Catching a movie on the big screen has been a favourite pastime of many for decades, and Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, is calling on the government to help the show go on for local independent cinemas.

Ms Templeman has joined a campaign by Independent Cinemas Australia to put pressure on the Morrison Government to Save Local Cinemas and extend JobKeeper to the sector beyond the current March deadline.

“Local independent cinemas have been hit hard by COVID-19. Audiences are down, release and promotion of movies is down, but the costs incurred for managing COVID-safe practices – like extra cleaning – are up,” Ms Templeman said.

“Those who have been able to keep operating because of JobKeeper are about to have it ripped away in March, and with a lack of blockbuster movies in the pipeline to draw in the crowds, many independent cinemas are concerned about their ability to stay open and keep local jobs.
 
“I love going to the cinema, and I was lucky to be able to see several movies at Glenbrook Cinema over the summer break with my mum, including The Dry and Misbehaviour.

“The Blue Mountains is lucky enough to have three independent cinemas - Glenbrook, Mount Vic Flicks, and The Edge at Katoomba – while the Hawkesbury has Richmond Regent Twin Cinemas.

“Unfortunately the Morrison Government has forgotten the plight of our independent cinemas.

“Independent cinemas are a vital part of the screen ecosystem, bringing big movies to our region and also helping Australian stories reach the wider community. According to Independent Cinemas Australia, many cine