Page 14 - CR

oday the sleepy North Queensland
Ttown of Brandon has a small population
of around 1200 residents. However a rich
history in the local sugar-cane industry
with its Pioneer Sugar Mills and Delta Iron-
Works Foundry once made for a bustling
community and all the amenities that went
with it – including its own picture-show.

The first movies were held in Closky’s Hall,
a very basic structure built in 1901 which
served the town well until a new purpose-
built theatre was constructed. The Renown was originally an open-air
theatre, until November 1957, when it was
In 1949 Victor and Alf Green together with remodelled and completely roofed-in. In this
their families, opened The Renown Theatre. period, the theatre also served as a venue for
The first programme on opening night was a Night Tennis Court.
Fred Fanning.
The Dolly Sisters and Renegades.
Just prior to 1949, the Fanning family had
Renown - open - air days. moved from a farm just past Payard’s
Lagoon, to a house in Spiller Street, a few
houses down from the theatre.

Fred’s mother, Kate, became a cleaner at
the Renown with Fred starting in 1951
as the spool boy. Wilf Watson of Banister
Street, Brandon, was the projectionist.
Working beside Victor was his wife Silvia
and their son Russell, together with Alf
and his wife Mollie.

Roof under construction.

14 2012 CINEM AREC ORD