Facelift for popular community venue space in Murwillumbah
24 January 2019
Tweed Shire Council welcomes more than $1 million in State funding for auditorium
The Murwillumbah Civic Centre Auditorium is set to receive a much-needed makeover, thanks to an injection of more than $1 million from round two of the NSW Government’s Regional Cultural Fund.
Member for Lismore, Thomas George, was in Murwillumbah yesterday to make an announcement about Council’s successful application for the project.
The Regional Cultural Fund supports projects which will enhance the cultural richness and vibrancy of regional communities.
Council’s Acting General Manager, Tracey Stinson, welcomed the $1.114 million in funds for the project and thanked Mr George for his advocacy on behalf of the Murwillumbah community.
"The Murwillumbah Auditorium was built in 1974 and continues to be a much-loved community facility, but of course it is ageing and so needs some TLC to bring it up to modern standards for accessibility, energy efficiency and general functionality” Ms Stinson said.
“We’re grateful to the NSW Government and the local Member Thomas George for this opportunity to bring this well patronised community facility into the 21st Century, so it can continue to celebrate, inspire and entertain our community for many years to come.”
The project will include:
• replacement of the roof to fix persistent leaks
• technical upgrades to theatre equipment such as lighting and sound
• refurbishment of the foyer and provision of accessible toilets
• backstage refurbishment and addition of accessible toilets
The refurbishment is expected to save regular hirers of the auditorium up to $48,000 a year in hire fees for external lighting and sound equipment. Regular users include the Murwillumbah Theatre Company, DoubleMask Youth Theatre Company, Kingscliff Performing Arts, who share an interest with Council in the functionality of the venue for performances.
Other savings include a reduced carbon footprint and increased energy efficiency by installing 274 LED stage and house lights, as well as eliminating ongoing repair costs to a leaking roof that has reached the end of its lifespan.
The total budget for the project is $1,300,835, with a 14.4 per cent contribution from Council.
Refurbishment works are yet to be scheduled however will commence this financial year.
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Caption: The show must go on – in a revamped Murwillumbah Auditorium, say Council’s Acting General Manager Tracey Stinson, Member for Lismore Thomas George, Bryanne Jardine from the Murwillumbah Theatre Company, Heather Martin from the Murwillumbah Festival of Performing Arts and Council’s Auditorium contractor, Colin Elliot.