NSW Nationals: Lights, camera, action: lighting upgrade for Dubbo Regional Theatre

Audiences and performers are set to benefit from a stage lighting upgrade at the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre, thanks to a $1 million investment by the NSW Nationals in the state government.

Nationals Member for Dubbo, Dugald Saunders, was today joined by Nationals Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin and representatives from Dubbo Regional Council to announce funding from Create NSW’s Creative Capital program.

Mr Saunders said this lighting upgrade will enable better outcomes for hirers and community users of the theatre.

“It was only this time last year when the Mayor and I were treading these very boards, with cameos in the Dubbo Theatre Company’s production of Mamma Mia: The Musical,” Mr Saunders said.

“This funding will allow Council to upgrade to more modern LED lights, reducing cost, waste and labour, ensuring this exceptional theatre is better for users, audiences and the environment.

“This upgrade will ensure the venue will facilitate back-to-back shows and local theatre and dance companies will be able to spend more of their booked time rehearsing on stage, due to the motorised and programmable functions of the lights.”

Nationals Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said the funding will benefit the Dubbo region by providing new opportunities for audiences to engage in arts and cultural experiences across communities with quality cultural infrastructure.

“This is an important project for the Dubbo region that will shape its future as a destination for arts and culture, and enhance experiences for audiences and performers alike,” Mr Franklin said.

“Cultural equity is at the heart of the NSW Government’s Creative Capital program and thanks to this $72 million fund, more projects like this can now realise their ambitions, providing more people with access to world-class arts and culture, no matter where they live in the State.

“The people of NSW deserve a rich and diverse cultural offering and this funding will ensure our museums, theatres, performance venues and galleries are fit-for-purpose and continue to present quality arts and cultural experiences.”

Dubbo Regional Council Mayor Mathew Dickerson said the funding will allow Council to provide a contemporary facility for the whole region.

“This is a significant contribution from the State Government and I’m pleased Council and the NSW Government can work together to deliver a great outcome for this magnificent performance space,” Councillor Dickerson said.

“The lighting renewal will not only enhance the performances we enjoy, reduce operating costs and allow for extended use of the space, but will also ensure the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre is a modern, contemporary facility for the whole region to visit.”

Further details on the Creative Capital program are available on the Create NSW website at www.create.nsw.gov.au