Published Friday, 23 May, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Preservation of Malanda’s Majestic Theatre a step closer
The return of Malanda’s Majestic Theatre to its former glory is one step closer with the Queensland Government today providing funding of $25,000 to restore the theatre.
Main Roads and Local Government Minister Warren Pitt presented the funding cheque to Tablelands Regional Council mayor Cr Tom Gilmore today while visiting the theatre.
The funding is from the Legacy Infrastructure Program (LIP), a $100 million capital works program to create legacies for Queensland’s 150th anniversary in 2009.
“It’s really exciting to see this project on its way to completion,” Mr Pitt said.
“This theatre is a living icon. It’s played a part in the lives of locals since the Malanda area’s gold rush days and it remains a popular source of entertainment for locals to this day.
“The Queensland Government’s contribution will help create a legacy of Queensland’s 150th anniversary, while preserving one of Australia’s last country picture theatres.”
The timber theatre is one of the longest continually running theatres in the country and was built on Ngadjon Aboriginal land in 1928 by entrepreneur Patrick “Paddy” English to take advantage of the tremendous potential promised by ‘cinematographe’.
Today, it remains a cultural hub for activity in the Atherton Tablelands and is an icon in north Queensland history and architecture.
It was designed by architect Bob Hassell and constructed by builder Albie Halfpapp. It is famous for its large timber clad parapet at the front of the building and its original-style oak-framed canvas bleachers for theatre-goers on the inside.
Cr Gilmore said the council was most appreciative of the $25,000 LIP grant and would match it with another $25,000 to restore the theatre.
“We believe this building is an incredible part of the heritage of the region,” he said.
“While it has, to a degree become rundown over the past few years, repairs will enable us to bring it back to its former glory, paying tribute to Paddy English and subsequent generations of the English family.
“We are very pleased as a council to be able to take this step which would have been impossible without the Queensland Government’s assistance.”
Mr Pitt said the restoration of the theatre was a great way to commemorate the history of the area and serve the community into the future.
“When considering projects for funding through the Legacy Infrastructure Program, we were looking for practical tributes. That is, projects that will provide real and lasting benefits to the community for years to come,” he said.
“I feel very confident that this project will more than achieve this outcome.”
Work is about to begin on restoration, which is due for completion in December 2008, and an official opening is planned for 2009.
The theatre is owned by the Tablelands Regional Council. It is operated by Rayner Pacific Partners.
As well as showing movies, the theatre is also used for a broad range of community activities, and is the home of the Malanda Theatre Company.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Main Roads and Local Government Minister Warren Pitt presented the funding cheque to Tablelands Regional Council mayor Cr Tom Gilmore today while visiting the theatre.
The funding is from the Legacy Infrastructure Program (LIP), a $100 million capital works program to create legacies for Queensland’s 150th anniversary in 2009.
“It’s really exciting to see this project on its way to completion,” Mr Pitt said.
“This theatre is a living icon. It’s played a part in the lives of locals since the Malanda area’s gold rush days and it remains a popular source of entertainment for locals to this day.
“The Queensland Government’s contribution will help create a legacy of Queensland’s 150th anniversary, while preserving one of Australia’s last country picture theatres.”
The timber theatre is one of the longest continually running theatres in the country and was built on Ngadjon Aboriginal land in 1928 by entrepreneur Patrick “Paddy” English to take advantage of the tremendous potential promised by ‘cinematographe’.
Today, it remains a cultural hub for activity in the Atherton Tablelands and is an icon in north Queensland history and architecture.
It was designed by architect Bob Hassell and constructed by builder Albie Halfpapp. It is famous for its large timber clad parapet at the front of the building and its original-style oak-framed canvas bleachers for theatre-goers on the inside.
Cr Gilmore said the council was most appreciative of the $25,000 LIP grant and would match it with another $25,000 to restore the theatre.
“We believe this building is an incredible part of the heritage of the region,” he said.
“While it has, to a degree become rundown over the past few years, repairs will enable us to bring it back to its former glory, paying tribute to Paddy English and subsequent generations of the English family.
“We are very pleased as a council to be able to take this step which would have been impossible without the Queensland Government’s assistance.”
Mr Pitt said the restoration of the theatre was a great way to commemorate the history of the area and serve the community into the future.
“When considering projects for funding through the Legacy Infrastructure Program, we were looking for practical tributes. That is, projects that will provide real and lasting benefits to the community for years to come,” he said.
“I feel very confident that this project will more than achieve this outcome.”
Work is about to begin on restoration, which is due for completion in December 2008, and an official opening is planned for 2009.
The theatre is owned by the Tablelands Regional Council. It is operated by Rayner Pacific Partners.
As well as showing movies, the theatre is also used for a broad range of community activities, and is the home of the Malanda Theatre Company.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819