The efforts of hard-working volunteers to keep films rolling at Toogoolawah Pictures through the pandemic will be underpinned by a $35,000 grant from the Morrison Government’s $20 million Supporting Cinemas’ Retention Endurance and Enhancement of Neighbourhoods (SCREEN) Fund.
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the Morrison Government was committed to keep cinemas operation during the pandemic.
“Independent cinemas are so important to the social and cultural health of our communities, which is why we acted quickly to introduce our $20 million SCREEN Fund,” Minister Fletcher said.
Local Senator Paul Scarr said the grant was great news for the Toogoolawah and District Progress Association, the town’s historic Alexandra Hall and importantly, the region’s cinema goers.
“I’m so pleased the Progress Association has been successful. The grant which will allow the volunteer committee and its members to undertake upgrades to the hall, screen and sound system,” Senator Scarr said.
Screenings are currently held fortnightly (Saturday nights) with patrons enjoying the full, old-style movie hall experience, including canvas seats.
Association secretary Helen Brieschke said she was “over the moon”, adding the grant would be used to replace the screen, second-hand speakers which were installed more than 20 years ago and refurbish the hall’s floor.
Ms Brieschke said the hall and its cinema equipment was owned by the Progress Association. All activities were undertaken by volunteers, including the projectionist who’d screened pictures for more than 20 years.
Administered by Screen Australia, the grants assist independent cinema operators who have experienced significant declines in revenue due to the pandemic, with one-off business continuity grants of up to $85,000.
In recognition of the economic, social and national importance of the cultural and creative sector, the Morrison Government is investing over $1 billion into the arts and creative sector in 2021-22.
SCREEN Fund applications are open until 24 December 2021 or until total funds are committed. For more information on the SCREEN Fund, visit: https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/funding-and-support/covid-19-support/screen-fund
Media contacts:
Fletcher: Christine Byllaardt | 0409 433 357 | Christine.VandenByllaardt@communications.gov.au
Senator Scarr: 3186 9350
