Independent cinemas at Taree, Tuncurry and Laurieton will share $155,000 of a federal government grant to to continue the delivery of family friendly, low-cost entertainment for the local community.
Fays Twin Cinema at Taree, Great Lakes Cinema 3 at Tuncurry and the Plaza Theatre at Laurieton have been approved for funding support, as part of the $20 million SCREEN Fund program.
Fays Twin Cinema and Great Lakes Cinema 3 operators, Peter and Jaire Howard, said they are pleased the recent restrictions have now lifted as business slowly returns to normal.
"We have about 40 staff between our cinemas and we've been able to keep them in jobs which has been extremely important," Mr Howard said.
"Thanks to David (Gillespie) for going in to bat for us; we're looking forward to a great year ahead."
We have about 40 staff between our cinemas and we've been able to keep them in jobs which has been extremely important.
- Peter Howard, Fays Twin Cinema and Great Lakes Cinema 3 owner
Federal Member for Lyne, Dr David Gillespie said the funding is to support community industry which was shut down for a number of months last year because of health orders.
More than $17.7 million has been invested from the federal government's SCREEN Fund to support 200 independent cinemas across the country, in the wake of the COVID pandemic.
Administered by Screen Australia, a second round of the SCREEN Fund was announced in December 2021 to support independent cinema operators.
SCREEN Fund applications are open until April 30 2022 or until total funds are committed.
For more information and to check eligibility, visit: www.screenaustralia.gov.au/funding-and-support/covid-19-support/screen-fund
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