New South Wales Film and Television Office involvement in the restoration of the Roxy theatre at Bingara, and opportunities to replicate that success in north western NSW.

Brendan Byrne, Annabelle Dulhunty, Brendan Smith - Brendan Smith meeting with Chapel Cinema representatives Brendan Byrne
and Annabelle Dulhunty.

[Some background history as to how the Kytherian built Roxy theatre at Bingara, NSW, came to be restored. For other Bingara Roxy information, see this section, or perform an internal search under Roxy Bingara].

New South Wales Regional Cinema Officer Tours the Region

Brendan Smith, Regional Cinema Officer at the New South Wales Film and Television Office has been visiting the region to attend the opening of Bingara's Roxy Theatre and to tour regional cinemas.

“This has been a great opportunity to see firsthand the ongoing development of regional cinema in the New England and North West, to tour regional cinemas and meet with operators and film societies,” said Mr Smith.

“The Roxy opening was an event in itself – an opportunity to see the outcome of a great deal of hard work by the Bingara community and to showcase the work of artists from across the region.”

“It highlighted what is possible.”

The State's Regional Cinema Initiative had its birth at the Roxy in 1996 when Jack Ritchie, Regional Arts Development Officer at Arts North West, visited the Bingara Shire Council to identify needs and opportunities.

Arts North West then developed a report, which was presented to Minister Bob Debus proposing the need for support of regional cinema.

The Roxy was the first venue funded through the new scheme.

Cinemas are now in operation throughout the region and statewide.

The opening also provided a focus for groups in the area – an opportunity for regional cinema operators to gather in one place and share ideas and experiences. Many of those in attendance had been involved in the development of the Roxy either directly or indirectly through their advice and support.

During his visit, Mr Smith visited Barraba, Gunnedah, Narrabri, Bingara, Moree, Inverell, Glen Innes and Tenterfield.

He also spoke with Arts North West, cinema operators and film societies about an opportunity to develop an elective group from the region that might meet twice a year to share ideas and experiences, create partnerships or share films.

For further information, contact Jack Ritchie at Arts North West on 02 6732 4988.