February 2009 VOLUME 11

MUSTER CALENDAR RELEASED

The two-week Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster is a true celebration. Each year the people of Kununurra and Wyndham show the rest of the world how a community, 800 kilometres from Darwin, and over 3,000 kilometres from Perth, can come together to create magic.

In 2009 the Kununurra community has once again put their best foot forward, releasing a calendar jam-packed with events to showcase the dynamic and diverse attractions of the region. With everything from cooking demonstrations to corroborees, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. If your passion is sport, art, entertainment, culture, touring or relaxing, be sure to check out the website for all the details. The Ord Valley Muster - What’s On web link lists every event in date order so you can easily see what’s on, when.

Unless otherwise stated, tickets to all events can be purchased from the Kununurra Visitor Centre. Their friendly staff can provide you with a host of information to help plan your East Kimberley adventure and they can even assist with accommodation and hire car bookings. Contact them on 9168 1177 or email kununurratb@bigpond.com.

MOON ENTERTAINMENT

The line-up of entertainment at this year’s Airnorth Kimberley Moon Experience will blow you away with its eclectic collection of Australian song, dance, rhythm, blues and indigenous bands. Headlined by legendary Australian icons, the Hoodoo Gurus, this year’s bill also includes party band – Slim Jim and the Phatts; everyone’s favourite from 2008 – Blue Shaddy; and the masters of swing – the Australian Army Band Darwin. Check out the full list below.

Plus, our favourite son, James Blundell returns in 2009 as Master of Ceremonies (great to have you back James!) It’s going to be an amazing night of dancing under the stars, so don’t forget to purchase your tickets early by contacting the Kununurra Visitor Centre.

PS If you need a reminder of the Hoodoo Gurus back catalogue of classics, check out their Facebook page here (1000 Miles Away still sounds sensational after all these years!)

THE PERFECT PITSTOP

The MusterBar has become a popular watering hole for visitors and locals to catch-up, share their Muster experiences, enjoy a drink at the bar and recuperate after a long day exploring our precious countryside.

And in 2009, the MusterBar returns at a new home – the Deck Bar at Kununurra Country Club Resort.

With complimentary canapés and drinks at drover’s prices every night, as well as cool cocktail specials, live music and fabulous nightly prizes - the MusterBar is the spot to be from 5 to 7PM every night of the Muster.

This year’s MusterBar merriment includes:

• Drover priced drinks
• Complimentary canapés
• Nightly prize draws
• Entertainment from DJ Scott Day, Chris Matthews, Peter Brandy and Diversion|
• Special event evenings - including Cool Cocktail Nights, Festive Fridays ($1 pizzas!) and Sunday Soirees

A detailed calendar of events will be released soon. Stay tuned for more info!

DON’T FORGET MUM

There’s no excuse for forgetting mum this Mothers’ Day with three fantastic events scheduled on Sunday May 10:

Spirit of the Muster Cruise - savour the gourmet barbequed finger foods and sparkling wine as you cruise Lake Kununurra at its twilight best. You’ll enjoy personalised service from your hosts Paul and Julie Milner, an informal performance by singer James Blundell, and a stunning Kimberley sunset. Tickets $95 per person. Bookings – Kununurra Cruises 9168 1718.

Red Rock Gallery - specialising in contemporary East Kimberley art, Red Rock Gallery boasts the work of many local artists, including Nellie Gordon and Jeannette Dyson. View new works executed using hand ground Kimberley ochres and enjoy a glass of wine and canapés as you meet the artists in residence. Tickets $25 per person. Bookings - Kununurra Visitor Centre.

Mothers’ Day Wine and Cheese Cruise – take a twilight cruise onboard Kununurra’s newest, purpose-built vessel, the Kimberley Durack. Take in the sights and sounds of Australia’s largest man-made lake, Lake Argyle whilst enjoying a delicious selection of gourmet wine and cheese. Tickets $100 per person. Bookings - Kununurra Visitor Centre.

HOME OF SANDALWOOD

Sandalwood Trees are highly sought after for sculpture, religious ceremonies and incense; however it is the oil contained within the plant’s heart that is most coveted. The oil has a warm, sweet and slightly spicy aroma and is used in the manufacture of many prized perfumes, body lotions, soaps and aromatic products. Chanel No 5, Fahrenheit and Obsession are just a few well-known fragrances that contain Sandalwood oil.

Principal sponsors, Tropical Forestry Services (TFS) first planted Indian Sandalwood in Kununurra in 1999 and has since planted over 840 hectares on behalf of almost 600 individual growers and companies, making TFS the largest managed Indian Sandalwood plantation in the world.