The Morrison Joyce Government continues to support the recovery of the arts and entertainment sector in Mallee, with $95,000 awarded to cinemas under the first set of grants from the second round of the $20 million Supporting Cinemas’ Retention Endurance and Enhancement of Neighbourhoods (SCREEN) Fund.

Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said a total of 125 independent cinemas across the country would receive a share $7.3 million from the latest round of SCREEN Fund grants to support their resurgence from COVID-19 disruption.

“Independent cinemas are a vital component of Australia’s economic, social and cultural wellbeing, which is why we continue to provide one-off business continuity grants to support the cinemas resurgence from prolonged closures and capacity restrictions,” Minister Fletcher said.

“The Morrison Government has committed $17.7 million to date from the SCREEN Fund to support 200 independent cinemas across the country to keep their doors open, continue offering employment opportunities, and carry on showcasing diverse stories to entertain their communities.”

Federal Member for Mallee, Anne Webster, said the latest grants would allow independent cinema operators to keep providing a popular, low-cost and COVID-safe way for people to go out and enjoy a movie as part of their local community.

“I’m pleased to announce that Wallis Deakin Cinema Mildura have been approved for a grant of $60,000 and Showbiz Cinemas Swan Hill for $35,000 as part of the Morrison Joyce Government’s $20 million SCREEN Fund,” Dr Webster said.

“This funding will enable them to recover from severe disruption that has largely impacted their revenue streams, and work towards restoring normal operations as COVID-19 restrictions ease.”

Administered by Screen Australia, the Government announced a second round of the SCREEN Fund in December 2021 to support independent cinema operators with grants of up to $85,000 if they have experienced significant declines in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

SCREEN Fund applications are open until 30 April 2022 or until total funds are committed. For more information and to check eligibility, visit: https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/funding-and-support/covid-19-support/screen-fund