December 2008 VOLUME 10

BEST IN THE WEST

The Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster was named the State’s best event at the tourism industry’s night of nights, the WA Tourism Awards on Saturday November 29.

The Muster beat four other entries from around the State to take the coveted title in the category of Festivals and Events.

Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster Director Kris Currow said it was a thrill to win the award for the first time. “Full credit must go to our organising committee, staff and the community of Kununurra – we all share in this award. The Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster is now rated as the best event of its kind in the State, which is a real coup.”

This is the first time the Ord Valley Muster, as a two week community festival, has entered the awards. The Muster will now represent WA at the National Tourism Awards to be announced in Melbourne next February.

We would also like to extend our congratulations to Kimberley Croc Backpackers (Bronze - Backpacker Accommodation) and Faraway Bay (Winner - Unique Accommodation) on their awards.

DAM TO LAND

Details of the Muster’s latest Must-Do, Dam to Land, have been released.

This spectacular tour, to be held on Monday 11, Thursday 14 and Tuesday 19 May explores every aspect of the region’s most important asset, its water - from the stunning wildlife surrounds of the Ord River and Lake Argyle, to the intricate irrigation systems used by local growers to harvest the region’s agriculture.

The full-day tour includes lunch, afternoon tea, river cruise, coach tour, expert commentary from the team at the Ord Irrigation Cooperative, visits to working farms and much more.

Plus, you’ll learn how the Royalties for Regions scheme and the proposed Ord Stage 2 development will see the Ord irrigation area double in size to 30,000ha in the next five years, providing growth opportunities for existing businesses, as well as opening the door for investment in new agricultural industries.

For more information about this exciting event, visit the website to download the factsheet.

KIMBERLEY CUISINE

Chris Taylor is renowned within the WA hospitality industry as a celebrated chef, passionate foodie and lover of Kimberley cuisine.

And for the third successive year, Chris returns to Kununurra in 2009 to host Kimberley Cuisine with Chris Taylor on Friday May 8 and 15. This year the cooking demonstrations will be held at the newly opened PumpHouse Restaurant. Located on Lake Kununurra, the restaurant offers spectacular views and a stunning outdoor balcony - the perfect environment to enjoy the best of Kununurra’s local delicacies.

For more information and bookings, visit the website or contact the Kununurra Visitor Centre on 9168 1177.

LIFE 101

Andrew Denton is regarded as one of Australia’s greatest journalists. His uncanny ability to search deep within the soul of his subjects is acclaimed world-wide.

This was never more evident than on Monday, December 2 when his show, Enough Rope, took us inside the heart and minds of Kununurra locals, Ronnie and Will Atkins, Cissy Gore Birch Gault, Frauke Bolten Boshammer and many more familiar faces. They each told their story of the East Kimberley - their love of the landscape, water, sunsets, and wilderness, and the challenges of the heat and isolation. It was Life 101 - Kimberley style.

If you missed the show, visit the ABC website here to view a video excerpt. It truly was compelling viewing!

THE LAST FRONTIER

The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley covers 121,000 square kilometres and includes one of the oldest (Wyndham) and one of the newest (Kununurra) towns in Western Australia. The region also boasts the largest producing diamond mine in the world, some of the most culturally rich landscapes on earth, and a resourceful supply of farmers who can sow and harvest a crop without a single drop of rain. Kununurra, the north-eastern gateway to the Kimberley region, was formed in the early 1960s to service the construction of the Ord Irrigation Scheme. The town has seen the transformation of ancient river plains into one of the most diverse and productive agricultural areas in Australia. Harnessing the mighty Ord River opened up the area to horticulture, aquaculture, eco-tourism and agri-tourism and has seen Kununurra grow to a population of approximately 6,000 people, out of a total shire population of 7,300.

The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley is a proud supporter of the 2009 Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster. For more information about the shire and the region, visit the website, www.thelastfrontier.com.au.