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NEW SOUTH WALES Preston Footscray
The former Preston Progress Hall was The former La Scala in Footscray was passed
Avoca Beach recently sold at a figure in excess of $900,000. in at auction recently, with the $2.8 million top
After a four year battle with authorities and Dating back to the 1930s, the Progress bid refused. Opened in 1957 (closed 1972), the
local residents, the Avoca Beach Picture operated as a cinema from the 1930s until La Scala was one of the last single screen
Theatre has gained approval to add three extra c. 1959. venues to be built in Melbourne.
cinemas, plus a foyer, cafe and additional Source: realestate.com.au � Source: www.realcommercial.com.au �
parking. Source: Daily Telegraph �

Collingwood Melbourne
SOUTH AUSTRALIA The former Austral at 200-202 Johnson Street, Workmen restoring the mosaic floor, which
Fire has destroyed Adelaide's last remaining a carpet showroom for many years, has been had been hidden under carpet for the past
drive-in cinema, after someone used a car to sold to developers. The new owners say that 50 years at the Forum Theatre have
break into the property and steal an ATM. they will definitely retain the façade. discovered a glass faced clock inlaid into the
floor. The clock, located near the Flinders
The main building at the Mainline Drive-In Described as Greek revival, the theatre opened Street entry doors, was originally illuminated
at Gepps Cross went up in flames at about in 1921 under the control of Robert McLeish, from the basement. It will be reinstated as a
1.30am on Wednesday and authorities say the who later leased, or managed eight theatres, feature. Source: Sunday Age, 26 March.
suspicious blaze has caused at least $400,000 some in association with Hoyts. His best
in damage. � known were the Rivoli Camberwell (1921-40) Daylesford
and Rivoli East Hawthorn (1940 to present). The Daylesford Community Theatre Inc. was
recently granted a 10 year lease on the Rex
Whatever the Austral lacked in interior style, Cinema. The “new” Rex operation will be
it made up for in its unusual program format. moved from the rear of the original building,
Three nights a week it showed the current and will now occupy the former circle of the
MGM and Paramount films, followed by the original theatre. Source: Ballarat Courier. �
latest offerings from Hoyts.
Source: The Age, 25 March.
Footscray
Michael Smith, owner of the Sun Theatre,
Yarraville (CATHS regular meeting place) has
confirmed he plans to open a new cinema
Footnote: Showing great resilience, the drive- complex in the heart of Footscray as part of the
in reopened the following Saturday night, redevelopment of the former Forges site on
utilising a number of food vans to supply the Albert Street.
hungry patrons. Mr Smith said the new cinema will feature up Balwyn
Source: AAP, 29 March. The Palace Cinemas Balwyn has recently
to eight screens. The development was recently expanded from five to eleven auditoria. The
approved by Maribyrnong Council. Source:
VICTORIA recently completed renovations maintain the
www.starweekly.com.au
integrity of theatre’s art-deco herritage.
Mildura Source: /www.palacecinemas.com.au
Wallis Cinemas has announced that effective
4 May, the Deakin Cinema, Mildura will be GENERAL INDUSTRY NEWS
under the ownership and management of Hoyts in South Australia has announced a
Wallis Cinemas. reduction in entry prices for their SA cinemas.
The new ticket price will be $10.00. A recent
Former owners, Chris and Carol Mitchell will check of their advertising in other states does
continue to assist Wallis in the management of not show a similar change.
the cinema during the transition period. Reporters:
Barrie Wraith, Tony Tibballs, Colin Flint, Royce
Harris, Earl Martell.
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