WEST WYALONG COMMUNITY WELCOMES OPENING OF CINEMA
The red carpet has been rolled out and a little piece of Hollywood has finally returned to West Wyalong at the grand opening of the Tivoli Theatre cinema at the historic Masonic Hall.
The dream to bring movie magic back to the West Wyalong community has been realised through $150,000 in funding from the Federal Government, $450,000 from the New South Wales Government and $300,000 from Evolution Mining.
Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said he was delighted to attend the Tivoli Theatre’s Grand Opening.
“The Tivoli Committee is a group of dedicated volunteers who have done so much to get to this point, and I commend everyone involved in this wonderful project,” Mr McCormack said.
“I am proud to have delivered $150,000 through the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program to such a worthwhile facility which will benefit the entire Bland Shire community.”
State Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said it was exciting to see the Tivoli Theatre opened to the public.
“Both the committee and the wider Bland community have had this dream of having a local theatre in the area for a long time, so I am pleased it has now become a reality with the help of over $450,000 from the NSW Government under the Stronger Country Communities Fund,” Ms Cooke said.
“The project has truly been a great way to breathe new life into the lovely historic Masonic Hall which now offers something for everyone to enjoy.”
“I thank Tivoli Committee and volunteers for all their hard work and ongoing involvement in the development of this fantastic entertainment facility.”
Bland Shire General Manager Ray Smith PSM said the Tivoli Theatre project was initiated through the community and was found to be a much-wanted facility.
“The facility will not only be a state-of-the-art cinema, it will also function as multi-purpose venue for any number of other community events,” Mr Smith said.
“This is another example of a great partnership with all levels of Government with Evolution Mine also providing a significant contribution to the project.”
Evolution Mining Cowal Gold Operations General Manager John Penhall thanked everyone whose efforts, determination and generosity had brought the theatre to life. He said its opening was an exciting milestone for West Wyalong, adding to the social life of the town.
“We’re part of the Bland Shire community and that's why we’re so proud to be supporting initiatives and projects like the Tivoli Theatre,” Mr Penhall said.
“Community theatres bring so much to small towns, by keeping history alive, contributing to that core sense of community and ultimately adding to the reasons why you would want to both visit and stay.”
West Wyalong Tivoli Committee Chairman Ron Cooper said the reborn Tivoli West Wyalong would bring to life the iconic name that was, from the early to mid-1900s, the hub of entertainment in West Wyalong.
“The 85-seat community cinema and theatre will carry on the rich history of its namesake,” Mr Cooper said.
“While screening the latest movies will be its core business, it will also be a multi-use venue available for hire for private functions, public meetings, art exhibitions, charity events, conferences and small musical and drama productions.”