Former President of the National Trust ACT, Chris Wain delivered a presentation to Council on Wednesday proposing an S355 committee in the hope of rejuvenating the Liberty Theatre in Yass.
For those who are unaware, an S355 committee is a term given to the process of a council delegating some of its responsibility and functions to another group to increase the likelihood of achieving desired outcomes.
Under the proposed suggestion, the committee would operate under the name “The Liberty Theatre and Cultural Centre Incorporated” and manage the theatre.
Wain’s inspiration for revitalising the Liberty Theatre comes from his time living in Bulimba, Queensland. He witnessed the renovation of a theatre provide a dramatic catalyst for the community’s cultural and economic prosperity.
“Bulimba was a sleepy little village, they revitalised a theatre, and it changed the whole village.”
“With the theatre opening, the main strip was gentrified, people came from all over, and there was a booming restaurant trade that opened up to support the theatre,” he said.
Wain believes the theatre will help bring people to Yass, and once they are here, they will hopefully witness some of the treasures our region holds and keep coming back.
“Yass has got so much historical content and so many attractions; it just needs something to give it a bit of life,” he said.
Another member of the aspiring committee is Bimbi Turner, who was on hand to witness the presentation.
“Hopefully, Councillors and the Yass Valley community will get behind us so that we can move forward with getting the theatre as a community asset,” she said.
For over four years, Turner, who has been involved with the “Friends of the Liberty Theatre” group, has four core motivations in wanting to bring the Liberty Theatre back to the community.
“Entertainment, enjoyment, employment and education with a priority for youth,” she said.
It is hoped the Liberty Theatre’s rejuvenation will not be that far away despite the fact a deal between the local council, the theatre’s owners, and the community is yet to be made.
Max O’Driscoll
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