As part of the NSW government’s $100 million Regional Cultural Fund, the Athenium Theatre will receive $48,800 to go towards installing new lighting and sound. 

The Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, announced the grant at the theatre on Friday and said it was an “amazing opportunity for the community”. 

“This has been a great win for Junee and a great example of the community having a vision to establish a strong cultural identity,” she said. 

Junee mayor Neil Smith was also in attendance and recognised the hard work of the community in restoring and saving the theatre. 

“The council has put $10,000 in as well to support this project,” Councillor Smith said. 

“There really is a lot of wow factor, it’s a place for community and for life, and we’ve certainly invested in it here in Junee. 

“As I’ve said many times, it is the jewel in Junee’s crown.” 

Virginia Stewart, Friends of the Athenium Committee president, said upgrading the theatre will draw more performances to Junee. 

“The theatre had one of the greatest soprano singers in the world, Gladys Moncreiff, perform here in the 1930s and she came with a whole entourage of trucks lining the streets packed with all her gear,” Ms Stewart said. 

Junee’s Athenium is one of 68 projects across 12 regional NSW communities all sharing close to $50 million in the first round of grants. 

RCF funds will go towards projects ranging from the construction of new exhibition and performing arts spaces, to the refurbishment of libraries and museums, and smaller grassroots community projects.