Page 22 - CinemaRecord #21R.pdf

To facilitate the awarding of a grant the Committee decided to transfer the ownership of the theatre to the
Lowan Shire Council. The application for funding was unsuccessful. The last regular film screening took place
on 2 June 1984 when " Jaws Ill" was shown(?). Ownership of the building passed to the Council on 8 June 1984.
The Horsham architectural firm of Beyer, Wilson & Crisp had been engaged by the Council in 1983 to undertake
the planning of the restoration of the Memorial Theatre {1 ). Some reconstruction work began in December,
1984, and upon receipt of Government grants major works followed.

Over the next two years the theatre was altered, refurbished and re-equipped at a cost of $625.000 financed by
Federal and State Government grants, Council grants and loans, service club and community donations as well
as voluntary labour.

Nhill Memorial Community Centre 1997

The major external alterations included the shifting of the entrance to the corner, the installation of large corner
windows to the upstairs foyer. Most of the ventilation windows have been bricked over. The frontage has been
modernized at the street level and above the awning. Two large contoured panels have been fitted to the
facade together with a smart colour scheme of cream and tan, the building now projects a modern image on the
streetscape.

Internally the major alterations were in the two foyer areas. The lower floor shop and office areas were gutted
and the foyer was opened up into a spacious area. A new ticket box was installed, and new toilet facilities have
been built on the east side. A new, open tread, staircase now leads to the upstairs foyer where the floor levels
have been arranged on different planes. The different floor levels together with the void space to the lower level
enhance the feeling of spaciousness.

Large tan coloured panels of sound deadening material have been fitted to the walls of the auditorium; these
also provide an effective colour contrast to cream painted walls. Apart from the ceiling of the auditorium, the
interior of the building now presents a modern look with very little of the former decor evidenced.

New larger, blue grey chairs have been installed in the circle reducing the seating capacity to 250.

New 'house' and stage lighting and a second hand, ducted air conditioning plant have been installed. Additional
dressing rooms were added to the stage area and new fire curtain was hung. A new jarrah dance floor was laid.
The Honour Boards have been relocated and given pride of place along the back wall under the rake of the
circle. The projection room was also refurbished and the equipment now includes a pair of Australian made
Centrex projectors with Phillips Arc Houses. A T.S. Stereo sound system is used.