Kununurra Sun - September 2022

FREE MONTHLY

EDITION 6

SEPTEMBER 2022

Kununurra Sun

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Kununurra Sun

HELLO Wow - August is done and dusted. What a month!

From the delectable Taste of the Kimberley extravaganza, to the back-to-back weekends of glamming up for the races, social sporting teams getting closer and closer to their grand finals and the epic endurance of the Lake Argyle Adventure Race, we’re exhausted!

But we’ve shaken out the glitter in our hair from Pride Weekend, our feet have finally recovered from wearing heels for the first time in 12 months and we’ve waved goodbye to all our visiting friends and family.

Dare we say it, but bring on the humidity and quiet time of the build up!

While August felt like a year's worth of social events wrapped up into 31 days, we are excited for what September brings.

First of all, we can’t wait for the Kimberley Writers Festival and its many different events. From hearing award-winning authors such as Josh Kemp and Caroline Overington speak about their life, to solving the Murder on Maui mystery, it's going to be a jampacked weekend of words and wisdom.

We had the privilege of visiting the new Kununurra Splash Park before its opening date and boy, we are excited to see the response from the community. We may be fully fledged adults but you can guarantee Team KNX Sun will be lining up for those slides!

Mandy from Kununurra Community Kitchen shared with us her journey from life in London, to now dedicating her time to ensure those who are needy in the community are supplied with wholesome meals each week. She also gave us a cracking recipe to test out - head to page 25 to find out what it is.

We’re looking forward to seeing who hooks a winner at the Kimberley Coastal Camp APEX Barra Bash and who will be the lucky winner of the $18,000 tinny. And look, we’re not into bribes but just in case, we’re a size ‘all inclusive stay at Kimberley Coastal Camp’ if anyone is wondering.

Finally, we wanted to say a big, fat thank you to everyone who has supported us and purchased our new merchandise. It was always a dream to create KNX Sun merch to share far and wide but to see it actually come to life, and spot you around town wearing our tees and hats, well, we are just a little bit amazed. Every purchase goes back into creating the magazine, so while you're probably just stoked to have a new hat or shirt, you're actually keeping KNX Sun shining bright.

We also wanted to thank everyone who jumps on board to help each month. Putting each edition together really does take a village! Whether it's to proof read our stories, be a model in our impromptu photoshoots or simply just give us a lead on a new story in the community - we thank you!

Have a bloody bonza September!

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PAGES 6-7

PAGES 10-11

PAGES 18-19

PAGES 8-9

PAGES 14-15

PAGE 20-21

Taste of the Kimberley Wrap up

Splashing Into Town Kununurra Splash Park

Kununurra Community Kitchen

Kimberley Coastal Camp APEX Barra Bash

Wearable Art Coralee McCarthy

Kimberley Creative Lucy Shorter

We’re hiring!

See our job ad on the back page…

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Kununurra Sun

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.

@THE_STILL_STORY

@SEAANDSCOUT

@HURLEYANDAGIRLY

@TEEGANLAZARUS

@SEA_US_ROAM

@KB.CRUISEN.AU

Team KNX Sun CREATIVE DIRECTORS: EDITORIAL: ROSIE DUFFY & JESS BUCHAN PHOTOGRAPHY:

ROSIE DUFFY, JESS BUCHAN, ELIZA PARRY-OKEDEN

ADVERTISING ARTWORK:

JESS BUCHAN (unless stated otherwise)

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.

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Kununurra Sun

What's On In September KIMBERLEY WRITERS FESTIVAL

KUNUNURRA NETBALL ASSOCIATION FINALS

Festival Opening Cocktail Party - Friday 9th September - Kununurra

Friday 9th September - Kununurra Netball Courts

School & Community Library

It's game on as two teams go head to head in the Kununurra

Join all of the fabulous guest artists and authors for the

Netball Association Grand Final. Come down and support your

offical Festival opening. Enjoy a glass of wine, canapes and an

favourite team!

introduction to this year's guests. 7pm - 10pm. Free entry but SKI BEACH NIGHT MARKETS

bookings essential.

Sunday 25th September - Ski Beach The Main Event - Saturday 10th September - Kununurra School &

Enjoy the sunset food market at the Ski Club, featuring local

Community Library

food businesses. There will be bar services available so no

Throughout the day, the Library will host a variety of author

BYO. No swimming allowed. 3pm-8pm. Gold coin donation on

talks, panel events and storytelling. 9am - 4pm. Free entry

entry.

Murder on Maui - Saturday 10th September - Hotel Kununurra

24TH ANNUAL APEX BARRA BASH

You are invited to Maui for a murder. Once again, the murder

Fri 23rd to Sunday 25th September - Ski Beach

mystery dinner show will take over Hotel Kununurra. Come

Avid anglers in the North West are preparing to compete for

along in your best hula skirt, loudest shirt and flower leis to help

catching the biggest barramundi at the 24th Apex Kununurra

solve the crime. 6:30pm - 9:30pm. Tickets $80 per person.

Barra Bash which is proudly sponsored by Kimberley Coastal Camp. Over $50,000 dollars worth of cash and prizes on offer.

Literary Brunch on the Ord River - Sunday 11th September

Enter at Ski Beach from 9-5pm Friday & 7-10am Saturday.

The highlight of the Kimberley Writers Festival, The Triple J

Good luck to everyone involved.

Tours and Ord River Roadhouse Champagne Brunch Cruise is

For more information, visit Apex Kununurra Barra Bash on

not to be missed. Cruise up the Ord River to Triple J's Echo

Facebook.

Point Camp for a glass of bubbles and brunch before listening to our guests read from their books and tell stories from their lives. Departs from Celebrity Tree Park at 7:15am. Tickets $90 per person

Boornbeg goowinda dawang ‘The country is warming up’ 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.

Local & fresh

We’re Here

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!

