Brendan Simpkins

NOW is the time for the community to give back to an institution that has given so much over the years, according to Gawler Cinema owner John Thorpe.

From 12:01am today, cinemas, places of worship and theatre venues can operate at 100 per cent capacity – provided all those in attendance are wearing masks.

This is up from the previous maximum capacity of 75 per cent.

The changes came at a welcome time for cinemas across South Australia, with Easter this weekend and school holidays from April 9.

Mr Thorpe said the cinema needed support from the community to ensure its survival.

“Come back and support us,” he said.

“We have always been good in helping everyone else in the community over the years, so now it is our time to call on (the community) to help us out.”

Cinemas across the country have felt the full force of the COVID-19 pandemic and Gawler Cinema was not immune.

South Australian independent senator Rex Patrick said that 41 out of the state’s 51 cinemas were independently operated.

“Over half of Australia’s independent cinemas are at risk of closing permanently without further government support,” he said.

“If independent cinemas close, there will be far fewer cinemas screening Australian films. Over 50 per cent of the box office takings for Australian films comes from screenings by independent cinemas that provides critical support for our feature film industry.

“Our independent cinemas are a vital part of Australian culture and society. They also bring business to cafes, pubs and restaurants in our towns and shopping centres and employ many thousands of Australians.”

Senator Patrick said box-office takings were down 70 per cent over the past year because of lockdowns, capacity restrictions and delays to new releases.

On March 26, the Federal Government announced a $20 million relief fund for independent cinemas that experienced significant declines in revenue due to the pandemic.

Last Sunday, Member for Light Tony Piccolo held his 2022 election campaign launch at the cinema, which gave Mr Thorpe a chance to speak to Mr Piccolo, Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas, and Member for Spence Nick Champion about the challenges the cinema has faced.

Mr Thorpe thanked the politicians, along with Senator Patrick, for their support.

He encouraged patrons to bring their own mask when attending the cinema.

At the time of The Bunyip’s print deadline, the changes to restrictions were still set to go ahead despite the growing cluster in Brisbane. The state’s transition committee was due to meet yesterday morning.