Music scene to get a boost at Youth Zone

The JD Hardie Centre is set to become the heart of Hedland’s burgeoning local music scene, as it makes the transition from sport centre to youth zone over the next few months.

With all town recreation services moving to the Multi Purpose Recreation Centre on its opening in July, the JD Hardie Centre will become the JD Hardie Youth Zone, a one-stop shop for youth services in the area.

A key feature of the transformed centre will be a band rehearsal room and mobile recording studio, kitted out to a professional level and open for use by the wider community.

Town of Port Hedland youth development officer Olivier Humbert said with equipment coming from all over the world to bring the music facilities to a professional standard, the new centre was sure to be popular with the music community.

"We know there are people around town of all ages who have nowhere to rehearse with their bands besides sheds in Wedgefield or their parents’ garage, and this will give them all a place to go, " he said.

"We’re encouraging everyone to just come down and use the new facilities when they are complete…it’s not just a Town of Port Hedland music room, it’s for the whole of Hedland."

Member of local band Still Waiting and Town of Port Hedland production co-ordinator Brad Holder said the new facility would be a huge help to locals with an interest in music.

"I’ve been in a band in Hedland since I was about 12, and it’s very hard to get going around town with nowhere to rehearse and the need to source equipment from Perth, " he said.

"With these facilities, people will be able to walk in, plug in and start playing on professional equipment, and it will look and feel like they’re on a proper stage.

"It going to be a huge thing for the bands around town that already exist, and to help engage the others around town that want to get involved in music but haven’t had the chance."

The JD Hardie Youth Zone is expected to be open and ready for business in the next few months. For more information email youthc@porthedland.wa.gov.au.