Keeping Bribie Cinema doors open

Bribie Cinema has received $35,000 in Federal Government funding to help it stay open during the pandemic.

It is part of $20 million for the arts and entertainment sector from the Supporting Cinemas’ Retention Endurance and Enhancement of Neighbourhoods (SCREEN) Fund.

Federal Member for Longman Terry Young said the funding would help the recovery at Bribie Cinema, at 225 First Ave, Bongaree.

“This funding will help them to recover from severe disruption that has largely impacted their revenue streams, and work towards restoring normal operations as COVID-19 restrictions ease,” Federal Member for Longman Terry Young said.

Delighted

Bribie Cinema owner Luke Warburton said he was delighted to receive the funding under the program which will help keep the projectors running.

“Though it’s getting better, we’re still not anywhere near where we were pre-covid,” Mr Warburton said.

“This funding means we’ll be able to keep operating and providing this important entertainment asset for the local community.”

Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, Paul Fletcher, said 125 independent cinemas across the country would get a share of the funding.

Doors open

“The Morrison Government has committed $17.7 million to date from the SCREEN Fund to support 200 independent cinemas across the country to keep their doors open, continue offering employment opportunities, and carry on showcasing diverse stories to entertain their communities,” he said.

Administered by Screen Australia, the second round of the SCREEN Fund had grants up to $85,000 if venues had experienced significant declines in revenue due to COVID-19.

SCREEN Fund applications are open until April 30, 2022 or until total funds are committed.