome (trust us on this, we’re speaking from experience!)

JUNIOR SPORT

Term four is once again full of junior sport with touch football, swimming, soccer and rugby league all underway. Should anyone be interested in joining a club during the wet season be sure to check out their Facebook pages for more information. Wednesday 7th September. New players and members are more than welcome to come along!

“We work harder for you because it’s our Vicki Ecclestone

KUNUNURRA SUN KITCHEN Black & White Cake

RECENTLY, OUR LOVELY FRIEND SHELBY BAKED THIS CAKE FOR A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AND IT WAS DEVOURED IN MERE MOMENTS. SHELBS IS A BAKING EXTRAORDINARE AND KNX SUN SUPER FAN SO WE WERE DELIGHTED WHEN SHE LET US SHARE THIS RECIPE WITH YOU ALL!

INGREDIENTS

For the cake

IMAGE: MANDY MILBURN

2–1/4 cups (270 gm) all-purpose flour

2–1/4 cups (450 gm) granulated sugar

3/4 cup (60 gm) dark cocoa powder

2 teaspoons baking soda

2–1/4 teaspoons baking powder

2–1/4 teaspoons corn starch

1–1/2 teaspoons salt

3 eggs (180 gm), room temperature

1–1/4 cups (300 mL) buttermilk, room temperature

3/4 cups (180 mL) black coffee, hot

1/2 cup (120 mL) vegetable oil

1–1/2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract

For the blackberry ganache

1/3 cup (80 mL) heavy whipping cream

6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped

¼ cup seedless blackberry jam or preserves

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, chopped

For the cake vanilla bean frosting

6 tablespoons (50 gm) all-purpose flour

1–1/2 cups (360 mL) whole milk

1–1/2 cups (340 gm) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1–1/2 cups (300 gm) sugar

¼ teaspoon fine kosher salt

1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste

1 cup mixed berries, for garnish

Fuelled by Locals

METHOD

To prepare the cake

- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 3 round cake pans with baking spray and line the bottoms with parchment rounds.

- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine all of the dry ingredients and stir until combined. In a separate bowl, loosely combine all of the wet ingredients and add to the bowl of the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed for just shy of 2 minutes, scraping the bowl (and bottom of bowl!) twice throughout.

Pour equal amounts of batter in to all 3 pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until center is just barely set and toothpick comes out of cake almost clean. Allow to cool in the pans and on a cooling rack for 20 minutes and then remove from pans to continue the cooling process. Cake will stay fresh for 2 days if covered, or, for one month if wrapped well in saran wrap and frozen in freezer.

To prepare the ganache

- Heat the cream over low heat until barely simmer. Remove from heat and add the chocolate, jam, and butter. Briefly stir the contents of the pan and allow to rest for about 2 minutes. Stir to combine until smooth. If some of the chocolate has not yet melted, put the

pan back on very low heat and stir until smooth. Be careful not to scorch the mixture. When smooth, pour the ganache into a bowl and set aside to cool to a thick, peanut butter consistency.

To prepare the vanilla bean frosting

- Place the flour into a small saucepan and slowly drizzle in 1/3 cup of the milk, whisking all of the while. Be sure to whisk out any clumps. Once smooth, slowly whisk in the remaining milk and place the pan over medium heat. Continue whisking until the mixture comes to a simmer, cooking for an additional minute until thickened to a paste. Remove the paste to a small bowl and place a sheet of plastic wrap directly on top. Allow it to cool to room temperature.

- Once the paste has cooled, beat the butter, sugar, salt, and vanilla bean paste in the bowl of a stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the milk paste and beat on medium speed for an additional 5 minutes, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed. Store in an air-tight container until ready to frost the cake.

To assemble the cake

Use a large serrated knife to level your cake layers. Spread 1/3 of the ganache mixture on top of each cake layer, leaving a 1/2 “border around the perimeter of the cake. Place in the fridge on a cooling rack briefly to set the ganache. Spread a bit of the frosting on an 8” cake board or your cake plate and then center one of your cake layers directly on top. Spread about 1-1/4 cups of the frosting on top and then add an additional cake layer. Repeat this process and then frost the cake with the remaining frosting. Garnish with fresh berries and store in the fridge if not eating that day. Cake will keep for up to 4 days, but it best served at room temp the day it is prepared. Enjoy!