Sawtell Cinema History

The First Avenue Cinema, situated in the centre of the main street of Sawtell, has been providing entertainment for people of the town and surrounding areas, since the 1930’s.

The Cinema has a long and interesting history and is the perfect example of how old world charm and modern technology blend together in spectacular fashion.

Purchased in 1942 by Alan and Doris Brissett the Cinema screened films on Friday and Saturday nights and ran a matinee on Sunday. Of course like many Cinemas back then there was an organ which was played before and during the screening of the films.

The films were run on two Carbon Arc Projectors, half the film run on one followed by intermission and then the second half of the film run on the other Projector. Rumour has it, that there was just enough time at intermission, for Alan the Projectionist, to sneak up the pub for a couple of quick pints and be back in time to start the second half of the film.

Tragedy struck in 1955 when a mini cyclone blew the roof off the Cinema, causing extensive damage, with the Cinema being rebuilt in 1956 in triple brick, which is now the current building standing today.

Whilst in the rebuilding stage it was run as an Open Air Cinema where the Projector was powered by a truck engine and sound provided by a pianist. The show must go on was relevant for this twelve month period, as patrons would bring there umbrella's and sit in the rain to watch films.

When a Western screened, the kids would bring along cap-guns to create their own sound effects- how times have changed!

In 1996 the Cinema was completely refurbished at a cost of well over two hundred thousand dollars, and is equipped with the latest Projector, Digital sound, air-conditioning and the biggest screen on the Mid North Coast.

Now being managed by Col Brissett, along with brother John, the grandchildren of Alan and Doris, the Cinema has managed to stand the test of time, being one of the very few Single Screen Independent Cinema’s still operating in N.S.W.