Franklin Progress Association

21/08/2026

Put it in the diary - our next movie night at the Franklin Palais Theatre is on 6 September with doors open at 6pm and the movie getting underway at 6:30pm.

The Ballad of Wallis Island is a wonderfully warm and quirky film centred around Charles, an eccentric lottery winner living a quiet, isolated life on a remote Welsh island. His great passion is music, and when he gets the chance to reunite two former members of a much-loved musical duo, he sees an opportunity to bring them together for a very special concert. What follows is a charming and often funny story that gradually reveals there is rather more behind their reunion than first appears.

The film has a lovely mix of gentle comedy, beautiful scenery and genuine emotion. The remote island setting gives it a distinctive atmosphere, while the relationships between the characters provide the real heart of the story. It deals with friendship, old memories, regret and second chances without ever becoming overly sentimental, and there are plenty of small, amusing moments along the way.

Overall, The Ballad of Wallis Island is a delightful and surprisingly touching film. It has a simple premise but develops into something much more heartfelt, with plenty of charm and a wonderfully relaxed pace. It’s the sort of film that leaves you smiling at the end and thinking about the characters and their story long after it has finished.

"A thoughtful delight that stirs the soul and lingers in the mind like a gorgeous tune."

"A beautifully observed charmer of a comedy about loving and letting go."

“It is charming throughout, humorous and moving.”

Rated PG. Running time 1 hour 40 minutes.

$5 entry. Doors open at 6pm, movie commences at 6:30pm.

Bar is open as usual. Bring a plate to share with everyone at interval if you can.

Please let everyone know about this community event because without community support the movie nights can't continue.

www.franklinmovies.org

21/08/2026

On Saturday 7 November, the Franklin Progress Association is organising a community Garage Sale at the Palais Theatre, to coincide with the national Garage Sale Trail. Now is the time to have a good look around your home, garage or shed, and find all those items you want to sell.

Please note - this is just a heads up. We will take bookings for space (with or without trestle table) from 30 September, and will determine cost of table or space at that time. So if you are interested, keep an eye out for a community Facebook post at the end of September, telling you how to do this.

The happy photos are from our last very successful Garage Sale.

23/07/2026

Put it in the diary - the next movie night at the Franklin Palais Theatre is on 2 August with doors open at 6pm and the movie getting underway at 6:30pm.

"Life of Pi" is a captivating adventure that follows the extraordinary journey of a young man named Pi, whose life is turned upside down after a shipwreck leaves him stranded on a lifeboat in the vast Pacific Ocean. Sharing the small boat with an unexpected and formidable companion, Pi must draw on every ounce of courage, determination and ingenuity to survive. As the days stretch into weeks and months, his struggle becomes as much about hope and faith as it is about endurance.

As Pi faces relentless challenges, the story explores the resilience of the human spirit and the choices we make when confronted with the unimaginable. Along the way, it raises thought-provoking questions about belief, fear, friendship and the stories we tell ourselves to make sense of the world. The journey is filled with moments of wonder, tension and inspiration, making it far more than a simple tale of survival.

"Life of Pi" is a deeply moving and uplifting film that stays with you long after it ends. Blending adventure, emotion and timeless themes of hope and perseverance, it offers something for viewers of all ages. Whether you're seeing it for the first time or returning to experience it again, this remarkable story is one that continues to inspire and encourage audiences around the world.Life of Pi

Winner of 4 Academy Awards.

"Life of Pi" is a breathtaking adventure that reminds us of the power of hope, courage and the human spirit."

"A beautifully told story that inspires, challenges and leaves you reflecting long after the credits roll."

"An unforgettable journey of survival and faith that is as uplifting as it is thought-provoking."

Rated PG. Running time 2 hours 7 minutes.

$5 entry. Doors open at 6pm, movie commences at 6:30pm.

Bar is open as usual. Bring a plate to share with everyone at interval if you can.

Please let everyone know about this community event because without community support the movie nights can't continue.

www.franklinmovies.org

30/06/2026

Don't forget that the next movie night at the Franklin Palais Theatre is next Sunday, 5 July with doors open at 6pm and the movie getting underway at 6:30pm.

Back to the Future is a timeless masterpiece that rockets you into an unforgettable adventure of teenage dreams, scientific madness, and high-stakes time travel. When Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) accidentally blasts 30 years into the past in Doc Brown’s (Christopher Lloyd) plutonium-powered DeLorean, he must fix the timeline before he erases his own existence. Packed with razor-sharp wit, heart-pounding chases, and iconic moments like the clock tower lightning strike, the film perfectly blends comedy, romance, and sci-fi thrills into pure cinematic magic.

A cultural phenomenon that defined a generation, Back to the Future continues to captivate new audiences with its clever writing, groundbreaking special effects, and an endlessly quotable script. Whether you’re a first-time viewer or a lifelong fan, this 1985 classic delivers non-stop entertainment and life-affirming messages about destiny, family, and making the most of every moment. Great Scott — it’s not just a movie, it’s an essential piece of pop culture history that deserves a spot in every film lover’s collection!

