Page 18 - CinemaRecord #85

The striated concrete blocks provide sound insulation in Cinema 1

Over the years the Summergarden has been painted white on the outside and black on the Cinemas 1 and 2 are served with an “L” shaped
used for many purposes including union underside. This treatment has proved most projection suite. Before the change to digital
meetings, election rallies, health education successful as both a temperature and sound projection, Cinema 1 was equipped with a
lectures, school breakups, service club insulator. The acoustics of both cinemas are Cinemeccanica Victoria 8 (35/70 mm) and
functions, wedding receptions, festivals, etc. excellent. Cinema 2 had a Cinemeccanica Victoria 5.
Film transport equipment consisted of two
The stage was extended in the early 1970s to Ben De Luca pioneered the design of the mutts, two towers, two three plate
accommodate live theatre. In the third year of deeply striated concrete blocks to provide Cinemeccanica platters and one five plate
operation as a theatre 27 shows appeared on insulated walls between the cinemas. platter.
stage in the six month season. Many famous
entertainers, dance troupes and bands appeared
at the Summergarden and patrons travelled
from as far as Townsville to attend.

In 1995 the Summergarden became a two
screen cinema with the construction of the
smaller deluxe Cinema 2 at right angles to the
auditorium. Screenings continued during the
twinning.
The building and projection rooms are fully
automated and air conditioned. There are plans
to build a third cinema of 100 seats on the back
stage area.

A big surprise was the screen curtains and a
set of silk tabs (a rarity).

The corrugated roof of the auditorium was
sprayed, both inside and out with an expanding
foam insulating material. This was then

Right: New digital projector in place.

18 CINEMARECORD # 85