$35k help to keep big screen

THE Bowen Summergarden Theatre has been given a lifeline from the pandemic, with a $35,000 grant under the Morrison Joyce Government’s $20m Supporting Cinemas’ Retention Endurance and Enhancement of Neighbourhoods Fund.

Dawson MP George Christensen said the grants would support the recovery of independent cinemas from significant declines in revenue due to Covid-19.

“This cinema has suffered from a decline in revenue as a result of Covid-19 restrictions and social distancing requirements, and this funding will enable the Summergarden to keep operating despite the disruption to our lives, which is so important to the fabric of the Bowen community,” Mr Christensen said.

Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Minister Paul Fletcher said the government was committed to keeping cinemas operational during the pandemic.

The one-off business continuity grants of up to $85k were administered by Screen Australia.