Smaller community theatres are benefiting from Euroa Community Cinema’s makeover.
Violet Town St Dunstan’s Hall Film Society and Albury-Wodonga Theatre Company are repurposing Euroa cinema’s middle to back rows of seating, which were installed second-hand in 2004.
While the cinema’s historic seating (original balcony chairs) will stay in the front rows, the subsequent rows of cloth chairs will be upgraded to modern theatre seating within an accessible and inclusive new floor plan for 260 moviegoers.
Strathbogie Shire Mayor Laura Binks said 145 cloth chairs with external cupholders would soon be replaced by 158 wider chairs with built-in cupholders, and five dedicated wheelchair spaces within some rows of seating.
“We advertised for expressions of interest from community groups in December [2021] and are delighted the Violet Town and Albury-Wodonga film and theatre groups wanted to repurpose the old chairs in their arts spaces,” she said.
“While enhancing the cinema experience in Euroa, rehousing the old chairs is a great outcome for cultural assets in three communities – and saved unnecessary waste to landfill.”
The Euroa Community Cinema renovation is funded by a $130,000 cultural and infrastructure grant from the Victorian Government.
The makeover began in January with re-sanding and polishing floorboards, and will include repainted walls, steam-cleaned drapes, in addition to spacious new seating and improved accessibility.
“Previously wheelchairs could only be parked beside a row of seating, but the new floorplan has dedicated wheelchair spaces within some rows. There will also be two rows of chairs with lift-up arm rests for people who need more room,” Cr Binks said
With the arrival of Euroa cinema’s new seating delayed by COVID-19, a re-opening date has not yet been confirmed.
Violet Town St Dunstan’s Hall Film Society secretary Rebecca Cole said two 11-chair rows of cloth seating from Euroa Community Cinema were being reconfigured to replace the group’s plastic outdoor seats.
“Our ‘gold-class’ chairs are six house recliners and a couple of couches, and the Euroa cinema seats will complement them well — becoming our ‘silver-class’ seating,” Ms Cole said.
Strathbogie Shire Council delivered two 11-chair rows removed from the Euroa cinema to the Violet Town Men’s Shed in late January for remodelling.
“We are grateful to Strathbogie Shire Council for the donation and delivery, and we’re hoping to have them ready for our next film night on March 18,” Ms Cole said.
“We are always looking for new members, so our new chairs may also attract more people to come along.”
Albury-Theatre Wodonga Theatre Company president Joseph Thomsen said 13 rows (123 chairs) of Euroa cinema’s old seating had transformed the group’s modest theatre space in south Albury.
“It has changed the whole look and helped the area feel like a theatre space,” he said.