(opposite Aus Post Office)

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Kununurra Sun Images: Landi Bradshaw/Ord Valley Events

Taste of the Kimberley Kununurra was abuzz with excitement in early August when the Taste of the Kimberley transformed the Picture Gardens into a foodie wonderland, serving up tasty culinary delights for the welcoming (and rumbling) bellies of locals.

As well as tantalising our taste buds, the events that made

cooked up on the night for the public to taste and vote on

up Taste of the Kimberley celebrated the diverse produce

to determine the inaugural ‘Taste of the Kimberley Sizzlefest

from our region as well as giving people a damn good

Champion’

excuse to frock up and get out and about to catch up with family and friends.

Kununurra Sun’s very own Jess Buchan, along with her teammates Kellie Butler and Tom ‘Davo’ Davidson of team ‘Not

The community supported the events in droves, with two

Too Sage’ took out the prize for Best Regional Flavour, scoring

of the three events selling out, a nod to the work Ord Valley

themselves a $500 voucher to Tenderspot Butchers.

Events put into delivering the program.

Taking out the main prize of Taste of the Kimberley Sizzlefest Even more exciting, the positive response from the

Champions were the ‘Sorby Sizzlers’ who in a keenly contested

community means potential for growth of the event in the

sizzle off, came out on top, by a mere two votes. The winning

coming years.

snag ‘Dark and Sorby’ featured Hoochery Spiced Rum, Matsos Ginger Beer, Boabs in the Kimberley Chilli, Mango and Boab

Firstly, it would be rude (and also slightly self-indulgent) to

Chutney and a blend of exotic spices – a true Kununurra specialty.

not chat about the highlight of the Boab Metals FEASTival – the hotly contested ‘Sizzlefest Sausage Championship’.

Tenderspot Butchers will soon be making a limited release batch of Dark and Sorbys - so get in quick as they will fly out the door

Seven teams took on the challenge of concocting a recipe

(if sausages have wings that it is!)

that championed local flavours and ingredients.

In addition to winning the specially commissioned “Sausage Murray Salter at Tenderspot Butchers kindly helped teams

Kings” themed trophy, the Sorby Sizzlers received $2,000 in prize

mix and make their 10 kilograms of sausages which were

money which the team generously donated to the Kununurra

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Community Garden Kitchen and Kununurra Picture Gardens

A highlight of the evening was the exceptional farmer’s panel

to support the great work that each of these groups provide

hosted by Matt Brann.

in town.

This coupled with a delicious menu curated by acclaimed Western Congrats to all teams who entered the Sizzlefest. Team ‘Not

Australian chef, Sophie Budd, featuring predominantly local

Too Sage’ are already planning their recipe for next year to

produce and flowing drinks and music from local band SpinFX left

contend for top spot!

everybody with a smile and a full belly.

We caught up with Boab Metals Managing Director Simon

The Taste of the Kimberley was such a vibrant event, and for

Noon, and Sorby Sizzler team member, to ask for the ‘blend

many of us, exactly what we needed after many pandemic related

of exotic spices’ that were added to the award-winning

disruptions to other key East Kimberley events. Ord Valley Events

sausages, but much like Colonel Sanders, he wasn’t giving

did an incredible job organising the event and creating a new

away anything.

destination experience for the East Kimberley.

Although, he did make it very clear that Boab Metals were

Ord Valley Events General Manager, Margot McTaggart said as

delighted to sponsor the FEASTival.

organisers, they were very proud of the Taste of the Kimberley and wanted to thank everybody who attended the events.

“Seeing everyone who came along have a great time and enjoy all of the delicious food, produce and talent that

“The enthusiasm of everybody involved, whether it be industry,

Kununurra has to offer was very satisfying,” Simon said.

volunteers, sponsors, guests or suppliers, has been an incredibly positive experience that we hope to continue for years to come,”

“Congratulations to the Ord Valley Events team for organising Margot said. and delivering such a really memorable evening.”

“We hope to see Taste of the Kimberley become an annual event The Ord Valley Farm and Food Tour early on Saturday

in the West Australian destination experience calendar, with an

morning was something special with local farmers Matt Gray,

expanded program celebrating and showcasing tourism and

Rob Boshammer, Kalyn Fletcher and Christian Bloecker giving agriculture across the Kimberley.” guests rare access to their farms and the knowledge they have of the history and direction of the Ord and farming in

“We would especially like to thank our partners. Putting on an

the region. Finishing in Mirima National Park with a delicious

event like Taste of the Kimberley would not be possible without

morning tea by Blak Tapas, this unique farm tour was four

their support. Their partnership, enthusiasm, participation, and

hours of highlights.

support are greatly valued”

That evening, a spectacular Kimberley full moon set the scene For us at Kununurra Sun, we are looking forward to watching the for the Red Range Cattleman’s Dinner, under a stunning starry Taste of the Kimberley grow and become an annual highlight for night sky.

the town.

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Kununurra Yawoorroonga-woorr Splash Park WORDS BY ELIZA PARRY-OKEDEN I recently learned a new word: Anemoia. According to my sources (TikTok), it's a relatively new one, and basically means to feel nostalgia or a sense of longing for a past you have never lived. Google also suggested that the word was German, but I’m open to being corrected as the internet has been known to lie to me before.

