Page 14 - CinemaRecord #85

of the theatre) became the centre for many
cultural and community activities.

In 1936 the Miner’s Union leased the Plaza
Theatre and both venues came under the one
management. The same programs were shown
at both theatres although the Plaza screened
only on Saturdays and Sundays. There was a
change of manager in 1939; Laurie Strickland
being succeeded by Arthur Dempsey.
In 1939 another, more extensive, remodeling
was being planned for the Union Theatre by
the architects H. Vivian Taylor and Sollieux.
The Union was closed for 9 weeks and all film
programs were transferred to the Plaza during
the reconstruction.
The Union was transformed both externally
and internally at a cost of £6000. Starting with
a new two-storied art deco styled frontage the
multi purpose hall was transformed into a Destroyed by fire, Thursday 10 April 1980
cinema. The former committee room at the
front left was converted into a manager’s became the main theatre in the area and posters again – this time it was during events involving
office, a new ticket box and sewered toilets. A promoting films were sent to the surrounding the Australia-Soviet Friendship league. A near
glass walled crying room and another ticket towns of Leongatha, Inverloch and riot took place at one lecture / film session and
box were built on the right hand side. A piped Korumburra and surrounding districts it had to be abandoned. This event had far
hot water heating system was also installed. including Phillip Island. reaching repercussions in local committees and
on various traders in the town for many years.

The Miners’ Women’s Auxiliary boycotted
traders who were allegedly involved in the
demonstration at the Union. Another major
union campaign battle also took place in 1949
and once again the Union Theatre became the
centre of relief operations. The Government of
the day even had the town’s power cut off. The
strike lasted for about three months.
During 1958 the Union Theatre again became
A curved staircase led to the new upstairs foyer In 1941 the Plaza Theatre was converted from the protest centre for the district, this time due
and enlarged dress circle. All of the upstairs its ballroom and cinema function into a to the Government’s refusal to extend the coal
areas were fully carpeted. A new projection clothing factory and later a shopping arcade. mines. The State owned rail system was
room was also built containing upgraded The Union screened most days from this time. converting its steam locomotives to oil and
equipment. Major alterations to the stalls area During the war years the Union hosted Sunday introducing the new American diesel electric
included the sloping of the floor. The afternoon concerts for the war effort. Night engines. The miners had dwindled in number
rectangular auditorium was softened with the time attendance at the Union was made for 833 (1953) to 529 in (1957-58).
construction of splayed walls to the stage difficult because of the lighting blackout
proscenium. Piped, hot water heating was around the town. Given its mining importance With the advent of television in 1956 and the
introduced by means of foot warmers under and close proximity to the sea Wonthaggi was extension of hotel trading hours audiences had
most of the seating. The capacity of the theatre considered to be a town at risk and slit trenches begun to decline at the Union. By the end of
altered to 964 (lounge chairs 392, circle 182 on vacant blocks around the business district the 1960s the Union was reduced to screening
and stalls 390) and air raid shelters in peoples back yards were once or twice a week. In December 1969 the
common. State Coal Mine closed with only 109 miners
The Union was reopened with a Gala event in left, the Miner’s Union held its last meeting
December 1940 with every union member In 1949 during the cold war years, the Union and the following Saturday night the Union
receiving a free ticket. The Union Theatre Theatre was the centre of political drama screened its last film. Bob Hamilton, the
theatre manager retired. Wonthaggi’s
The Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre now occupies the site. population had declined with the fortunes of
the mines to only 3,800. 2

With the decline in film screenings over the
years the Miners’ Union had allowed various
union, political, community, educational and
sporting groups free use of the theatre. In 1969
The Union Theatre was offered as a gift to the
Wonthaggi Borough Council. However, after
an assessment of the maintenance required and
the cost of relocating the screen in the stage
area to allow live theatre, the offer was
declined.

The ownership of the theatre was then passed
by the Wonthaggi Miners’ Union (upon its

14 CINEMARECORD # 85