“Inventive, funny, and breathlessly constructed, Back to the Future is a rousing time-travel adventure with an unforgettable spirit."

"Thanks to an excellent cast and hilarious script, Back to the Future continues to be one of the greatest films ever made, 40 years after its original release."

"An entertaining science-fiction adventure laced with comedy, thrills and nail-biting suspense."

Rated PG. Running time 1 hour 56 minutes.

$5 entry. Doors open at 6pm, movie commences at 6:30pm.

Bar is open as usual. Bring a plate to share with everyone at interval if you can.

Please let everyone know about this community event because without community support the movie nights can't continue.

www.franklinmovies.org

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25/06/2026

Each year the Franklin Progress Association (FPA) organises Franklin’s ANZAC Day Dawn Service, as well as associated events on the day. At these events, the FPA raises money for Hobart Legacy - an organisation that currently cares for just under 400 widows/ers and children of incapacitated and deceased veterans in Southern Tasmania.

The very well attended Dawn Service at the Franklin war memorial was followed by a community breakfast at the Franklin Bowls Club. A screening of the classic film ‘Battle of Britain’ was held at the Palais Theatre later in the day, along with a fundraising BBQ and raffle.

A huge thank you to those in our community who attended the events and generously donated to assist in raising funds for Legacy during these events.

The FPA would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank the various community groups, local organisations and businesses that supported these Anzac Day events, including the Franklin Bowls club, Franklin Fire Brigade, Living Boat Trust and Bendigo Bank Huonville.

We also would like to acknowledge and thank the many local community businesses and organisations who generously donated items for the raffle, including:

Frank’s Cider
Woolworths
The Moorings at Lady Franklin
Hartzview Vineyard
Phillips Civil Contracting
Geeveston One Stop
Yeastie Beastie Donuts
The Southern Edge
Nancy Westerman family tapestry
Pansy's Toys
Pure Living
Anne-Maree (Franklin Haircuts)
Newton’s Cider
Harvest and Light
Crowe Creative
Tania Nelson (Zumba)
Love Thy Lava

In total the FPA raised $942.84 on the day. Several FPA members were invited to a recent lunch at Hobart Legacy where FPA president, Shane Johnson, presented a cheque to David Waddle, President of Hobart Legacy.
Next year we will continue to hold these events and will connect locally with the RSL's within our community to collaborate on the Anzac Day movie event.

10/06/2026

BACK TO THE FUTURE
Put it in the diary - our next movie night at the Franklin Palais Theatre is on 5 July with doors open at 6pm and the movie getting underway at 6:30.
Back to the Future is a timeless masterpiece that rockets you into an unforgettable adventure of teenage dreams, scientific madness, and high-stakes time travel. When Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) accidentally blasts 30 years into the past in Doc Brown’s (Christopher Lloyd) plutonium-powered DeLorean, he must fix the timeline before he erases his own existence. Packed with razor-sharp wit, heart-pounding chases, and iconic moments like the clock tower lightning strike, the film perfectly blends comedy, romance, and sci-fi thrills into pure cinematic magic.

A cultural phenomenon that defined a generation, Back to the Future continues to captivate new audiences with its clever writing, groundbreaking special effects, and an endlessly quotable script. Whether you’re a first-time viewer or a lifelong fan, this 1985 classic delivers non-stop entertainment and life-affirming messages about destiny, family, and making the most of every moment. Great Scott — it’s not just a movie, it’s an essential piece of pop culture history that deserves a spot in every film lover’s collection!

“Inventive, funny, and breathlessly constructed, Back to the Future is a rousing time-travel adventure with an unforgettable spirit."

"Thanks to an excellent cast and hilarious script, Back to the Future continues to be one of the greatest films ever made, 40 years after its original release."

"An entertaining science-fiction adventure laced with comedy, thrills and nail-biting suspense."

Rated PG. Running time 1 hour 56 minutes.

$5 entry. Doors open at 6pm, movie commences at 6:30pm.

Bar is open as usual. Bring a plate to share with everyone at interval if you can.

Please let everyone know about this community event because without community support the movie nights can't continue.

28/05/2026

The Collective Crew Jane, Carolyn, Barbara and Julie would like to thank our suppliers, our buyers and our many visitors for making The Franklin Collective a great success this season. We will close for the season at the end of this weekend. We look forward to seeing you all again in the Spring. Enjoy the Winter!

22/05/2026

21/05/2026

The Franklin Market in the Palais Theatre Franklin is on this coming Sunday May 24. This will be the last market until Spring. Time to stock up on your favourite items as well all the gifts for those treasured family and friends who are having birthdays during the winter months. We look forward to welcoming you. 💐💐💐

15/05/2026