Anyway, despite its murky origins, nothing in my recent

required to satisfy regulations, the project is in its final

memory has tickled my anemoia quite like the soon-to-be

stages of completion. The space signals a push for post-

opened Kununurra Yawoorroonga-woorr Splash Park. Which

COVID recovery infrastructure by the WA Government and

is odd because I visited a waterpark exactly once when I was

celebrates our three most valuable local assets: culture,

a pre-teen, and it was the water squirting out of the ground

landscape and water. It will also be, most importantly, a safe

kind. Maybe it’s the backyard sprinkler on steroids vibe, or

place to have fun.

the fact that I spent my childhood pretty sure that I was a mermaid from H2O: Just Add Water, that gives a giddiness

The Splash Park has been in talks around town for a while

in my belly and an undeserved level of childhood golden-

now - almost 10 years in fact. The bloke at the helm of the

glossed nostalgia in my head. I can’t be sure, but I’m here for

project, our local Shire President Cr David Menzel, can

it.

attest to this, as he has been a strong advocate for the project and the benefits that it will bring to the community

The Kununurra Yawoorroonga-woorr Splash Park - located

for most of that time. He has dozens of waterpark plans on

in the centre of town, adjacent to the Kununurra Leisure

his filing cabinet at home to prove it, and distinctly recalls

Centre - is the latest, and perhaps most ambitious, piece

a family trip to Perth a decade ago; it took days because

of community infrastructure to be built by the Shire of

they stopped in every town with a water park along the

Wyndham East Kimberley in recent years and is due to

way to compare designs and take photos for reference. It

fling its gates open to the public in September. While

seems fitting then, that he is now one of the key figures

there have been a few construction delays, mostly due to

spearheading the build.

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The long-requested community precinct finally gained

have assisted with colour scheme, motifs and intricate panel

momentum a couple of years ago, reigniting an old

work throughout that feel relevant to the area and help

discussion.

give the structure a sense of belonging. A splash of the Kimberley if you will.

“Our local state member offered us some funding to create a waterpark to give kids somewhere safe to play in town,

“Between the boabs and the crocs… that sort of locates

rather than having to go down and fight it out with the

it pretty firmly in the Kimberley,” David says, but still he

crocodiles.” Unfortunately, the sum, while generous, was not

is satisfied that the structure blending into a distinctly

enough to build the epic piece of infrastructure that they

Kimberley landscape has been a common goal throughout

had in mind. “That was a great offer,” he says, “but it wasn’t

the project. “I hope it has a really Kununurra or Kimberley

quite enough money to do something significant.” After

feel, rather than a colourful structure just plonked down in

a bit of perseverance, endless amounts of patience, and

there,” he says. “I hope this has a sense of place attached to

working through the Department of Sport and Recreation

it as well.”

Minister Mick Murray, the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley struck gold.

So, of all the community infrastructure projects going, why a waterpark? “Our climate demands that we have water – we

“We ended up with a really significant amount, so it’s gone

use that to deal with our climate to a great extent,” David

from a few sprinklers in the ground to something that we

says frankly, before adding, “We’ve got lots and lots of

believe will be a real catalyst for getting people together in

inappropriate places to swim and a limited amount of places

the centre of the town,” David says, “Somewhere nice and

where it’s safe to swim.” He notes that while we have a local

safe for people to recreate and socialise.”

swimming pool, there is a level of formality, for example paid entry and designated swimming zones, in the nature of the

The Splash Park aims to cater for a wide range of the

Kununurra Leisure Centre that inhibits the user-friendliness

community, from an early childhood section to the

that the Shire are aiming for. On the contrary, the Shire plans

aforementioned ‘big kid’ slides. Mostly, the Shire hopes

to open the Splash Park seven days a week, free of charge to

that it can be a place that the community spectrum can

the community at large – the more the merrier! “We’ll try to

enjoy together. “All abilities' access was a pretty significant

keep it open as much as possible, and as secure as possible

part of the planning process,” he says, “we can just about

when it’s not open.”

cater for everyone we can possibly think of.” He highlights the importance of the Splash Park as a family space,

While the exact opening hours are yet to be defined, it is

incorporating elements that will appeal to all ages and

likely that onsite management will be necessary to an extent,

interests. “Some of it’s pretty action orientated and some of

mostly due to the target age range of some of the slides. “It

it’s more sensory, and that’s really important I think.”

was really demanded by the community when we went out to consultation that we have something a little bit more than

The Shire ensured that key stakeholders in the project, such

your standard ground features.” he says, “We thought it was

as Waringarri Arts were included in the design process and

really appropriate to try and encourage the teenagers.” It sounds both exhilarating and terrifying.

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The water used will come from the town’s supply – it’s

“People are concerned about whether we’ve just done a

recycled and treated onsite, which David laments is the

stupid thing and whether it will be vandalised,” he says.

big expense, “unfortunately more than half of the money

“We’ll have cameras and lighting and secure fencing when

is underground and no one will ever see it” however this

it’s out of operation - we’ll do our best to protect it.”

ensures that the quality of water remains tip top and up to spec. It also leads us into discussing the value of the

The Kununurra Sun team virtuously put themselves forward

precinct as a job generator for local businesses and trades,

as potential guinea pigs for a test run-through before the

“While the design company and the head contractor are

space was opened to the public (the things we do for

Perth-based, like most of us trying to work in the Kimberley,

you people, honestly), only to find out that most of the

you use all local contractors because they are the ones who

councillors had already done the same. We were apparently

are going to maintain it and fix it.” It’s nice to hear that all

juuusssssst out of the demographic age bracket for the test

the electrical, plumbing, landscaping and other bits and

run… though David assures us that we’ll be more than able to

pieces are pretty much all Kununurra-based tradespeople.

make up for lost time once it’s up and running. “There’s no age limit – if you can climb in it, fit in it, you can use it.”

Speaking of Kununurra locals doing their bit, David and the Shire hope that once the facility is open, the community will

There will be a grand opening - pump up the floaties, and

respect the precinct and assist by looking after the facility.

keep your eyes peeled!

He also says that this has generated a large amount of scepticism from the project, since the early days of discussions.

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COUNCIL CONNECT

SHIRE OF WYNDHAM EAST KIMBERLEY @ShireofWyndhamEastKimberley

REVIVE & SHIRE RECYCLING GUIDE Did you know we have a recycling guide available? We’ve teamed up with Revive to provide the community with a quick guide that list items that can be recycled and where you can take them.

Scan the QR code to get a copy.

2022 Baby Tree Program Registration now open The Shire is pleased to advise that the application for the 2022 Baby Tree Program is now open. If you have had a baby on or since 1 Jan 2022, you are eligible to have your child’s name on a plaque. (Scan QR to register).

