Roxy Community Theatre

Item details


Name of item:	Roxy Community Theatre
Other name/s:	Roxy Theatre, Big Red
Type of item:	Built
Group/Collection:	Recreation and Entertainment
Category:	Cinema
Location:	Lat: -34.5520092169 Long: 146.4052529930
Primary address:	114-118 Pine Avenue, Leeton, NSW 2705
Local govt. area:	Leeton
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Leeton And District

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Section Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
LOT	14	1	DP	758606

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
114-118 Pine Avenue	Leeton	Leeton			Primary Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
Leeton Shire Council	Local Government

Statement of significance:


	The Roxy Community Theatre is a rare surviving example of an Inter-war cinema in country NSW from the heyday era of movies, which demonstrates the importance of 'cinema going' during the first half of the 20th century in NSW towns before the advent of television, embraced by Australian society during the 1920s and 1930s. Dating from 1929, the Roxy Theatre also demonstrates and records the early introduction of American Pop culture into country NSW by the early Hollywood movies shown for the first time in this cinema, by the building function, original theatrical design and its name, which were all modelled on the world's largest showcase movie palace of the time, the original Roxy Theatre in New York of 1927. This early introduction of American Pop culture in the form of Hollywood movies and picture theatres, as represented by the Leeton Roxy Theatre, provided a major new form of entertainment, communication and society to NSW communities, as well as having a significant influence on Australian tastes of the time in architecture, fashion and design generally, language, music and behaviour. Built in 1929-1933, the Roxy Theatre is a fine example of an Art Deco cinema with Spanish Mission and Art Nouveau elements, which has survived remarkably intact. Of the hundreds of cinemas that once existed in country towns throughout NSW from the height of its popularity and influence, the Roxy now represents one of only eleven surviving country cinemas in the State that retain their original integrity. Designed by the major theatre architects of the time, Kaberry and Chard, the Roxy also illustrates one of only three surviving examples of their collection of work in NSW cinemas. The Roxy Theatre is also especially rare in NSW for retaining its original theatre interiors and spaces on two levels.
	Date significance updated: 20 Nov 06
	Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description


Designer/Maker:	Kaberry and Chard architects
Builder/Maker:	Mr W H Hones for George Conson
Construction years:	1929-1930
Physical description:	The Roxy is fine example of an Inter-war cinema deigned in a modified Art Deco architectural style with Art Nouveau and Spanish Mission elements. The building is constructed of brick walls, with the primary facade rendered, the roof clad in corrugated iron and timber floors. The theatre has a full size concert stage with the original two levels of seating, a foyer and ticket box area and an integrated shop at the west side. Large red neon lettering for "Roxy" is mounted above the roof parapet in three directions, plus extensive neon lighting on the front facade.
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	Good condition, although some maintenance required. Heritage Council funding for conservation works to the Roxy Theatre were approved in 1992 for a total of $15,600.
	Date condition updated:18 May 05
Modifications and dates:	1933: Larger concert stage and dressing rooms constructed. 1933: Facade neon lighting and red neon "Roxy" sign installed, and restored in 1992. 1195-1998: Electrical upgrade to replace original decayed wiring.


Current use:	Cinema, concerts, meetings, live theatre, seating capacity of 880
Former use:	Aboriginal land, farm, town lot

History

Historical notes:

Leeton and the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area:
The Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA) was the dream of Sir Samuel McCaughey, owner of North Yanco Station and other pastoral leases in this area. Sir Samuel convinced the NSW government to acquire the land and develop the infrastructure for irrigation. In 1912 the water was turned on in the Yanco No.1 area including Leeton (Stoneman).

The NSW Government's plans for the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA) Scheme, commenced with the Barren Jack Dam and Murrumbidgee Canals Construction Act 1906. Construction of the dam commenced in March 1907 with the construction of initial site facilities. Much of the work was to be undertaken by the Public Works Department, which included the construction of canals, weirs, channels and bridges. With this irrigation system in operation, the Government hoped to attract hundreds of new immigrants to a new farming region. The building of a narrow gauge railway to provide access to the site was also commenced in 1907 (McKillop, 2008).

