THE HON. GREG HUNT MP
Federal Member for Flinders
Minister for Health and Aged Care
MEDIA RELEASE
21st February 2022
The Morrison Government continues to support the recovery of the arts and entertainment sector across the Mornington Peninsula with an additional $130,000 awarded between three local cinemas under the second round of the $20 million Supporting Cinemas’ Retention Endurance and Enhancement of Neighbourhoods (SCREEN) Fund.
Three levels of funding were available from $35,000 to $80,000 based on the size of the cinema as a one-off business continuity support.
Across the Mornington Peninsula the following independent cinemas have received funding:
| Cinema Name | Funding |
| Peninsula Cinemas Rosebud | $60,000 |
| Peninsula Cinemas Sorrento | $35,000 |
| Dromana 3 Drive-in | $35,000 |
This additional funding has doubled the previous rounds investment to a total of $260,000 since 2021.
Owner of Dromana 3 Drive-In, Paul Whitaker said that the Dromana Drive-In has weathered the ‘perfect storm’, thanks to the Morrison Government’s SCREEN fund.
“Thank you to the Federal Government initiative of the SCREEN Fund in helping many Independent Cinemas during this very difficult time.” Mr Whitaker said.
“COVID-19 has seen us under mandatory lockdowns of over 300 nights, then during the periods when we were able to operate, increased demand along with staff shortages.”
“The SCREEN fund grant will help to secure the business into the future, employing more staff (when available), upgrading technology and long awaited repairs to infrastructure. The association with Screen Australia through the SCREEN Fund will make the presentation of many more Australian Made movies a reality.”
“A big milestone is fast approaching, December 21 2022 will be our 60th Anniversary. We are planning a big community celebration!”
“Thank you to all patrons over the years, I’m sure there are many stories that could be told. Make a Memory at Dromana 3 Drive-In.”
Federal Member for Flinders, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP said this additional funding will continue to allow independent cinema owners to keep their projectors rolling COVID-safely.
“Local independent cinemas are key parts of our community, bringing friends, family and partners together for so many years,” Minister Hunt said.
“Local places like the Dromana 3 Drive-In and Peninsula Cinemas have a history of entertaining locals for decades and it’s important that they haven’t been left behind in the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“The Morrison Government’s SCREEN fund gave these local cinemas valuable support during last year’s state government lockdown restrictions; and now they’re getting a further boost to keep their projectors rolling.”
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said a total of 125 independent cinemas across the country would receive a share $7.3 million from the latest round of SCREEN Fund grants to support their resurgence from COVID-19 disruption.
“Independent cinemas are a vital component of Australia’s economic, social and cultural wellbeing, which is why we continue to provide one-off business continuity grants to support the cinemas resurgence from prolonged closures and capacity restrictions,” Minister Fletcher said.
“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.”
Administered by Screen Australia, the Government announced a second round of the SCREEN Fund in December 2021 to support independent cinema operators with grants of up to $85,000 if they have experienced significant declines in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
SCREEN Fund applications are open until 30 April 2022 or until total funds are committed. For more information and to check eligibility, visit: https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/funding-and-support/covid-19-support/screen-fund
Media contacts:
Minister Fletcher:
Christine Byllaardt | 0409 433 357 | Christine.VandenByllaardt@communications.gov.au
Callum Carter | 0447 696 500 | callum.carter@aph.gov.au
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