December 2nd, 2025Mo money for cinema

Hepburn Shire Council has voted against helping out the new Phoenix@TheRex Cinema, deciding a grant of $50,000 is not warranted.
Mayor Tony Clark vacated the chair at the November 25 council meeting to move that $50,000 go to cinema equipment, with a written agreement on key legal and building arrangements.
The cinema, he said, would add significant amenity to the local community and further afield, increasing the district’s lifeblood, richness and economy.
Among questions raised were disabled access (there is a lift) and interest among school students (all councillors were sent the results of a hugely supportive survey).
One question disclosed that the interest on the $1.75million in reserve for community purposes (from which the $50,000 was sought) is used for council expenses and does not go to the reserve.
Cr Shirley Cornish said the equipment valued at $50,000 would be worthless in five years. She was concerned about a private landlord and the possible waste of ratepayers’ money. Councillors Lesley Hewitt, Don Henderson, Pat Hockey and Cornish voted the move down.

Cr Brian Hood spoke to a second motion, with added financial safeguards, saying objections raised were just red herrings.
“We resolved as a council to assist the Cinema Group, and we resolved to create a reserve (fund) for community facilities. This is an appropriate use of that reserve fund…this is an extraordinary, unique application, a worthy one…
“The fact that the cinema is housed in a private building is irrelevant. Council is not contributing to the purchase of the building, but to projector and sound equipment secured against assets.
“The group has demonstrated strong fundraising success, securing significant tangible support. Council’s contribution of $50,000 represents only part of the total funding required. We’ve all been provided with all the data.”
His motion was lost on a similar vote, with councillors Hood, Clark and Tim Drylie in favour.
Group leader Jules McDonald said that while there was dismay and disappointment at the council’s rebuff, it was not entirely unexpected and would not deter the group from pressing on.
“We do know how badly the cinema is needed and the hundreds of hours put in by volunteers will not go unrewarded.”
Words: Kevin Childs