A Symphony of Colour! Junee’s 96-year-old Athenium Theatre lights up Broadway

FROM silent films to a symphony of colour, Junee’s beloved Athenium Theatre is once again lighting up Broadway — this time in a vibrant wash of colour, thanks to the restoration of its exterior lighting system.

Originally installed by the Friends of the Athenium, the coloured spotlights had become faulty and were switched off. But following repairs by Junee Shire Council, they’re now back on — brighter than ever, shining proudly over Broadway and showcasing one of the town’s most treasured landmarks.

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

A Theatre Saved by Its People

From near-demolition to a dazzling revival, the Athenium Theatre stands today as a powerful symbol of community pride and heritage preservation.

Built in 1929 by well-known local entrepreneur and philanthropist Patrick Cummins, the theatre was a business venture for his son Benjamin, who partnered with Greek cinema pioneer Nicholas Laurantus.

Together, they brought a state-of-the-art entertainment venue to Junee — one that would quickly become a social and cultural hub for the town.

The Athenium officially opened on 10 October 1929 to great fanfare, offering locals a state-of-the-art venue for film, entertainment and social events.

Despite the challenges of the Depression and the early teething issues of sound films, attendances soon flourished.

The Laurantus family’s influence is still visible in the elegant trellis and vine-leaf motif in the auditorium — a nod to the significant role Greek immigrants played in the development of cinema across rural New South Wales.

The family’s involvement ended around 1939, closing a vibrant chapter in the theatre’s early history. In 1940, the licence was renewed by a new owner, Robert Tilby Begg — marking a shift in the Athenium’s identity.

A Community That Fought to Save Its Theatre

Fast forward to 2003, and the theatre once again became the centre of community attention — this time under threat of demolition after Junee Shire Council proposed tearing down the historic building to construct a new medical centre.

But the people of Junee pushed back.

The community mobilised, and their efforts led to the building receiving temporary heritage protection, followed by a permanent listing on the NSW State Heritage Register, saving it from demolition.

What could have been lost forever was instead saved — and celebrated.

Following its heritage listing in 2004, Council went on to secure grant funding for restoration works and a Conservation Management Plan was developed by Phillip Leeson, alongside concept plans by Architect Workshop One.

By 2010, Wagga-based Nash Brothers were appointed to carry out the works, giving Junee a revitalised venue for performance and community events — restored to its original name: Athenium Theatre.

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Restoration, Revival and a Bright Future

Improvements gave continued steadily over the years.

A new screen and grand piano were installed in 2016, and volunteers brought the long-closed dress circle back to life in 2017 after more than 20 years.

In 2018, with the theatre under-utilised, Council appointed Noel Thomson Architecture to review the conservation plan and prepare a forward-looking masterplan.

This included air-conditioning, a sympathetic extension with kitchen and storage, and a series of upgrades to improve the performer and patron experience. Work was completed in 2020 after receiving approval from the NSW Heritage Council.

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Then, in 2022, a major boost: $1.5 million in Creative Capital funding was announced to complete the masterplan — securing the theatre’s future as a premier cultural and community venue.

A Living Landmark

Today, the Athenium Theatre is available for hire as a community venue — a beautifully restored space with a rare blend of rich history and renewed purpose.

None of it would have been possible without the unwavering efforts of Junee Shire Council, who have invested time, care and funding into preserving this historic asset — and the Friends of the Athenium, whose advocacy and dedication have helped ensure it continues to shine, quite literally, for generations to come.

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin