Junee’s iconic Athenium Theatre is one of the last remaining regional movie theatres. Photo: Junee Council.
To visit Junee’s iconic Athenium Theatre is to step back in time and the heritage-listed facility looks set to endure well into the future with a major enhancement on the cards.
Regional movie theatres were once a local cultural hub offering a window to the world in the days before TV, but with just a handful of the original buildings remaining in NSW, the latest round of investment in the Athenium is great news for the Riverina.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke was in Junee with NSW Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin to announce a grant of more than $1.5 million through the NSW Government’s Creative Capital program.
“The Athenium Theatre is a historical landmark for the region and through the support of the NSW Government it can now present high-calibre performances and shows for the enjoyment of the local community,” Ms Cooke said.
“The works will enhance Junee’s iconic Athenium Theatre to be a fully functional performance centre, allowing more of the building’s potential and capacity to be realised.”
Opened in 1929, the building was scheduled for demolition in 2003 to make way for a new medical centre before community members rallied to save the site and succeeded in securing heritage listing in 2004.
A development master plan put in place in 2018 and extensive restoration began to steadily return the Athenium to its former glory.
NSW Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin takes in the stage at the iconic theatre. Photo: Ben Franklin.
The theatre once again hosts regular movies with a mix of old and new and is becoming a popular spot for visiting performers to play and experience its early 20th-century charm.
The upgrade will transform the existing entry and kitchenette to become a multi-purpose area, add more backstage dressing rooms and rehearsal spaces, upgrade sound and lighting and install a new solar panel system.
Junee Shire Council Mayor Neil Smith said it had once again become an important place for the community to gather and experience arts and cultural activities.
“I am confident this state-of-the-art facility will significantly benefit our community by ensuring everyone can access creative experiences and further entice visitors to the beautiful Riverina region,” Cr Smith said.
Minister Franklin was enthusiastic about the project.
“I am so passionate about bringing old theatres and cultural venues back to life. Today was another great addition,” he said, adding that the Athenium should be a venue of choice for touring programs, performances and events.
“This important investment will improve the theatre’s capacity as a premier venue to attract a greater variety of cultural experiences and community uses.
“Increasing the possible entertainment options of the theatre will strengthen the regional tourism offering and boost the Junee economy.”
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