Participants will be invited to attend the annual Baby Tree Ceremony held in Kununurra and Wyndham on Australia Day 26 Jan 2023.

NOTE: Completed registrations must be received on or before 5 Jan 2023. Please note incomplete or late registrations will not be accepted.

Scan the QR Code to take our quick survey or get a hard copy from our Offices.

Upcoming Council Meeting Tuesday 27 September 2022 Kununurra Council Chambers

T

08 9168 4100

E

mail@swek.wa.gov.au

F

08 9168 1798

W

www.swek.wa.gov.au

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Kununurra Community Kitchen WORDS BY ELIZA PARRY-OKEDEN

It’s a pleasant Sunday evening and there’s a commotion at the PCYC. Crowds of people are gathered, the anticipation in the air is palpable, and no one dares wander off because at four o’clock on the dot, dinner is served.

You may not be aware, but every Sunday at exactly 4:00pm,

back on the lawn, flicking through the latest edition of

the Kununurra Community Garden Kitchen crew are serving

the Kununurra Sun (we bought a few along). They pause

up meals to the community, and have been doing so for the

only to lob sly digs at the uncles lining up for seconds,

past four years.

while dodging haphazard balls kicked by cheeky nephews.

Mothers, with whole teams of young kids circling, are

The line jostles and bodies sway – a moving beast of tenuous stockpiling a few meals into eskys and encouraging the love, the kind that is unique to family, and plenty of mischief.

bigger ones to line up again. Some have been attending

The mischief is abated to a degree – the single-file line

this family reunion every Sunday since its inception, a truly

commands respect, and the knowledge that there is plenty

miraculous feat for anyone who has attended their own

of food to go ‘round seems to hush even the impatient mob

extended family reunion. But all sixty-odd of tonight’s guests

at the back. A community is coming together to break bread, are bonded, sharing and enjoying the space, and revelling in reflect on another week passed, and bask in the presence of

basic human companionship.

people. It feels biblical – the holy Sunday Service.

“I know it is a subtle thing,” says Mandy, “but sometimes this The leader of the tribe of volunteers, Mandy Milburn, prefers

is the only constant thing in people’s lives, and they’re here

‘healing with food’.

every Sunday.”

At tonight’s service Elijah is on rice, Helena is dealing out

A passionate philanthropist and true force to be reckoned

chicken wings like poker chips, and Mandy is dousing the

with, Mandy cooks all the meals herself. She says that the

lot with a healthy dose of veggie soup. Guests shuffle down

Shire are currently helping the group to secure a kitchen

the serving line chatting merrily and licking up stray soup

that complies with commercial standards, but in the

from sticky fingers. Dessert is a tray of lollies, and small

meantime, the cooking takes place across the kitchen at the

hands are swatted away with preternatural precision. “Dinner PCYC and Mandy’s home. “When you’re doing something first, sweets last,” is the unspoken directive aimed at both

like a stew for 70 people that takes about four hours, it’s

children and cheeky adults amongst the pack. A bulbous

something I prefer to do at home”.

marshmallow is shoved a bit too hastily into an eager mouth - causing a flash of panic in the eyes of the culprit and peals

Choosing what to have for dinner is not an uncommon

of laughter to ricochet down the line. It’s mesmerising to

worst-part-of-the-day for most people – luckily Mandy

watch – they’re a well oiled machine and all the moving

remains impervious. When we ask her about meal prep, she

parts, on both sides of the serving table, are in a strange,

says that they rely heavily on donated food, excess stores

flawed harmony.

or over-catering from local businesses, like when school shuts for the holidays or tourist venues wind down after the

Dinner is a real family affair – a couple of aunties are kicked

season. It all depends on what is available.

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“All of the chicken wings from dinner tonight were delivered

agreement which benefits both parties – “the Community

on a pallet, because a local business received the wrong

Garden Kitchen volunteers will help re-enliven the gardens,”

delivery,” she says, “they were donated pre-cooked and in

says Mandy, “we’re not in any rush and it’s going to be a

the freezer because they couldn’t use them all.”

work in progress, but that's the trade off – we’ll get the kids involved.”

Despite meals being somewhat pre-determined by stores, Mandy says that, like any good dinner party, the guests have

On top of running the Community Gardens, the Kitchen -

to like what you’ve got cooking. We ask what some of the

which she combined two years ago to create the Kununurra

crowd-pleasers are – “They always love a beef stew – I've

Community Garden Kitchen - and the local boxing club,

got lots of kangaroo tails in the freezer that were donated.”

Mandy also teaches Nature Play with the kids at St Joseph’s

And people of my own heart agree that curried sausages are

Primary School.

always a favourite.

This used to take place at the Community Gardens, however Donations from people and pantries aren’t all that the

Mandy is using her green thumbs to redesign the school’s

Kitchen rely on; a Sunday stint at the Kitchen starts at

gardens and create a Nature Play space. “I try to add in

2pm and all the volunteers for the week meet to prep the

what I can from the Community Gardens – the moringa,

side dishes, which could be salads, rice, orange quarters or

for example, I hide that in the food a lot,” says Mandy, “It’s

dessert depending on what’s on hand. Meal service is at 4pm

used to treat malnutrition in India and it’s a very, very high

and, after cleanup, they're generally out of there by 4:30pm.

nutrient food to slip in – they don’t even know it’s in there.”

Any potential volunteers are members of the Kununurra

But we’ll save the garden chat for next month.

Community Kitchen Facebook group (quick join! Right now!) where it is decided who will be available to help out for the

Unlike gardening though, cooking itself hasn’t always been

next week.

Mandy’s forte; she says that she sort of fell into it after returning from 10 years in London at a low point and in

“We’re always looking for volunteers and philanthropic

need of restoration. After a couple of aimless months, she

interest to be thrown our way,” Mandy says, “I just take what

switched her lifestyle and focused on using food to heal

I can get!”

herself. “I was a one hundred percent raw foodie for nine months - that was my introduction to healing with food.”

