Page 25 - CinemaRecord #86

In c. 1994, the Warracknabeal Shire was
abolished in the state-wide amalgamation of
shires for economies of scale, and merged
with several nearby shires to form the Shire
of Yarriambiack. The Warracknabeal Town
Hall’s office space was deemed unsuitable
for the new Shire’s expanding needs and was
relocated to new, modern premises built for
the dedicated purpose in 1995, amid some
controversy. This situation left the
Warracknabeal Town Hall in a somewhat
precarious position.

In 2006, a community survey was conducted
by the Shire of Yarriambiack as to whether
the Town Hall should be retained or
demolished, but there was overwhelming
support to save the building. A voluntary
Management Committee was formed to
operate and maintain the Warracknabeal
Town Hall. Supported by an auxiliary, it has
endeavoured to restore the building by
fundraising and application for grants.

Dress Circle seating 2015
The Town Hall suffers some shortcomings
for its continuing viability as a community
remaining lease to Frank O’Halloran. Locals By c. 1964, David and Nola Mollison were the and entertainment venue in its current
remember the Warrack screening British exhibitors - though still under the auspices of configuration. The stage is too small to
Empire films, whilst O’Halloran (through his O’Halloran’s lease but, with the introduction of accommodate touring orchestras or large
contacts with major suppliers) had the more television in the district, they informed council musical or theatrical productions, as has
popular American films for his theatre. He then they would cease film screening in the inadequate dressing room facilities. It is still
resumed the “Regent” name at the Town Hall. Warracknabeal Town Hall from 17 December used for social functions and as a regular
1966. venue for meetings. Being the largest hall in
David Mollison, who arrived at the Regent the Shire, it remains the focal point for the
Warracknabeal as relieving manager i n During the early 1980s, another independent community in times of emergency or crisis.
late 1952 from Swan company leased the Town Hall, operating as
Hill, recalls the Civic Theatre for a period, but supervision The Management Committee has had some
of the younger patrons became an issue as success in obtaining grants (with Shire
patronage became marginal. The departure of assistance) to fund maintenance for this
this exhibitor sounded the death knell for the iconic Warracknabeal building. In 2010, a
Town Hall as a working theatre. (See Brian Heritage Victoria grant funded the
Miller’s article in CR#1). replacement of windows and wiring, whilst
flood insurance grants enabled repair of the
Much of the late 1930s equipment still remains auditorium floor and replacement ceiling. A
in the bio-box today as a snapshot of a bygone recent Shire grant will enable the kitchen to
that the era, including the C&W P5 projectors with be upgraded.
projectionist was a local RCA sound-heads and arcs, switchboard,
man, Ivor Kelm (assisted by his wife rewind equipment and even a few old glass The building was added to the Victorian
Pat) throughout the time the Town Hall was a advertising slides. The original upholstered Heritage Register in 2009 for its
cinema. Four regular usherettes were an dress circle seats also remain. architectural and historical significance.
important part of the cinema operation, and the 2015 is an important year for the Town Hall,
th
kiosk was run by a local lady, Heather Hatcher. as it celebrates its 75 anniversary as
Nola Mollison ran the ticket box. Films Warracknabeal’s civic heart. Let us hope
screened on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday that its citizens realise the building’s
nights as well as a Saturday matinee. significance, both past and hopefully in the
future, as a worthwhile community asset.
Two films would be shown per session, with a
Cinesound Newsreel preceding the main Special thanks must go to the Management
feature. David remembers in 1953 that, when Committee (especially Jenny Taylor) for their
news came that King George VI had died, the assistance in research for this article. «
film was stopped, an announcement made, and
everyone departed the theatre as a sign of References:
respect. Warracknabeal - A Municipal History (1861-1961)
By Ian Maroske
Films changed twice weekly, with large Warracknabeal Herald 1938-40 (various articles)
advertising posters placed outside the theatre, Victorian Heritage Database (VHR) H2223
as well as at the local bakery and at Muir’s Encyclopaedia of Australian Architecture
Cordial factory to promote feature screenings. by P. Goad and J. Willis.
David Mollison of Warracknabeal.
CinemaScope was installed in the mid 1950s. Tim Armstrong. (CATHS)
O’Halloran relinquished the responsibility of
CinemaRecord CR#1 -
running the theatre in Warracknabeal in c1963 Warracknabeal Theatres by Brian Miller.
to concentrate on other localities in his cinema CinemaRecord CR#27 -
chain and other business interests in Melbourne. O’Halloran Theatres by Gerry Kennedy.
One of the C&W projectors still in situ.

CINEMARECORD # 86 25