January 13th, 2026Double donors boost Rex fundraising
Daylesford’s Phoenix@The Rex community cinema has moved significantly closer to reopening following a donation commitment of up to $40,000 from local residents Lahn, pictured right, and Anton Straney-Kraft.
The couple has made an initial $20,000 donation and are personally matching a further $20,000 from the community dollar-for-dollar. If fully matched, their contribution will total $40,000 and bring the cinema group close to installing the projection and sound equipment needed to begin screening films.
Fresh momentum
Cinema group president Jules McDonald said the donation had provided fresh momentum for the project going into the new year.
“We are delighted and grateful for this generosity and far-sightedness.”
The cinema redevelopment has been driven largely by community fundraising following Hepburn Shire Council’s sale of The Rex building in 2022. Since then, new owners Eddy and Malinka Comelli and artists David Bromley and his wife Yuge have supported the project, with Eddy completing the partially built shell and the Bromleys contributing generously to fundraising efforts.
Volunteer efforts
Over recent months, volunteers have raised funds through raffles, sausage sizzles, a Movie Trivia night at the Daylesford Bowling Club, a Night of Magic and Music at Hotel Frangos, a Feast and Flick series at Radius, an Open Garden day at Musk and a large Indian dinner that raised $20,000.
The cinema group also approached the council seeking a $50,000 contribution from reserves set aside for community facilities that would have been housed in The Rex. When that request was declined, additional private donors stepped in, including $20,000 from a retired senior business executive and his wife, who asked to remain anonymous.
A place to gather
“We used to love going to films at The Rex,” the executive told The Local recalling it as a particularly important place to gather in winter.
“We are disappointed at the council’s lack of interest in a project which has such community value. For us, it’s a really good thing to support Jules and her team, who are doing all they can to make it a success.”
The couple said their support was driven by both personal connection and the role the cinema would play in the town.
“One way or another” they have been coming to Daylesford for 15 years.
“We love the town and the people,” said the executive’s wife. “It gives us great pleasure to give something back to the town. The cinema will come to fruition in the first half of the year.”
Broader support
Lahn and Anton said their decision to donate and offer a matching contribution was shaped by concern that the project could lose momentum without broader support.
“Sometimes bad things can lead to good,” said Lahn. “Without council help there was a sense of hopelessness.”
Lahn is a self-made health-technology entrepreneur with a background in epidemiology and biostatistics. He has worked in global public-health research and continues to work as chief scientific officer in a care-sector focused software delivery and licensing company.
Anton, who grew up in Sweden, is a keen reader and local volunteer. He regularly helps with Meals on Wheels and contributes to community fundraising, including Cliffy’s CFA Christmas event.
Donations
Donations to the cinema are tax deductible and can be made via the Australian Cultural Fund at: www.artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000WGkrLMAT/daylesford-cinema-equipment-projects
Words: Kevin Childs | Image: Contributed