The Murrumbidgee Irrigation Act 1910 established the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Trust. Minister for Public Works, Arthur Hill Griffith, was appointed as first chairman of the Trust in 1911. It was soon obvious that the grand scheme was beyond the competency of the Trust, and so the Irrigation Act 1912 saw the Trust superseded by a Commissioner for Water Conservation and Irrigation (the WC&IC). The first Commissioner, Leslie Wade, was appointed from 1 January 1913 (McKillop, 2008).

Wade's vision for the MIA was "looking to new railways to service the area, new business enterprises to handle and market the produce, processing facilities, power generation, and domestic water supplies and commercial service centres to support the expected population...Two urban designs were required. The town of Leeton, named after the prominent MIA supporter Charles Lee and (the town of) Griffith after Sir Arthur Griffith." (McKillop, 2008).

In 1912 the town of Leeton was a tent town with a basic street layout; most of the population was male, with few families or women. The area was dry, not from drought but due to prohibition and suitable accommodation for officers, visitors and settlers was very difficult to find (Stoneman).

Wade saw an opportunity for his vision in 1913 when Walter Burley Griffin came to Australia after winning the international competition for the design of the new National Capital in Canberra. "For Leeton, Griffin proposed a new town centre around a prominent hill. Two water reservoir towers on top of the hill were to provide the main entrance to the town. A grand central plaza would lead from the towers, complete with ornamental pools and a fountain. The drawings depict large buildings with typical Griffin geometric forms similar to those that grace the Griffin drawings for the national capital" (McKillop, 2008).

"During 1914 Griffin was sending blueprints of the Griffith railway line and was also undertaking the urban design for Griffith, including the terminus for the Barellan to Griffith railway then under construction." Leslie Wade suddenly died on 12 January 1915. With the project's key promoter gone and Australia's involvement in a world war imminent, enthusiasm for the grand project waned (McKillop, 2008).

"Leeton got its circular street pattern and water towers, the first of which was completed in 1915, with their classic Griffin features. For years they were framed by the typical 'outback architecture' of the School of Arts building erected by the WC&IC in 1913. A railway connection was made with Narrandera in 1922 and the infrastructure of a typical Australian rural town emerged over the years" (McKillop, 2008).

Leeton became a settlement for Post World War I migrants and soldiers who came to settle in the MIA. The Yanco to Griffith line opened from Narrandera to Griffith on 6 March 1922 and was used to freight vegetable and horticultural produce from the MIA to Sydney markets and ports (McKillop, 2009).

In June 1921 a goods shed was transferred from Bangaroo to Leeton for use by the Construction Branch. Leeton station opened on 6 March 1922 (ORH, 2009).

The Roxy Theatre:
The Roxy opened 7 April 1930 and was built for Riverina Theatre entrepreneur George Conson. The architects for the theatre were the noted firm of Kaberry and Chard.

The popularity of the Roxy as a theatre name, imported from America's most famous movie theatre, reflects the importance and worldwide influence of movies and the glamorous American lifestyle depicted in Hollywood films, embraced by Australian society during the 1920s and 1930s inter-war period. The original Roxy Theatre, built in New York in 1927, was the world's largest showcase cinema from this era of theatrical movie palaces. It was established by and named after the master cinema showman himself, Samuel "Roxy" Rothapfel. "Roxy" as a name thus became synonymous with showmanship and dramatic cinema palaces from the boom time era of movies, wherever American cinema, Pop culture, and the theatrical American movie lifestyle became influential, admired and replicated.

The theatre was built by Mr W H Jones, with a seating capacity of 1091 on two levels. The Roxy was built in a modified Spanish Mission Style, with large red neon signs that were visible from a great distance at night, owing to the theatre's location on top of a hill. As a result, the Roxy was nick-named 'Big Red' . These lights were installed in 1933 when a full sized concert stage was constructed to mark its official opening. Australia's celebrated soprano singer, Miss Gladys Moncrieff, was engaged to sing in October 1933, as part of these opening celebrations.