The location and venue have changed over time and Mandy tells us that tonight is only the third week back at PCYC.

Mandy soon found a niche for her craft and friends started

It’s been close to two years since they’ve had a venue, but

asking her to cater for their own alternate healing groups

that hasn’t hindered meal service. “I’ve been delivering it

and journeys, including raw foods for reiki workshops and

or pulling up out the front here and just popping my boot

as a vegan chef for a pilgrimage of sorts through Uluru

and handing meals out.” Luckily, they’ve got a great rapport

and Kata Tjuta. “I didn’t really plan any of it,” she says, “but

with the current PCYC manager, and they have a mutual

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Mandy’s vision for the Community Garden Kitchen is to

and arms heavy.

eventually exist in a space that is more of an outdoor collaborative kitchen, with large open fires, lots of interactive

First scoop and I pour approximately 70% of the soup

cooking workshops and a strong connection to bush foods

directly onto the plastic fold-out table. “Try not to pour

and medicines. During various cooking stints in Balgo since

the soup on the table,” she says sympathetically while

2014, Mandy says that she made connections with a number

laying down a thick wad of napkins in the firing line; she’s

of older women in the community who taught her about

resigned to the fact that I must be unable to follow simple

experimenting with bush foods which she is grateful for

instructions, have completely misread the task or am likely

and hopes to keep doing more, in her own way. “We often

to do it again. Likely a combination of all three.

incorporate boab leaf pesto, or we put kapok flowers in the salads, or I'll put a bush medicine out for the old people,” she

She has a fair point; it’s not rocket science, and we’re not

says.

sending people to the moon. But suddenly it feels like this is the most important job I've been given all week, possibly

“It’s a really unique thing that a community soup kitchen is

longer. And it’s humbling to realise that it probably is.

serving bush food.”

“A lot of the problems aren’t ours to fix or solve, we just We ask Mandy whether she ever wakes up on a Sunday

have to be in the heart and in service,” Mandy says, before

dragging her feet… “Even if you don’t really feel like doing

adding that the key is “just being there for someone, and

it, it has a funny old way of just grounding you in your own

having some good stew.”

stuff and drama.”

This Sunday night ritual is the highlight of the week for Back to the Sunday at hand, Mandy leaves her post at the

all involved, a true celebration of community, and it’s an

soup ladle for a moment to take some pictures, and I offer to

absolute joy to join in.

take her place. I’ll just say this: never underestimate a ladle.

Helena assures me that it’s simple really, just pour the soup

The Kununurra Community Kitchen relies on volunteers

over the chicken wings and rice, and put a lid on the plastic

and donations to keep cooking. If would you like to

container. The sub text is, “you’ve got one job, don’t mess

get involved, follow Kununurra Community Kitchen on

it up,” which naturally makes my palms sweaty, knees weak

Facebook to get in touch with Mandy.

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Kununurra Sun

Kimberley Writers riters Festival

9am | Free | Kununurra Library

emp Josh K

arner W e v Da

White e n n a Le

6:30pm | $80 pp | Hotel Kununurra

Meet the Guest Authors

An Australian Gothic Fiction author, Kemp was the co-winner of the Dorothy Hewett Award for his debut Novel, Banjawarn. He has been shortlisted for two other prestige Writers Awards.

da Sun y 1

ur Sat day

ur Sat day

7pm | Free (ticket required) | Kununurra Library

Join us for the popular murder mystery dinner show. Bring your best hula.

eptem r

Throughout the day, the library will host a variety of author’s talk & panels.

Murder on Maui

1S

be

Join our fabulous guest artist and authors for the official opening.

b er

Main Event

ep 10 S te

m

b er

Cocktail Party

ep 10 S te

m

Septemb er

ay Frid 09

09 - 11 SEP 2022

Triple J & Ord River Roadhouse Brunch Champagne brunch cruise up the Ord River with our guests reading from their book.

7:15 am | $90 pp | Celebrity Tree Park

ton ering A literary editor at The Weekend v O e lin Australian, Overington is a two time Caro

asters M n Kere

An author, musician and screenwriter. ‘After the Flood’ is his eleventh adult novel. Dave came to national prominence in 1978 with his gold album, Mug’s Game, and his band Dave Warner’s from the Suburbs.

y Henr a i n o S

A Western Australian illustrator, author and nature artist. White is an enthusiastic advocate for the development of children’s literacy through reading. Her work was shortlisted for the 2018 Speech Pathology Book of the Year.

winner of the Walkley Award for investigative Journalism and winner of the Sir Keith Murdoch Award for Excellence in Journalism.

Born and raised in Halls Creek, Masters was awarded the Master of Counselling Dux for her thesis titled “Identity formation of Caucasian Adults who lived as Children on Aboriginal Mission from 1950-1970”.

Henry is a GP (FRACGP) and author, previously a physiotherapist.

She has been featured in Sydney Morning Herald, RM Williams Magazine and Australian Medical student association. One of her blog post went viral worldwide with over 25,000 shares via MD.

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Kununurra Sun Images: APEX Barra Bash

The Kimberley Coastal Camp APEX Barra Bash Get out your calendar and block out the September long weekend. That’s right, The Kimberley Coastal Camp APEX Barra Bash is on again and this year is its biggest yet!

With more than $50,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs

All activities over the weekend, including angler

including a $15,000 all inclusive stay at the Kimberley Coastal

registrations are at the Kununurra Water Ski Club, with

Camp and a door prize of an $18,000 tinny, just for entering!

regos start from 9am on Friday morning through to 5pm that afternoon. Anyone who didn't get down to register on

Now in it's 25th year, and with a move from Skull Rock to

Friday can do so on Saturday from 7am - 10am. The weigh

the Kununurra Water Ski Club, the Apex Barra Bash has seen

in on Sunday afternoon is a great event for the entire family

entrant numbers rise from 100 to a record of 703 entries in

with the lure dig being a hoot for the kids.

