Draft Coffs Harbour Cultural Plan 2013 - 2016 - Coffs Harbour City ...

Agenda - Ordinary Meeting 22 November 2012 - CITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Attachment 3
8.3.6 Music
In community consultations, there was acknowledgment of the importance of the music
education for young people in Coffs Harbour. Outside of school, formal music education is
currently provided by private teachers and the Coffs Harbour Regional Conservatorium.
Informal training (ie not resulting in a formal qualification) is also provided by groups such
as the Coffs Harbour Musical Society.
An issue which was raised by the community is the inclusion of music and other cultural
activities into sports events. Given the high priority given to sport by the Council in
particular, it was widely felt that those local musicians, and other performers, who are
attempting to forge professional careers, should be given an opportunity to perform before
games and during half time. It was considered that this would add to the audience’s
enjoyment and would give local people opportunities to develop their skills through valuable
live performance experience.
7.2. Film and screen culture
The multiplex cinema in Bray St, assures the supply of films in commercial release to the
region. Non-commercial screen culture is showcased at annual events such as the Short
Sharp Film Festival and the Refugee Film Festival.
There is some community disquiet about a future owner possibly closing the Sawtell Cinema,
which is currently on the market. It shows a variety of films including some which are not
shown at the multiplex. The future of the Sawtell Cinema will be resolved by commercial
players and is beyond the scope of this paper.
On the other hand expanded access to independent Australian, arthouse and foreign films is
an important aspect of developing cultural richness and diversity in Coffs Harbour. A film
society operating at the commercial multiplex or at the Jetty Memorial Theatre or at a
redeveloped Sawtell Cinema would add to the cultural opportunities in Coffs Harbour.
Many Australian towns have established film societies. For example the aim of the Dubbo
Film Society is:
“to bring quality films to an audience which is looking for a cinematic experience beyond the
mainstream line of films on show at the commercially run cinemas. The Society is able hold
its screenings at a venue which offers the full cinema experience but in a format which
permits social engagement of its members.”
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