Gloucester Resources Limited put a call out looking for a community group interested in taking over ownership of its inflatable outdoor movie screen late last year.
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After receiving a range of Expressions of Interests from different Gloucester groups, GRL decided to donate the equipment to the Rotary Club of Gloucester.
The gear was purchased by GRL several years ago as part of its community partnership program and through Tin Shed Events, it was used for events designed to bring the community together and raise money for charities.
Rotary had been hiring the equipment for its Interact Club fundraisers. As Rotary's youngest members, Interact work to raise funds to help the community, running movie events seemed like a great idea.
According to Rotary's Jade Spencer, the group started using the equipment in October 2018, with their 'Night for Drought' raising $1200 to buy bales of hay for farmers. So applying for ownership of the equipment seemed a natural fit.
"Now that we own it, we can fundraise more freely and more frequently," Jade explained. "It will help us continue to support the community and means we can have a greater presence in the community."
Jade said the group is already planning new events, with hopes for a drive-in movie at some point in the future.
But it's not just for use by Rotary. Part of the deal of taking it on was making sure the equipment would also be made available for other community groups.
A spokesperson for GRL said Rotary has committed to working with other community groups and organisations to ensure the community gains maximum benefit from the use of the equipment.
"We are confident that the Rotary Club of Gloucester will use the equipment to stage some entertaining and worthwhile events that will benefit people and organisations in the Gloucester community," a GRL spokesperson said.
One event the equipment will be used for is Rotary's Mind Matter Marathon, where members of the community are encouraged to put together teams to walk around the Bert Gallagher Oval from 4pm until 9am on March 7 - 8. The event will raise funds for Lifeline and Australian Rotary Health, to help bring awareness to the mental health issues, and to support the community. Jade hopes to have a range of fun activities and videos playing on the screen in the middle of all the action.
"Although GRL was unsuccessful in its application for the development of The Rocky Hill Coal Project, it remains an extensive landholder in the Gloucester area and is proud to be a member of the Gloucester community," a spokesperson said.
If you're interested in learning more about the Gloucester Interact Club NSW visit the group's Facebook page. If you're interested in using the movie equipment, email the Rotary Club of Gloucester's secretary on 9650sec@gmail.com.
