The excitement was palpable at the re-opening of the iconic Roxy Community Theatre on Saturday night as the community was welcomed back officially into Leeton’s ‘Palace of Dreams’.

The celebratory gala concert showcased Leeton and surrounds’ best soloists, choirs, bands, performers and dancers in an impressive display of music, artistry and showmanship – many of whom had honed their skills on the Roxy stage in their youth.

The show was directed by Leeton’s very own Jake Speer who also directed Henry V, the final production at the Roxy before it was shut for renovations, in what can only be described as a ‘full circle moment’.

In front of a full house, which included representatives and delegates from the Government, Council, advisors, local trades, project leads, volunteers and most importantly the community, the Roxy’s refurbished auditorium, new amenities and upgraded technical equipment delivered and impressed.

Stage 1 of the redevelopment has included the refurbishment of the main auditorium, upgrades to the stage and curtains including the replacement of stage piers, installation of a loading dock, replacement of the raked floor with flat flooring and the addition of retractable seating, new seating in the dress circle, repainting of walls and ceilings, new carpeting, upgraded sound systems, new cinema surround sound and new lighting bars and electronic stage management.

The project also delivered important upgrades to accessibility and work, health and safety aspects including lifts to the stage and dress circle, front door access for wheelchairs and hearing augmentation.

Other important improvements included the construction of a refreshed reception area, two new dressing rooms, new toilets, new roof iron, upgraded heating and cooling elements, electrical power upgrades, fire compliance and new plumbing from the ground up.

In addition, the upgrades have enabled the theatre to operate as an evacuation centre for the community during natural disasters.

Stage 1 of the Roxy redevelopment project was co-funded by the NSW Government ($6,229,217), Council ($4,225,603), and the Australian Government’s Murray-Darling Basin Economic Development Program ($999,999).

The project also received $1,000,000 jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Mayor Cr George Weston expressed his sincere gratitude to the NSW Government and Australian Government for contributing over half of the costs for Stage 1 and getting behind the vision for the Roxy.

“The Roxy redevelopment (Stage 1) is a once-in-a-lifetime undertaking that breathed new life into ‘Our Grand Old Lady’ so that she is fit to serve us for another 100 years.

NSW Minister for the Arts John Graham said, “Theatres are such important cultural hubs in regional communities which is why the beautiful Roxy Community Theatre is still standing proudly in Leeton.

Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, said it was great to see the transformative upgrades completed so the Leeton community can enjoy this revitalised space for years to come.
Senator for NSW, Deborah O’Neill, Labor spokesperson for Farrer and Riverina, said, “I commend Leeton and the leadership of the council for the work it has done to restore this jewel and make it the centrepiece of the town’s cultural and community life.”

“The Federal Labor Government is proud to have been part of making sure the Roxy will remain at the heart of the Leeton community for many generations to come.”

Deputy Mayor and Portfolio Lead for Arts and Culture, Cr Michael Kidd, said he was ‘fizzing’ to see the Stage 1 project finally realised, adding, “Our deep thanks goes out to our Shire community who, from the start, has been at the heart of this redevelopment journey.”

“Over many workshops and meetings, the Roxy Redevelopment Committee, user-groups and the public were generous in sharing their thoughts and ideas for shaping a refreshed vision for the Roxy. Our community has crafted a new direction for the Roxy ‘to be open for business in new and exciting ways.'”

This article appeared in the Narrandera Argus, 6 March 2025.