Pilbara youth theatre group take top gong

Triple M’s 2021 Best of Hedland Awards took place last Tuesday, with new local theatre group HATch winning best community or sporting group.

The Hedland Amateur Theatre group for Children is the town’s first theatre group and formed in September after the success of two musical theatre productions in 2018 and 2019.

President and artistic director Elise Batchelor said it provided a new creative outlet for Hedland youth.

“It’s drawn in a whole contingent of young people who have found a home in the theatre where there has not been one for them,” she said.

“We do a lot with confidence, self-esteem, respect, as well as learning those skills to actually present yourself in public.”

Ms Batchelor said it was delightful to win the best of Hedland gong but her main priority was spreading the group’s message.

“It’s not about winning, it’s about knowing that people might connect with us,” she said.

“Any opportunity to come out and get the word out about the group is what we’re about.”

The Esplanade Hotel won best restaurant, accommodation and bar at the awards. Hedland First National Real Estate won the most overall votes in any category.