Both of Macarthur’s independent cinemas are have been thrown a lifeline to keep their projectors rolling (and the corn popping).
Narellan’s United Cinemas and Campbelltown’s Dumaresq Street Cinemas are among the country’s 125 independent cinemas to share in more than $7.3 million from the $20 million Supporting Cinemas’ Retention Endurance and Enhancement of Neighbourhoods (SCREEN) Fund.
As the Morrison Government continues to support the recovery of the arts and entertainment sector, Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor said this latest grant would allow independent cinema operators to keep providing a popular, low-cost and COVID-safe way for people to go out and enjoy a movie as part of their local community.
“I’m pleased to announce that United Cinemas in Narellan have been approved for a grant of $85,000” Mr Taylor said.
“This funding will enable them to recover from severe disruption that has largely impacted their revenue streams and work towards restoring normal operations as COVID-19 restrictions ease.”
Dumaresq Street Cinemas will receive $60,000 under the second round of the SCREEN fund.
“United Cinemas at Narellan also received a grant of $85,000 under the first round of the SCREEN Fund, so I’m pleased that we can continue to support them through what’s been a challenging time for cinema operators,” Mr Taylor said.
Administered by Screen Australia, the Government announced a second round of the SCREEN Fund in December 2021 to support independent cinema operators with grants of up to $85,000 if they have experienced significant declines in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
