The curtain will rise and fall again on performances at Renmark’s Chaffey Theatre after its jammed counterweight system was fixed thanks to State Government funding. South Australian Minister for the Arts Jack Snelling explained that the State Government committed $90,000 towards providing the curtain with a new lease on life.
“Renmark’s Chaffey Theatre was built in 1984 and its curtain’s counterweight system had not been replaced for 30 years,” Mr. Snelling commented.
Mr. Snelling went on to explain that as part of a $4.3 million investment in capital works for the regions, the curtain system is now fully operational and will provide many more years of reliable service for the benefit of Riverland audiences. Snelling went on to point out that the State Government work plan managed by Country Arts SA will help upgrade another four regional theatres, including:

•Fire safety works at the Middleback Arts Centre in Whyalla
•Recladding the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre’s fly tower in Mount Gambier
•Structural improvements to the fly tower at the Northern Festival Centre in Port Pirie
•Upgrading air-conditioning at the Middleback Arts Centre and Northern Festival Centre

Mr. Snelling said the State Government is committed to building stronger regions through rejuvenating and supporting thearts in regional communities. The Minister added that In 2014/15 the Government also provided $198,000 to install critical backstage wireless communications systems in all four regional theatres. An additional $72,000 was committed to replace dressing room mirror lights.This will improve safety standards and comfort throughout our state’s regional theatres