Our Story

I've called Daylesford home since 1984. My background is Social work, counselling, community development, advocacy and I recently qualified as an Animal Assisted Psychotherapist.  I am passionate about returning cinema to  Daylesford for our community and for visitors. A thriving cinema will provide much needed cultural and social  experiences as well as opportunities for skills development and meaningful activities for the many volunteers involved. I'm eager to join with others to  create a vibrant, art deco cinema experience with diverse films for everyone to enjoy.

I've been a Daylesford resident since the early 1980s and, since 1989, have owned and restored the 1915 Alpha Hall (Weir’s) building on Vincent Street—the first silent movie theatre outside Melbourne. My work has included university research and serving on civil society boards focused on social and environmental justice, energy, and public policy.

I've run Mooltan Guest House in Hepburn Springs for over 30 years and have volunteered with the Daylesford Neighbourhood House and the Hepburn Springs Swiss Italian Festa. I believe in the power of community and am passionate about reviving the Daylesford Cinema. As Treasurer, I'm excited to keep learning and working with our amazing volunteers.

I am resident of Coomoora and deeply invested in revitalizing the Phoenix Cinema @ The Rex. Qualified as a professional leadership coach, organisational consultant and facilitator specializing in team/culture and human dynamics, I work both in Australia and globally. As an all-round contributor, I bring my experience and skills in organisational leadership and design, culture development, strategy and planning to the cinema team. I am committed to fostering the cinema's success as a vibrant cultural experience and destination.

Since joining as a volunteer in 2024, I've been thrilled to contribute to the community. After a career in International HR, spanning the globe and finally settling in Australia from Aberdeen in 2006, I spent eight years running my own HR consultancy, supporting small businesses. My passions include cinema, interior design, travel, and food, and I'm deeply committed to working with the team to bring the Rex cinema back to Daylesford. It's a privilege to be part of such a meaningful project.

Daylesford resident for six years, loving the country in retirement. A M.Sc. and ADip. in Marketing qualifications. My professional life included, Medical Information Services, Sales and Marketing, Government Relations, Corporate Affairs, Marketing Compliance, and four years with a community organisation advocating for treatments for PLWHA. A Gay man who for 40 years has actively advocated for equity for LGBTIQA+.

I've lived in Hepburn Shire since 2013 and work as a registered nurse at Grampians Health in Ballarat. I manage the Stanbridge Centre in Daylesford and previously ran *Stone and Straw* in Mount Franklin. I've volunteered as Vice President of the Daylesford & District Horticultural Society and a U3A committee member. I'm passionate about bringing a cinema to Daylesford.

As a resident and subcommittee member, I'm passionate about our local cinema. Having volunteered here before, I know firsthand the value it brings. With a diverse career focused on leadership, community inclusion, and sustainable projects, I truly believe a local cinema helps build a thriving, resilient community while reducing our carbon footprint. It's like watching a phoenix rise, seeing our community flourish.

I've lived in Hepburn since 2012 and previously worked as an Employment Law and HR Consultant in both the public and private sectors. I'm currently pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Psychology. I’ve volunteered in front-of-house roles at the former cinema and have a strong interest in local and international politics, especially human rights and mental health.

As the Daylesford Probus Club secretary, and a retired primary school teacher, I'm always looking for ways to stay involved. Volunteering to sell tickets at the cinema was a lovely opportunity to connect with the community once again.

I am an independent organisational change consultant, focusing on organisation design and development and have been resident in Hepburn since 2019. I am Chair of the cinema’s Fundraising and Community Engagement subcommittee and also support the Grants and Business Sponsorship working groups. I have used my skills to  support the COM in developing the organisation structure and undertaking other organisation development activities. I’m committed to see Phoenix Cinema @ the Rex succeed, so locals and visitors have an other place for quality entertainment and connection.

I retired to Daylesford in 2011, having owned my own hospitality business. 
I volunteered in the original Daylesford Cinema, and am deeply passionate about cinema and the arts.  I’m  determined to see our community theatre come to life once again, and to give Daylesford a wonderful venue for movies and theatre.

I am a journalist and author of eight books. A former newspaper editor, I worked for the London Daily Mail, have written for the Guardian and the New York Times, and enjoyed a long career at The Age before working in media relations. Films are a favourite form of pleasure.

Cinemas are a life-blood to me, so to be part of the return of the cinema to Daylesford is an honour. Having spent years teaching films to enthusiastic students, I welcome the new opportunity for young people to be once more exposed to a range of movies.

I am a resident of Daylesford and extremely excited about the upcoming launch of the cinema. My background is in complex software systems and technology and I provide technology strategy and support as a member of the Communications & Marketing Sub-committee. I am a lover of all things cinema and want to ensure our theatre becomes a cherished cultural destination for the community.

I believe a local cinema would be a fantastic asset to Daylesford, for both residents and visitors. As an events venue and marketing agency owner, and a mother of three, I understand the importance of community spaces. That's why I volunteered in 2024 to redesign the cinema website—I'm passionate about contributing to our town's vibrant future.