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This is the new name for the Daylesford Community Theatre Inc., which is currently trading as the Daylesford Cinema. It is a not-for-profit, community-operated independent cinema. It is also an Incorporated Association.

The Daylesford Cinema group comprises a team of skilled and enthusiastic volunteers who reside in Daylesford and surrounding areas to redevelop the Daylesford Cinema, which was forced to close in 2018. Bound together by a love of cinema, our volunteers currently serve across four functions: 1. An incorporated Committee of Management: responsibilities include governance of the Cinema Group, strategic planning and direction, financial management and oversight, development, oversight, and review of the business plan, volunteer management and recruitment, facility management and programming, and community and business engagement. 2. Project Team: responsible for planning, implementation, and management of outfitting of the cinema in collaboration with the Committee of Management. 3. Marketing & Communications sub-committee: responsibilities include making recommendations to the Committee of Management about branding, website development and management, marketing and market research. 4. Fun(d) raising subcommittee: responsibilities include making recommendations to the Committee of Management for fundraising activities, organising them, and providing the people power (arms and legs) to undertake them. 5. Sponsorship subcommittee: responsible for securing sponsors to support the return of the cinema. This involves reaching out to businesses and organisations, building partnerships, and gathering financial or in-kind contributions to help bring the cinema back to life.

The Comelli and Bromley families own the Rex building. The owners are working collaboratively and in good faith with the Daylesford Cinema Group to revitalise the facility. The upper floor of the building containing the cinema shell and the balcony area will be leased as the cinema. Under the arrangement with the new owners, the Cinema Group will fit out the existing shell as a modern, 70-seat cinema with a café/bar and ticketing area. The owners will complete the building of the cinema shell previously built by the council, the balcony area and the toilets. The renovation will stay true to the Art Deco style of the original structure. The cinema group also plans to ensure an eye-catching street entrance with attractive lighting and signage inviting locals and tourists to experience and enjoy the venue.

We are currently approaching local businesses to seek sponsorship support. Showbiz Delacombe has generously provided much advice and support. Showbiz will also provide some services at a low cost to help re-establish the cinema.

The cinema group kept excellent records throughout its operation. Each year, the accounts were audited and presented in the annual reports provided at the Annual General Meeting, showing a viable organization making an annual and increasing profit. In summary, $150,000 was spent on building and outfitting the cinema, which included construction of the bio box, stage, tiered flooring, timber supplies, floor coverings, paint, electrical and lighting, air conditioning, soundproofing, seating, projection and sound equipment, laptop, and refrigerator. The expenditure of $150,000 does not relate to day-to-day operations. The building work involved in the cinema at the back of the Rex has been demolished, and very little of the equipment purchased is re-usable and was therefore sold; the Cinema group still owns some sound equipment which will be reused. The projection equipment had major issues as it was unused for some time and outdated. The cinema group were advised that it would be best to sell it. The chairs were not retained as storage would have been costly, and there was no alternative accommodation available at the cinema at the time (the donor tags have been kept and will be attached to the new chairs. NB The shell of the new cinema upstairs was built by Council, completion of the build will be completed by the owners. Thankfully this is not a cost to the Cinema Group.

Our fundraising target at present is $70,000. This will cover: Cinema Completion: Finishing the shell of the cinema, including soundproofing and lighting. Seating and Equipment: Purchasing comfortable seats, a high-quality projector, and surround sound system. Building tiers for the seats Bar/Café and Ticketing Area: Creating a welcoming space for refreshments and ticket sales. Operational Costs: Covering expenses during the initial establishment phase.

Our Grant writing team are busy applying for grants from a range of sources.

We are always on the hunt for skilled and enthusiastic volunteers who are committed to working collaboratively with each other to help the Phoenix Cinema @ The Rex rise from the ashes. Please contact Jules McDonald (President) on julesmcd11@gmail.com.

The Phoenix Cinema will require an active team of front-of-house volunteers with various skills and abilities, including: Customer service Administration skills Technical skills Programming interest and skills Promotional skills Volunteer support Ticketing and sales Ushering Cleaning Security Food and beverage service To register your interest, you need to be available for 4 hours per month. Please complete the Contact form and we'll be in touch.

We are always on the hunt for skilled and enthusiastic volunteers who are committed to working collaboratively with each other to help the Phoenix Cinema @ The Rex rise from the ashes. Please contact Jules McDonald (President) by email on julesmcd11@gmail.com.