29/07/2025
Cinemas may seem like outdated institutions but we firmly believe they still have an important role in today's society, which is why we are striving to save Kookaburra Outdoor Cinema for our community.
Without a doubt, cinemas are important platforms for social engagement, cultural expression, and economic activity. Cinemas provide a place for people to come together, enjoy one another's company and watch a story in one big, shared experience that simply cannot be replicated on a TV screen at home, no matter how big!
On the flip side of the great benefits cinemas offer, there are risks and costs to running a cinema in today's climate. Factors like fluctuating consumer spending, the number of movies being released, consumer demand, competition from streaming services, and the cost of maintaining a theatre and all its equipment (not to mention human resources) all play a role in not only profitability, but affordability and sustainability.
Weighing up costs and benefits has been a big part of our decision making process and we are hopeful that the Kookaburra Outdoor Cinema can continue to provide an important meeting place, entertainment venue, visitor attraction and community hub for many years to come.
As most people who follow this page are aware, the present owner of Kookaburra Outdoor Cinema, Peter Foyster is hoping a community group can take the cinema over and keep it running. Following the community meeting at the beginning of July we have presented an offer to Peter to purchase the cinema and run it as an a incorporated community group in partnership with Telethon Community Cinemas and we are waiting for his response. We will keep everyone updated when we have more information to share.
In the meantime, here are some photos taken from Kookaburra Outdoor Cinema's page, showing just what a great meeting place this gem in the Perth Hills is!