2021.

The tales of triumph always bring a few hard and many In one year the competition saw 90 Barra entered and the

hilarious stories from the weekends activities on the

2021 competition saw Barra entered measuring almost

water with sunken boats, lost rods, boggings and major

115cms.

mechanical break downs being regular features.

The rules of the competition are pretty simple. Anglers are

Local angler, Paul Cunningham recalls his first night fishing

permitted to fish anywhere they like in the region between

the competition, having recently moved to town.

the 23rd - 25th September, from 9am Friday until the deadline of 3pm on the Sunday afternoon.

“Having recently arrived to Kununurra, the invite to fish Lake Kununurra the first night of the Barra Bash with a

Species entered are Barramundi, Bream (Sooty Grunter) and

seasoned local had me in great spirits." Paul said.

Catfish.

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Kununurra Sun

"We fished our way up the lake, starting at the mouth of

deck of the boat shaking in disbelief of how powerful the fish

Crossing Falls, up to the weedbank areas around Spillway

was - it just couldn’t be stopped.

Creek and made our way back down to a row of trees sitting nearby the now moonlit Elephant Rock.

"Did I just loose the winning metrey or was that the $15K fish?”

"I was advised to tie on a deep-diving minnow lure called a ‘Crazy Deep’ and begin making casts in all directions

The Kimberley Coastal Camp APEX Barra Bash competition

bouncing the lure through the trees and branches we could

could not be as successful as it is without the support shown

see on the side-scan image of the sounder screen.”

by local businesses and the guys at APEX giving their time and effort to put this event together for the community.

“The stillness of that night meant you could hear everything and in that eerie calmness came a sudden

For more information about the event and competition

'SMACK!!!' The rod just about launched out of my hands

follow the APEX Kununurra Barra Bash Facebook page. The

and I thumbed the tiny spool as the fish began to rip line,

event will take place on the 23rd - 25th September 2022.

burying me into the trees to the side of the boat.

"I could feel the line scuffing against the timber and we tried moving the boat to change the angle of the line and try and extract this fish. “POP!” It was gone. I sat on the 17

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Kununurra Sun

Wearing Your Art On Your Sleeve CORALEE MCCARTHY

You may remember we featured El Questro’s Artist in Residence, Coralee McCarthy in KNX Sun a few months ago. Well, Coralee has decided to step into the sunlight again, this time to talk about her clothing range and how her love affair with the Kimberley continues.

After being guided by her mum in fashion design and textiles at a young age, Coralee taught herself the art of fashion design. Although it wasn’t something she invested a lot of time into, instead focusing on her art, until recently.

Coralee’s art has become synonymous with the East Kimberley landscapes, so she wanted to be able to provide people with a way to ‘wear the East Kimberley’.

Her learnings from her younger days gave her the confidence to get into clothing and it wasn’t until a classic wet season mishap five years ago that was the catalyst to start.

“Clothing is another way of expressing my art and our customers just love the product,” Coralee said.

“We were staying at Freshwater East Kimberley Apartments during the wet season trying to get our caravan out from Emma Gorge. The King River was over 1.3 metres, we were stuck, so we decided to travel across to Vietnam and find a manufacturer.

“With some luck we found an Australian couple that had a small factory, after a few meetings and a few drinks later, they decided to take us on.”

Coralee’s collection began with mens shirts and has since expanded to include ladies shirts, yoga pants, dresses, tote bags, board shorts and hand-painted homewares.

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Kununurra Sun

Some of Coralee’s art, including the well known Kimberley Boab print was developed specifically for the clothing, while others were taken off existing artworks. We’re not surprised to hear that the most popular piece of clothing features Coralee’s famous Kimberley Boab print. If you’ve attended an event in the East Kimberley in the last few years, guaranteed you would have spotted several punters rocking the funky design.

Knowing that people often pick clothes based on how they feel when wearing them was at the forefront of Coralee’s mind when designing them.

“This is very important to me,” Coralee said “I decided to go into the market with high quality, well-made and designed products, as clothing is only an ancillary to my art.

“I’ve designed our long sleeve shirts as a loose fit linen and where possible gone for natural products like viscose & cotton twill.”

Coralee’s clothing has been worn all over the world, including places such as Denmark, Paris and Germany.

“Thanks to Instagram I get to see my clothing all over the place,” Coralee said.

“I saw a photo of a whole group of people on a boat at the Horizontal Falls all wearing the same boab print shirt. When I was back home I went to lunch in Toowoomba one day and a man was wearing my design. That was very cool.”

With the East Kimberley season close to wrapping up and El Questro Station closing at the end of September, Coralee will head home to the east coast for some down time.

“I’m looking forward to catching up with family and friends, taking a well-earned break and getting ready for next season,” Coralee said. “Every year I design a showcase piece, like ‘My Kimberley Story’ this year. I am looking forward to getting creative and bringing back something even better.”

And if you wondered how Coralee stays motivated to create new pieces and come back to ELQ each year, well the answer is simple.

“That’s easy! I have the best job in the world,” Coralee said.

“Painting every day on the grass at ELQ with perfect weather and happy ‘on holiday’ customers coming by every day.

“Coming back is an easy decision as I feel we are improving every year with the new clothing designs and the Art Gallery.”

You can purchase Coralee’s clothing online via coraleemccarthy.com.au the whole range is also available at the El Questro Art Gallery with some items available at Ellenbrae Station on the Gibb River Road.

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Kununurra Sun

Images: Lucy Shorter

Lucy Shorter KIMBERLEY CREATIVE Learning about Lucy’s journey to Kununurra and viewing her artwork, the first thing that came to mind was ‘she’s got substance’. From her ‘art that offends’ to her emotive portraits of Queenie Malgil and Shirley Purdie, her subjects differ. And as a sandgroper I can’t help but feel a smidge of regional WA nostalgia (and pride) when the ‘red cans’ feature.

