Young singer blows competition away

Budding songstress Anastasia Cassidy rocked South Hedland’s town square last Friday with a stirring rendition of a Kasey Chambers hit to become the youngest winner of the Youth Involvement Council’s annual talent show.

At just eight years old and fearless in front of more than 200 bopping community members, Cassidy has a big future ahead of her, according to Hedland’s Got Talent organiser and YIC manager youth development Kristal-Kareen Wyllie.

“Anastasia blew the crowd away with her performance … she has an amazing voice,” she said.

Ms Wyllie said Cassidy’s talent at such a young age highlighted why YIC held the annual event for performers up to 25 years old, which featured everything from hip hop to dance routines.

“It gives (local youth) a sense of acknowledgement for their talents,” she said.

“Port Hedland is a small town, but there is some amazing kids that live inside it.”

Young singer Ryan Russell, 11, took the competition’s second place, while indigenous dancer and former Hedland’s Got Talent winner Tresha Tinker, 16, came third.

The town’s volunteers, artists and sports stars also shared the limelight as YIC handed out its Youth Of The Year Awards as part of the show.

Gabrielle Menze’s efforts volunteering in the Hedland community garden earned her the Community Award for 10-17-year-old kids, while Jesse Pawloff’s stints on community radio earned him the 18-25-year-old award.

Other winners included Female Sports Stars Selecia Ryder (10-17 years old) and Shaikera Cabales (18-25), Male Sports Stars Callem Sweetman (10-17) and Reece Edgar (18-25) and Arts winners Montana Lavaki (10-17) and Mickaylah Cooper (18-25).

Zahra Hodder also won the 10-17 Education Award, while Neryssa Brown won the Career Award for the 18-25 age range.