THE HON. GREG HUNT MP
Federal Member for Flinders
Minister for Health and Aged Care
THE HON. PAUL FLETCHER MP
Federal Member for Bradfield
Minister for Communications,
Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
The Morrison Government has helped three independent cinemas across the Mornington Peninsula keep their historic projectors rolling; thanks to grants awarded through the SCREEN fund.
Three levels of funding are 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 |
| Dromana 3 Drive-In | $35,000 |
| Peninsula Cinemas Sorrento | $35,000 |
| Peninsula Cinemas Rosebud | $60,000 |
Owner of Dromana 3 Drive-In, Paul Whitaker said, “As a local business with 59 years of history, this funding is much appreciated during this pandemic to keep our film reels rolling and we can’t wait to put it to good use.”
“Australian Cinema is important to us and with the help and funding from Screen Australia, we’re able to keep presenting genuine Australian stories on our screens.”
“We look forward to seeing Independent Cinemas like us work closer with Screen Australia to deliver more Australian Programming onto screens around the country.”
Federal Member for Flinders, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP said the grants have provided a lifeline for local independent cinemas through the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Local independent cinemas are key parts of our community, bringing friends, family and partners together,” Minister Hunt said.
“The Morrison Government’s SCREEN fund has given these cinemas a valuable lifeline during state government lockdown restrictions, so they won’t have to close their doors on their rich history in our community.”
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said more than $8.7 million had now been allocated for 158 independent cinema sites across the country.
“Independent cinemas are so important to the social and cultural health of our communities in Australia, which is why we acted quickly to introduce our $20 million SCREEN Fund,” Minister Fletcher said.
“Through this fund we are already enabling 158 cinemas to keep operating and to provide a popular, low-cost and COVID-safe way for people to go out and enjoy a movie as part of a community – particularly in regional areas.”
Administered by Screen Australia, the fund assists independent cinema operators who have experienced significant declines in revenue due to the pandemic, with one-off business continuity grants of up to $85,000.
In recognition of the economic, social and national importance of the cultural and creative sector, the Morrison Government is investing over $1 billion into the arts and creative sector in 2021-22.
SCREEN Fund applications are open until 24 December 2021 or until total funds are committed. For more information on the SCREEN Fund, visit: https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/funding-and-support/covid-19-support/screen-fund
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