The theatre was threatened with closure and redevelopment in 1977 and was purchased by the community after a massive fund raising drive. $27,000 was raised by the Save The Roxy Committee and it was purchased for $75,000. Ownership was vested in Leeton Shire Council.

The theatre was progressively upgraded to provide a larger stage area and new dressing rooms, with a present seating capacity of 880 people (414 downstairs and 474 in the upstairs lounge area). It is run by a small part-time staff and a voluntary management committee. In addition to showing regular films, the Roxy is now the venue for eisteddfods, discos, high school speech nights and the musical society's annual production. It has been restored to its original 1930s style (Pennay, 1996, 5).

In December 2020 a development application was lodged for alterations and additions to the theatre and the former Movie Cafe building (Pattison, 2020). Council confirmed that commencement of works has been delayed until the end of April 2021 but this project is happening (Pattison, 2021).

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Other open space-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Changing the environment-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Developing local, regional and national economies-National Theme 3
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of urban amenity-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Events-Activities and processes that mark the consequences of natural and cultural occurences	Developing local landmarks-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Building settlements, towns and cities-National Theme 4
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Changing land uses - from suburban to urban-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Townships-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Administering and alienating Crown lands-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Changing land uses - from rural to suburban-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	20th century Suburban Developments-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Creating landmark structures and places in regional settings-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Beautifying towns and villages-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	20th Century infrastructure-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Cultural Social and religious life-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Architectural styles and periods - 20th century Art Deco/Jazz Age-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going to the theatre-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Activities associated with relaxation and recreation-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Gathering at landmark places to socialise-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Community volunteering-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	The Roxy Theatre represents a rare surviving example of a country cinema from the heyday era of movies, which demonstrates the importance of "cinema going" during the first half of the 20th century in NSW towns before the advent of television. The scale of the theatre constructed to seat over 1000 patrons on two levels, the central location and landmark building design all illustrate the popularity and social importance of the cinema during this era when going to the cinema was second only to sport as the most popular leisure activity. In its style, era, function and name, the Roxy also demonstrates the early introduction of American Pop culture into country NSW, which in addition to providing a major new form of entertainment, communication and society, had a significant influence of popular Australian tastes of the Inter-war period, ranging from architecture, fashions and design generally to food, drink, language, music and behaviour. As became popular for cinemas of this boom time era of movies, the theatre name and dramatic Art Deco/Spanish Mission style of the building were all modelled on America's "Roxy Theatre" in Broadway, New York. This was America's most famous theatre and the world's largest showcase movie palace of the time. It was built in 1927, now demolished. The original Roxy was established by and named after the master cinema showman himself, Samuel "Roxy" Rothapfel. "Roxy" as a name thus became synonymous with showmanship and dramatic cinema palaces from the boom time era of movies wherever American cinema and the theatrical American movie lifestyle became influential, admired and replicated in local Pop culture, leisure activities, fashions and architectural styles. The construction of the cinema during the Inter-war period demonstrates a period of growth for Leeton following the incorporation of the town as a shire. The building has formed part of the town fabric for 66 of the 84 years of the town's existence, with the cinema continuing to serve the community for 75 years.
SHR Criteria b) [Associative significance]	The building is associated with Gladys Moncrieff, OBE, who was the most famous soprano in Australia since the retirement of Florence Austral for the period of the 1930s to the end of the 1940s. The building symbolises those lost country theatres in NSW in which Moncrieff appeared, in this case for a six day concert in 1933 to celebrate the addition of the stage. The theatre is also associated with the major theatre architects, Kaberry and Chard, which illustrates one of their original designs largely intact. From a large body of work in NSW cinemas from this period, the Roxy is one of only three of their works which has survived with original integrity. