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DO THINGS

and

GROW WINGS

Story and Photos
by Phoebe Maroulis.

n July 2008, over a cup of tea with The Macquarie Theatre was once
I my artist/friend Katie Barton, I considered the ‘heart’ of the town and
shared my grand plan to synergise on 20th November 2009, I exchanged
businesses and community groups in contracts and bought this iconic
the central NSW town of Wellington to building (then still referred to as the
create a dynamic communal space for ‘Rugby Club’).
the region. Two days later my amazing
I wanted to bring a rundown old visionary friend, co-conspirator and
building back to life and reinvigorate inspiration, Katie, passed away, and I
our fabulous community in the process. began a somewhat wild ride.
In just over two years from that Katie’s death sparked a spiritual My social enterprise aims to
conversation my vision is close to journey and steered me to look for maintain a positive long-term financial
being realised by utilising a forgotten ways the building could foster outlook, foster community development
treasure — our long-closed local cooperative growth by being a central and be a model for other people who
picture theatre. point for socialising, inspiration, may be inspired to “Do things and
The original opening of the learning and community building. grow wings”.
Macquarie Theatre was on the 21st The responsibility of owning such a
May 1938. The theatre was licensed to building is enormous. The building is a
seat 903 patrons on two levels and was fine example of inter-war architecture
regularly filled to capacity at the height being built in 1938 at the height of the
of its popularity. After closing its doors Australian cinema boom. Most long-
as a cinema in December 1975, the term local people have strong memories
theatre was purchased by the and attachments to the building and
Wellington Rugby Club who from 1980 definite opinions on what needs to be
used it as the club headquarters and bar. done.
On top of this desire to follow my
dream was a practical need to keep
personal finances in the black and
address the tremendous health and
safety responsibilities inherent in
redeveloping an historic building.
In 2011 the Macquarie Theatre
will be reborn as a thriving hub in
Wellington of public and private
activity with commercial businesses
and community groups working hand in
hand, supporting each other to foster
mutual growth.
Next time you are passing through
town why not swing by and say hello!

A more detailed history of
The Macquarie Theatre will appear in
the next edition of CinemaRecord!

CINEMARECORD 2010 29