The owner of a renewed cinema has defused concerns the venue could close and says it is faring better than expected.
Luke Warburton has told Sunshine Coast News that a well-meaning social media post from a local resident conveyed the idea that the Nambour Cinema and Events Centre was struggling to survive.
The post, by Vince Whelan, was supportive of the venue but cast some doubt over its future.
“I’ve been to this great facility several times over the last couple of months. I don’t know the owners; however, I’m concerned by the low attendance figures here,” he said.
It was followed by a comment from another worried moviegoer.
“I heard that, on Saturday night, there were only three in the cinema to see The Naked Gun,” Kerrie Meredith said. “I went to see this film one morning and (there were) only six attendees. I was concerned too. We can’t lose this cinema again.”
Mr Whelan’s post prompted alarm among other locals.
“It’s great to have in our town and such a wonderful venue. I wouldn’t want to lose the amazing place,” Tash Channer said.
“Love this local cinema – we don’t want to lose it again,” Tracy Muche-Williams added.
“I hope it is doing OK. I need to go back more but I keep forgetting that we have it there,” Matt Tomlinson remarked.
Nambour Cinema and Events Centre was launched at C-Square in December, after the Majestic Cinemas closed amid financial difficulties at the same location in April 2024.
Mr Warburton said Mr Whelan’s Facebook post had good intentions and was “appreciated” but misguided.
He said the cinema “won’t be going anywhere anytime soon”.
“It (the post) may have given the impression that the cinema was going the way of the dinosaur. This is far from the case,” he said.
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“Every cinema around the globe is completely reliant on good-quality films. Some weeks a movie is released and it goes on to make a worldwide total of more than a billion dollars, while other weeks smaller films grace the big screen with a whimper.
“This is nothing new to our industry and has been the way for many decades.
“Huge investments have been made in the cinema at C-square, both by us (the cinema operator) and the landlord, with people quickly responding to the refurbs and upgrades.”
“The first nine months of trade have exceeded expectations.
“We’ve seen many people comment about how welcoming, fresh and modern our foyer now is.
“The bathrooms are brand new, disabled facilities are available, there is improved sound in each of the cinemas and our platinum recliner cinema continues to sell out most weekends and much of the holidays.
“All of our prices are extremely good value, the popcorn is fresh, choc tops handmade, with barista-quality coffee, beer, wine and cocktails available from the bar.”
He said attendance numbers “continue to surprise in a good way”.
“While the weekday sessions during the school terms are quiet, which is normal for any cinema, our weekends and holiday periods are busy,” Mr Warburton said.
“We’ve been lucky this year to be able to show some great films, with The Minecraft Movie now the biggest film ever for Nambour.”
He said the Ladies Movie Nights, with “bubbles and nibbles”, were popular and the venue could double as a live theatre space. Shows for The Rangebow Festival will be held there in October.
Many locals have stated that the cinema can be busy and it represents great value.
“We have been six times and only once was there minimum numbers, the rest of the time it was packed. It’s a great cinema at great prices. Their food is brilliantly priced and they make their own ice cream cones, which keeps costs down. The foyer and candy bar area has been fully updated,” Kellie Lee said.
“A great cinema that hires lots of local teens. Love going there and know that it is fast becoming the go-to for many people. We went recently 7pm Monday night and was busier than we expected,” Sarah King added.
“Luke has done a fabulous job of renovating the cinemas and bringing them back to life. Very proud of our local independent cinema and very happy to continue to be an enthusiastic and ongoing supporter,” Caroline Mcdonald said.
Mr Warburton previously successfully revived a cinema space at Caloundra.