YOU'RE ORIGINALLY FROM NSW, WHY DID YOU MOVE TO

acrylics, and I love to draw with pastel and charcoal.

KNX? I work in health care and was running my own clinic in North-

TELL US ABOUT YOUR RECENT PIECE - THE PORTRAIT OF

Western NSW. By 2018, the years-long drought was devastating

QUEENIE MALGIL?

the region and business was slow. I was after additional income,

I love portraiture. I’m not sure if other artists do this, but

so did a bit of locum work for an organisation in Derby and

occasionally I look at someone and think “what a paintable,

Broome. I had a great time and hoped to return. By 2019, the

expressive, gorgeous face you have!”

opportunity to work for that organisation full-time arose. I

I’ve known Queenie for some time and she was happy for me

closed my business and was on the plane to Broome within

to take her photo. This painting was supposed to be a drawing,

a few weeks. I loved living in Broome, but I’m not a ‘coasty’

but somehow I got painting. It’s quite large. I used acrylic paint,

and knew I wouldn’t stay forever. Luckily the organisation has

charcoal, pastel, dirt and glue. It’s textured and heavy.

an East Kimberley branch! I begged work to send me there.

I always give the portrait back to the subject (if they want

Eventually they managed to wrangle me a full-time position in

it). I’m not too sure if I’ve achieved enough likeness in this

Kununurra and I was able to move across for good. Oh, and I

painting… I might have to have another go and let Queenie

met my boyfriend here too! He had a bit to do with it…

choose which one she wants.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?

YOU HAVE ALSO PAINTED SHIRLEY PURDIE, WHAT WAS

Varied… Moody even. In some of my work I aim for photorealism, IT LIKE MEETING HER? while other works are more loose, painterly and uninhibited. My

A privilege! I met Shirley about a year ago. I adore her art. I’m

mediums vary too. I paint in oils primarily, but also play with

lucky to meet so many special people in my travels. It’s nice to 20

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Kununurra Sun

connect with fellow artists, talk about what they’re working on

IS THERE OTHER CREATIVES THAT YOU FIND

and try to learn a thing or two.

MOTIVATING/INSPIRING? I love art by Ben Tankard and Gary Abkin. My art is nothing like

WE ALSO HAVE TO ASK, WHY THE EXPORT?

theirs, but seeing their paintings always makes me want to go

Ahh, the polarising Emu Export cans! I suppose they’re my

and create something.

candid observation of the Kimberley landscape. When I first arrived here and went for a walk, my impression was: “It’s

FAVOURITE BOOK OR PODCAST?

beautiful, and there’s Emu cans everywhere!”. Live here long

Podcasts: “Bang On” and “My Millennial Money”.

enough and you’ll begin to expect them within your line of vision, or maybe even appreciate them as little works of art

Books: No favourites. I alternate genres between “trashy novel”

in and, of themselves (I have a soft spot for kitsch graphic

and “non-fiction that will teach me something I should already

design). Their placement within my paintings is a local & WA

know”.

reference, hence their unpopularity in other states.

WHAT IS THE NEXT DESTINATION ON YOUR TRAVEL LIST DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE PIECE YOU HAVE PAINTED?

AND WHY?

“Clive the Cane Toad” which I painted for my boyfriend back in

Burren Junction, NSW. Why? I miss that big sky, there’s lots of

2019. It’s vulgar, feral and makes me laugh. It’s on the “art that

sheep work to do and it would be nice to see my family.

offends” side of the spectrum! I’ve also done a huge semiabstract sunset of Cable Beach. So many people have asked to buy it but I just can’t let it go.

Find Lucy's quirky cool artworks on her Instagram @lucy_ shorter_art or displayed at Artopia Gallery.

WHERE DO YOU GO-TO FOR INSPIRATION? On walks, drives and the internet.

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Kununurra Sun

Come on and join the Sun! MAKE YOUR DAY A LITTLE BRIGHTER WITH OUR NEW KNX SUN MERCH! AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE AT KUNUNURRASUN.COM

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Kununurra Sun

Between the Lines THE SILENT LISTENER BY LYN YEOWART WORDS BY: LACHY WITHNALL There are secrets in the Henderson family. The Silent Listener hears them all.

In George Henderson’s final days, his estranged daughter, Joy, begrudgingly returns to the family property in regional Victoria to care for him.

Once an esteemed member of his local church community, George Henderson is a vengeful, violent man who will be missed by none.

One death-bed confession later, we begin a dark examination of both the lies we tell the world and those we tell ourselves, weaving themes of fear, shame and loss of innocence against the sun- bleached, overripe landscape of Australian drought.

Yeowart builds her world in exquisite detail, setting her scene and characters with the kind of poetic prose which will appeal to lovers of anything written by Trent Dalton.

This is wittingly advanced through the character of 1960’s Joy, a young girl with synesthesia, which causes her to experience exciting visual imagery on exposure to certain words. ‘Pristine’, ‘polypropylene’ and ‘perfidious’ were ‘particularly palpable’ to this budding literary critic.

The novel cleverly engages switching timelines, allowing the reader to follow three parallel, and seemingly unconnected, plots at once- Joy and George in 1983; Joy and Ruth through the 1960’s; George and Gwen in the early 1940’s.

This ploy only works through Yeowart’s sharp and cunning

ultimately converging at an entirely unexpected, but completely devastating, finale in the final pages.

The Silent Listener is Yeowart’s debut novel and easily cements her as an Australian author to watch.

This cracking read kept me up well into the night on a recent trip to Balgo and I’ve banged on about it since.

Thrilled to have the opportunity to do it again here.

RATING: 4.5 SUNS

writing, carefully building suspense before leaping to a concurrent storyline of a different era - regularly leaving the reader on tenterhooks for several chapters.

