Maranoa MP David Littleproud said the Federal Government was keen to keep cinemas open by supporting the recovery of the arts and entertainment sector in Kingaroy with $35,000 awarded to Kingaroy’s Satellite Cinema under the Supporting Cinemas’ Retention Endurance and Enhancement of Neighbourhoods (SCREEN) Fund.
A total of 125 independent cinemas across Australia would receive a share $7.3 million from the latest round of SCREEN Fund grants to support their resurgence from COVID-19 disruption, with Kingaroy again being successful to secure this funding.
“Independent cinemas are a vital component of our economic, social and cultural wellbeing – that’s why we continue to provide one-off business continuity grants to support the cinemas’ resurgence from prolonged closures and capacity restrictions,” Mr Littleproud said.
“This 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.
“This latest round of funding helps independent cinema operators to keep providing a popular, low-cost and COVID-safe way for people to go out and enjoy a movie as part of their local community.”
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, click here.
