Kununurra Picture Gardens

Author

Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley

Place Number

09617

Location

Coolibah Dr opp Hospital Kununurra

Location Details

Local Government

Wyndham-East Kimberley

Region

Kimberley

Construction Date

Demolition Year

N/A

Statutory Heritage Listings

Type Status Date Documents
(no listings)

Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations

Type Status Date Documents
(no listings)

Other Heritage Listings and Surveys

Type Status Date Grading/Management
Category
Municipal Inventory Adopted 20 Feb 1997

Statement of Significance

During the 1960s and early 1970s the Picture Gardens were a very important part of the social life of Kununurra. For many people Wednesday and Sunday pictures were the highlight of entertainment for the whole family. Canvas chairs were provided but many people chose to supply their own. The interval was quite long - time enough to catch up with friends. The advent of television and video changed this. However, though the picture gardens have been retained there have been many changes. None of the original infrastructure remains. Today films can been seen from a drive in section, though some seating has been retained. The Kununurra Progress Association has run this service successfully for many years, with much of the labour given voluntarily. Memories of the pictures include being rained out in the wet season and collapsing deck chairs causing much mirth to those people surrounding the victims. A stage built in the late 1960s is still present on this site. It has been well used by local drama groups and visiting performers such as Slim Dusty.

Condition

Site

Place Type

Historic Site

Uses

Epoch General Specific
Present Use SOCIAL\RECREATIONAL Theatre or Cinema
Original Use SOCIAL\RECREATIONAL Theatre or Cinema

Creation Date

17 Nov 1997

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Approved

Last Update

01 Jan 2017

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.