UPGRADES to the historic Bowraville Theatre have moved ahead with a new disabled-access lift, lighting console and construction of a disabled access walkway well underway.
Last year in December, NOTA reported that the project to upgrade the theatre with the installation of dressing-rooms and disabled access, was in danger of being abandoned by Nambucca Valley Council.
Although a grant of $707,000 was received under the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund (BLERF) in 2021, building costs had escalated and project managers allocated to the project had been unable to initiate works.
With the deadline for completion of the work, approved under the grant’s conditions, fast approaching, Council staff recommended cancelling the grant and suspending the project until further money could be found to make up the funding shortfall.
After a large show of community support and with speakers from the Bowraville Theatre Committee using the council’s public forum to voice their dissatisfaction, the recommendation was turned around and councillors voted to investigate options to keep the project alive.
The State Government’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) agreed that if measurable progress could be shown by 30 June 2025, funds would not need to be returned, however the creation of dressing rooms has been put on hold until more money can be found.
According to Nambucca Valley Mayor Gary Lee, as part of the upgrades, the theatre has received an electrical switchboard upgrade, a new lighting console and improved stage lighting, the back of the building has been enclosed to prevent unauthorised entry under the stage, a disabled access lift has been purchased and installed and an updated sound system is expected soon.
Outside works are well underway with the underfloor of the theatre now enclosed in preparation for work to begin within the next fortnight on a fibreglass walkway creating a disabled access ramp stretching from the street to the side entrance of the theatre.
Nathan Keen of Sable Engineering, the local business which is creating the steel structure for the new walkway, told NOTA he expects installation of the ramp’s steel frame will take place in the next fortnight.
“We are thrilled that the improvements are finally moving forward,” Bowraville Arts Council Secretary Dale Hawkins told NOTA last week.
“Now on our fifth Project Manager – who is doing a great job, we are excited to see the theatre going from strength to strength.”
The group are still hopeful that additional funding can be found to build the much anticipated new dressing rooms at the back of the historic theatre.
By Ned COWIE