All three timelines build to a thumping crescendo, before

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Kununurra Sun

Colour Me Happy COLOURING IN ISN'T JUST FOR THE LITTLE ONES. IN FACT, ACCORDING TO OUR TRUSTY DOCTOR GOOGLE, COLOURING IN CAN REDUCE STRESS, DEFY THE AGING PROCESS AND DEVELOP CONCENTRATION SKILLS!*

*MIGHT NOT BE TRUE BUT WE'LL BELIEVE IT

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Kununurra Sun

KUNUNURRA SUN KITCHEN

Spinach, Basil & Boab Leaf Pesto A BIG THANK YOU TO MANDY FROM KUNUNURRA COMMUNITY KITCHEN FOR SHARING THIS DELICIOUS RECIPE. A rich, nutritious pesto perfect with pasta, chicken, or simply as a dip. Brazilian spinach, Rocket, Sweet Basil and Thai Sweet Basil lovingly grown and harvested from the Community Garden. Boab leaves harvested with permission from Miriwoong Country.

INGREDIENTS Brazilian spinach

IMAGE: MANDY MILBURN

Sweet basil & Thai basil leaves

S

Rocket Boab leaves (young) Extra virgin olive oil Parmesan cheese

sil leaves

NS

Pine nuts Garlic Sunflower seeds Pumpkin seeds Salt & Pepper METHOD 1. Wash all greens 2. Combine in blender until desired consistency and taste 3. Optional to add sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds after blending for extra texture.

4. Spoon into sterilised jar with lid.

5. Once opened, store in fridge.

DID YOU KNOW

Spinach, basil & boab leaf pesto

Young Boab leaves will have a milder flavour. Research indicates the iron content of a boab leaf is 26 milligrams per 100 grams (compared with 3mg per 100g contained in an average steak). Leaves are also high in Vitamin C, Calcium and other nutrients.

150ml jar

sired

15 minutes

eeds and

A rich, nutritious pesto perfect with pasta,

g for

chicken, or simply as a dip.

h lid.

Brazilian spinach, Rocket, Sweet Basil and Thai Sweet Basil lovingly grown and harvested from the Community Garden. Boab leaves harvested with permission from from Miriwoong Country. artlandish.com | 10 Papuana St, Kununurra | Monday to Friday 9am – 4pm, Saturday 9am – 12pm, Closed Sundays

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Health tip Sept Issue - V1.indd 25

Young Boab leaves will have a milder flavour.

29/08/2022 8:58:10 AM

Kununurra Sun

Balls 'n' All

KUNUNURRA BRUMBIES TOUCH FOOTBALL

commitee's decision on who will play in each grade sensibly

The Kununurra Brumbies touch football competition came

informed by the most divisble points difference on the ladder,

to an exciting close with the grand finals played on 26th

the second half of the season is sure to be competitive

August. Kelly’s Knobs and the Brewleggers came head to head to determine the winner of the A Grade with Kelly's

EKFL

Knobs taking out the top spot. The B grade final was

The EKFL has finished up after the grand final was hosted

between Goal Diggers and Argyle Lakers, with the Argyle

at Kununurra town Oval with the Kururrungku Roos making

Lakers coming out on top.

their first ever final and taking a hard road to the big dance by playing every week of the finals after finishing the regular

OUTDOOR BASKETBALL

season in 4th place. Unfortunately the Roos weren’t quite

The basketball season is underway again and many of those

good enough to trouble the Halls Creek Hawks who easily

with aerial skill have once again switched from taking marks

accounted for them taking possession of the 2022 flag after a

to slam dunks. Team numbers are solid and be sure to get

90 point victory.

down to the outdoor courts (adjacent to PCYC) to catch some of the men and women showing off their pure talent.

KUNUNURRA SQUASH CLUB We hear it was quite the racket down at the squash courts for

KUNUNURRA NETBALL ASSOCIATION

their grand final at the end of August. Congrats to all players

Teams are gearing up for finals with Juniors, A and B Grades for a fun season! The official grading for Season 3 begins on all contesting for the top spot! Head on down to the netball

Wednesday 7th September. New players and members are

courts to watch the exciting games to come. Players, don't

more than welcome to come along!

forget to buy your tickets for the end of season wind-up!

If you’re a local club who would like to be included in our next INDOOR CRICKET

edition please reach out to us via kununurrasun@gmail.com -

The season is fast approaching its midpoint which will

we want to make sure everyone is represented!

see the competition split into A and B grades. With the

Brown Falcon Falco berigora

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Kununurra Sun

Applications are open and Gala tickets are now on sale!

Award Categories: • Innovation • Community Contribution • Indigenous Excellence • Tourism Excellence • Sustainable and Environmental Practices • New Business of the Year All applicants who apply for the categories above will automatically go in the run to win: • Businessperson of the Year • Business of the Year

24 Sept

Written applications close and judging period commences.

24 Sept

22 Oct

On-site visits.

29 Oct

Finalists and Winners announced at the End of Season Business celebration GALA dinner.

It is FREE to enter the Business Excellence Awards.

To enter, please contact Clare via: ceo@ekcci.com.au

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Kununurra Sun

JOBS ON SEEK

Fancy a tree change?

Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Kimberley - on us!

We’re currently hiring for management and sales positions in our Kununurra showroom.

Your new life is waiting…

Our new store manager will be decked out with an $80k salary, bonus, accommodation and a car!

For our other positions salaried and hourly rates are available, starting from $55k.

We incorporate flexible working arrangements wherever possible and provide full training.

Contact Krysta Ryan at careers@ninas.co today if you can help us spread the sparkle!

K U N U N U R R A • Kununurra Shopping Centre, Western Australia 1800 878 997 D U N S B O R O U G H • Centrepoint Shopping Centre, Western Australia 1800 878 997 enquiries@ninas.co CER T IF IED S PE C I A L I S T

Sept Issue - V1.indd 28

@ninas_co

/ninasjewellery

W W W. N I N A S . C O 28

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