New owners of Dumaresq St cinema say it will stay as good value

Two cinema industry leaders with extensive experience will soon be running Dumaresq Street Cinema.

A company controlled by Colin Resnick, pictured above, and John O’Neill, has bought the cinema business from the Moore family.

The transfer will take place on October 18 this year.

Now the South West Voice can tell you who John O’Neill and Colin Resnick are.

Mr O’Neill has been in the cinema industry for over 20 years.

His Metro Cinemas company currently operates movie theatres in Bathurst NSW (five screens) Burnie in Tasmania (four screens) and Lake Haven NSW (eight screens).

Colin Resnick was a senior executive at Hoyts, including chief financial officer and was responsible for much of that company’s international expansion.

Mr Resnick was also the co-owner of IMAX.

In a joint media statement, they said Dumaresq Street Cinema will retain its iconic name and continue to be a value cinema for the Campbelltown community.

“We are thrilled to be entrusted with such an iconic asset and will run the business as a value cinema for the Campbelltown community – and continue the legacy of Ron Moore and his family,’’ they said.

“We are considering a number of enhancements to the cinema to add to Campbelltowners’ enjoyment at the complex.’’

Campbelltown City Council has also endorsed the extension of the lease of Dumaresq Street Cinema for a further five years, with an option for an additional three years.  

 “Dumaresq Street Cinema is a place where many people in our community have grown up enjoying movies with family and friends so I’m delighted to see that it will continue to operate.

“I’d like to acknowledge and thank the Moore family, whose passion for cinema and the Campbelltown community has ensured that residents have had access to affordable and quality entertainment for more than 30 years,” Dr Greiss said.

“We’re also delighted to welcome the new operators to our community and look forward to seeing more great movies at Dumaresq Street Cinemas.’’

Dumaresq St Cinema has been more than just a business or workplace, the Moore family said.

“There are countless wonderful memories held within its walls and in our hearts,’’ said Greg and Allison Moore.

“It has been such a privilege to provide a place of entertainment for the people of Macarthur for all these years.

“We are going to miss all the familiar faces and the fun chats and banter.

“We know the cinema has been a constant and familiar presence in the lives of many and we are beyond happy, knowing that we are passing it into the experienced and capable hands of the new operators Colin and John.’’

One local who is happy the cinema won’t be closing is federal Labor MP Dr Mike Freelander, pictured outside the Dumaresq Street institution.

“Like many, I was very concerned with the reports that Dumaresq Street Cinema was going to close down and I made representations to Campbelltown City Council, urging them to look into what could be done to save this iconic local institution,’’ he posted on social media this week.

“I am delighted that the cinema has been saved and that many more local families and couples will be able to enjoy many hours more of the silver screen (and choc-tops too!)’’