I’m sad to inform you that well known former Hoyts projectionist Brian Scott passed away Saturday morning. Brian commenced at Hoyts Padua Theatre in Brunswick in 1949 as a page boy, he was later given the opportunity to transfer to the bio box and commenced his training as an assistant projectionist. After becoming proficient he…
DetailsIt was October 21, 1952 and Barefoot Contessa staring Ava Gardner and James Mason played in black and white at Theatre 62 on Ronald Road. A 17-year-old June finished her chores and walked five streets to be met by a six foot two usher in a navy blue suit at the doorway of the theatre.…
DetailsDear Cinema Pioneers, Sadly Village veteran and long time Cinema Pioneer Frank Westaway passed away late last week. After many years working for the ABC, Frank commenced doing projection shifts for Village drive-ins and suburban twin cinemas. He spent some time at Boronia Twin and also worked at Frankston Twin, Knox Twin and Clayton and Croydon drive-ins…
DetailsDear Cinema Pioneers, I’ve been informed that Hoyts veteran Ray Hasse passed away last Thursday. Ray commenced in the cinema industry with Watermans Theatres who were based in Adelaide. He later transferred to Melbourne as Concessions Manager for Hoyts when they purchased the Watermans operations. Ray and his wife Joan moved back to Adelaide when Ray retired. …
DetailsRay and Irene Erenshaw in 2016. Ray Erenshaw began his 36-year cinema career in 1937 as an 8 year old in his mother’s Strand Theatre in rural Ashford (NSW). Changing day-bills, collecting tickets, ushering, rewinding films and getting them back into their cans, his wages were pocket money to buy lollies from his mothers Strand…
DetailsWelcome! This is an exciting moment in the 84 year history of the Pioneers. We have a completely redesigned website and we have linked Facebook pages in each State. Communication between us all can now be much easier and faster. In launching the redesigned website, I am using the opportunity to bring members up to…
DetailsThe President and Executive Committee are pleased to advise that, Event Cinemas, Hoyts, Village, Birch Carroll & Coyle, Reading Australia, Wallis Cinemas (SA), Grand Cinemas (WA), and IMAX Theatres (in Sydney and Melbourne) will honour a Photo ID Pioneer Membership Card by offering complimentary admission to a Pioneer and one guest to participating cinemas on any…
DetailsThe Society offers sincere thanks to the following supporters who made donations towards the 84th Annual National Dinner and the regular annual donations to the states’ Benevolent Societies: Deluxe Entertainment, Ray Edmondson, Event Hospitality & Entertainment, Hayden Theatres Ltd, , Lynda House, Hoyts Corporation Pty Ltd, Natalie Miller, Palace Cinemas, Bob Parr. John Reid, Roadshow Films…
DetailsJune Richmond started her life in the cinema industry at the age of 17 as an usherette at Windsor Star Theatre, Hilton. In 1957 she moved to Port Pirie and was with husband John when he opened the Port Pirie & Kadina Drive Ins. Between having seven children she worked at the Sunset Drive-in at…
DetailsWhen Hopalong Cassidy rode to the rescue at Hawthorn’s Glenferrie Theatre I used to stamp my feet with all the other 10 year olds. When Tarzan plucked Jane from the jaws of death, I cheered. Tom and Jerry was a laugh from first to last. The Saturday matinee was a joyous, tribal ritual and I…
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