Big-pitcher people step up to the plate

Narrogin Bowling Club was filled with 75 excited residents keen to see what pitchers had to offer the community at the inaugural Pitch n Plate last week.

At the live crowdfunding event, four people took their place in front of the lectern to deliver a five-minute pitch for an idea they thought would benefit the town.

First up was Jacqui Early with her pitch about improving the safety and aesthetic of Thornton Theatre.

The theatre has been at its site since the 1980s and Ms Early said it needed new lighting and landscaping.

Emma Peddey was the second pitcher and her idea was to install “core boards” across Narrogin’s playgrounds to break the communication barrier between those with and without disabilities.

Large “core boards” placed in the playground area would allow children with hearing or speech impairments to communicate with others.

Bernadette Garnier and Malcolm Jetta presented a joint pitch about providing a Narrogin youth and community hub for young Aboriginal men.

The pair asked for help funding a 10-week program for six boys, designed to improve their health and increase exercise, eventually getting them ready to go for a job.

The last pitch of the night had an artistic flair and came from oil painter Graham Smith.

Smith’s project, Unsung Heroes, was about honouring the people who have made contributions to the town by painting their portraits and displaying them in a gallery.

Mr Smith was asking for nominations with regards to who to paint, as well as funding for art supplies.

Patrons were given three tokens equivalent to the $15 event ticket and were asked to place them in the box according to which pitch they wanted to help fund.

All four Pitch n Plate pitchers received generous funds to help them realise their visions.

The second Pitch n Plate will be in July, when last week’s pitchers will be asked to report on their progress.