Mount Gambier’s Oatmill Cinema Complex has been given a lifeline from the pandemic, with a $60,000 Federal Government grant.

The grant is part of the government’s $20m Supporting Cinemas’ Retention Endurance and Enhancement of Neighbourhoods (SCREEN) Fund.

Oatmill Cinema Complex owner Shane Fulwood welcomed the grant, which would provide a lifeline for his business.

“The Federal Government’s support through the SCREEN fund has proved timelier and more valuable than I had anticipated even at the time of its announcement,” he said.

“It has allowed the Oatmill Cinema to confidently ride out the last few months that have thrown up numerous challenges from state and local lock-downs and restrictions through to difficulties with film content due to extended lock-downs in NSW and Victoria.

“We have been able to navigate this period that has been our lowest on record, down on even September and October 2020 and keep core staff employed, meet our supplier obligations without issue and more importantly plan with certainty a return to sustainable business in the near future and continue to bring the world through film to the audiences of the Limestone Coast.”

Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the Federal Government was committed to keeping cinemas operation during the pandemic.

“Independent cinemas are so important to the social and cultural health of our communities in Australia, which is why we acted quickly to introduce our $20m SCREEN Fund to support the recovery from significant declines in revenue due to COVID-19,” Mr Pasin said.

“This funding will enable Oatmill Cinema Complex to keep operating during a period of severe disruption, which is important to the fabric of our community.”

Administered by Screen Australia, the fund assists independent cinema operators who have experienced significant declines in revenue due to the pandemic, with one-off business continuity grants of up to $85,000.