Once again we must be thankful to the amazing Warburton Advancement League. ....
"We must certainly remember with gratitude the foresight and endeavour of the Warburton Advancement League who instigated the purchase of the theatre between the vendors and the Council for a sum of $12,000." - Upper Yarra Shire President, Cr Bruce Aumann JP, 1980.
The Warburton picture theatre was built for Mr. G. Fox by local contractors and it was opened on 2nd November, 1934. The building was officially opened by Colonel Knox in the presence of the Shire President, Councillor Welch and locals.
Colonel Knox said, "The building was a bold business venture, proof of the belief which Mr. Fox had in the future of the town . and the theatre would impress on people the fact that there were those who still believed in the future".
The theatre drew its audiences from surrounding districts and that is the reason why it was named the "Mecca". In 1942 Civic Enterprises purchased the theatre and the name was changed to "Civic Theatre".
The Warburton Swimming Pool Fund Raising Committee leased the theatre in 1967 and with donations received from Guest Houses and residents purchased seats from Hoyts Theatre, and with voluntary workers renovated the Theatre.
In 1972 the Warburton Advancement League was given the option of purchasing the Theatre, and after several public meetings the League purchased the Theatre in 1973 at a cost of $12,000.
Financial assistance for the purchasing of the Theatre was received from the Shire Council and the Minister for the Arts.
In 1974 the ownership of the Theatre was transferred to the Upper Yarra Shire Council and an application was made to the Minister for the Arts for funding.
The Theatre Planning Committee was formed in 1975 and the Ministry approved Gunn Hayball Pty. Ltd., Architects to carry out a feasibility study, and in 1978 tenders for the alterations and additions were accepted by Council.
Shire of Upper Yarra Civic Arts Centre Official Opening Programme Thursday, 12th June, 1980. - Via my Google Drive. ....
Many thanks to Neville Sargent of Yellingbo for the copy of the opening programme. Neville, at the time of the opening was the owner of the Gainsborough building.
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