Stawell residents are off to the pictures
Grampians Health Care Community residents at Stawell are making regular trips to the movies after the opening of their very own cinema.
Generous funding from Halls Gap’s Mangle family has paid for a disused sunroom in Macpherson Smith Residential Care to be transformed into a purpose-built cinema complete with big screen, external audio system, bar and snacks and of course, a genuine popcorn making machine.
Macpherson Smith Care Community Manager Tess Beniga said the cinema provided residents with the opportunity to relive their younger days when cinemas were the major entertainment.
“Residents have always been able to watch movies on big televisions in the main living areas, but this is providing the complete cinema experience of a sun-blocked room and all the facilities,” Ms Beniga said.
“The walls were repainted in colours chosen by the residents and everything in there is new, including the chairs and the carpet.
“There will be snacks available at every showing and the refrigerator will have ice creams and icy poles and there will be a team member on hand to get them whatever they want.
Ms Beniga said the cinema was named the Pinnacle Picture Theatre to honour the generosity of the Mangle family.
“The family’s support for Macpherson Smith is overwhelming and we are very thankful to them,” she said.
“The cinema will mostly screen older movies, but the residents can request what they want to see.
“We want them to have the experience of old and new. They’ve already been watching the footy in there and I’m sure it will be a popular space on AFL grand final day.”
The cinema entrance has a display of Broadway-style lights which will turn on when a movie is playing inside.
Grampians Health Stawell Site Director Sue Campigli said the Redevelopment and Infrastructure team oversaw the project.
“Our local Engineering team led by Phil Hutton coordinated and completed most of the work and they have done an exceptional job,” Ms Campigli said.
“It just looks amazing.”
