Echuca cinema receives federal funding boost

By Nicole Thomson

Jul 22, 2021

Echuca's Paramount Cinemas has been granted $60,000 as part of a Federal Government fund assisting independent cinema operators hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Cinemas across the country have been under COVID-19 density restrictions and forced closures since March 2020.

Federal Member for Nicholls Damian Drum said the $20 million Supporting Cinemas’ Retention Endurance and Enhancement of Neighbourhoods fund had so far supported 158 cinemas across Australia.

“I'm happy that Paramount Cinemas in Echuca is receiving this important funding given the difficulties and uncertainty that operators have experienced for the better part of 18 months." Mr Drum said.

“This funding will enable our independent cinemas to keep operating during a period of severe disruption that continues to significantly impact the bottom line of businesses.”

Administered by Screen Australia, the fund offers one-off grants of up to $85,000.

Federal Arts Minister Paul Fletcher said independent cinemas were important to the social and cultural health of communities.

“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,” he said.

Alongside the Paramount, cinemas in Eaglehawk, Bendigo and Ballarat also received funding through the SCREEN program.

By Nicole Thomson