Theatre overhaul abandoned as funding efforts fail

PLANS to redevelop the JB Osborne Theatre in Kangaroo Flat have been shelved due to a lack of external funding support.

The Kangaroo Flat Community Enterprise (KFCE) announced the move in the October edition of its community newsletter Flat Matters.

The decision brings to an end more than four years of advocacy and work on the project, which would have transformed the dilapidated theatre building into a multi-use and community facility.

The KFCE wanted it to be able to host theatre, dance, youth programs, arts workshops and general community gatherings.

When the project was gathering momentum last year, KFCE president Geoff Bowyer estimated the redevelopment could cost as much as $10 million and more than 1000 people signed a petition seeking financial support from government.

But Mr Bowyer said while there had been much in-principle support, it had not translated into actual funding.

“We’re very disappointed,” he said, adding that all levels of government had shown only “muted” interest.

Mr Bowyer said the key funding source would have been the Department of Education because the theatre building is on Crusoe College land and is managed by the school.

“But they showed very scant interest in it,” he said. “The school struggled to get any traction with the department; the department was of the view that it was not a priority at all.”

Nationals Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad (centre) pictured with Crusoe College principal Simon Wood and Kangaroo Flat Community Enterprise president Geoff Bowyer at the theatre, has had no response to the petition she tabled in State Parliament. Photo: SUPPLIED

Mr Bowyer said the KFCE would have been able to raise about substantial funding from local sources if government allocations could have been secured.

Nationals Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad, who sponsored the petition to State Parliament and tabled it on 30 July, also expressed disappointment.

Ms Broad said she had expected a response by 29 August but was still waiting.

“The team has put in many hours of work, including detailed redevelopment plans, and it’s been disappointing that they’ve been unable to secure funding to see this project become a reality,” she said.

Ms Broad had toured the facility with Mr Bowyer and Crusoe College principal Simon Wood, and had received a detailed briefing on the redevelopment plans.