There was no show to catch, but last night the Campbelltown Town Hall Theatre was packed to the rafters.
There was standing room only as more than 120 members of the community were in attendance to support Campbelltown Theatre Group (CTG).
These supporters are upset Campbelltown Council has taken over management and running of the town hall from CTG, which has been operating for 50 years.
CTG hasn’t just been producing theatre shows in the town hall, it has also contributed to the maintenance of the historic building located in the heritage precinct of southern Queen Street.
A report to council for next week’s council meeting says council’s transition to a direct management model for the Town Hall Theatre “marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to community led placemaking and inclusive cultural development’’.
It goes on to say that “historically, community access to the venue was facilitated through a Section 355 Committee, which was dissolved in 2013 by a Council Resolution.
“While interim arrangements allowed continued use by Campbelltown Theatre Group, the absence of a formal agreement created uncertainty and limited Council’s ability to strategically manage the facility.
“With Council now assuming direct responsibility, we have undertaken a comprehensive review of venue hire fees and conditions to ensure they reflect both operational sustainability and community benefit in line with the management of other council facilities and unique theatre offering of this facility.
“This report seeks Council’s endorsement to introduce/amend its adopted Town Hall Theatre fees and charges for not-for-profit organisations to ensure the venue is accessible and affordable through the provision of reduced hire rates.’’
It goes without saying that none of the 120 people who attended last night’s meeting would agree with the report’s sentiments regarding the “home ground’’ of CTG.
“Last night’s gathering was an incredible show of support from concerned community members for a 50 year legacy that has seemingly been discarded by Campbelltown Council,’’ a supporter told the South West Voice.
“The current status was presented to the forum including the council paper item for next week’s council meeting,’’ the supporter said.
“What is missing from these papers is any recognition for CTG’s legacy and historical contribution to the maintenance of this venue over the years.
“It also does not go as far as more progressive councils such as the Inner West who offer their community arts and theatre groups free access to their community buildings.
“For a council that says the decision to close the 355 committee is because we are in 2025 and it’s how modern councils work, then maybe see how the Inner West art culture is supported in 2025,’’ the supporter said.
Next Tuesday’s council meeting will consider a proposal for a 50 per cent reduction on the 2025/2026 financial year community hire rates for the Town Hall theatre for “locally based, not-for-profit arts and cultural groups and organisations within the Macarthur region that are registered and unfunded.’’
Will be sad if art of theatre is taken away.
More of younger generation should be encouraged to get involved with this other than being on the mobile and computers.
That Campbelltown has this Theatre is such a gift to the area. We have enough space taken over by council for builders. Please don’t take this but encourage others to join.
Why charge the CTG but give millions to Wests football team which is a profitable venture. The Council needs to encourage the arts and promote the home grown theatre group instead of burdening it with costs. Will the council complete all the maintenance required? I doubt it. It can’t even mow the land it owns. Look at Broughton St, it always needs mowing and maintenance. St John’s Road has had garden upgrades including removal of trees which has made a lovely patch for the weeds to grow. The Council wants to promote tourism … well.. the CTG does just that by bringing in audience members from other areas. Take off your blinkers council members and see what is in your own area.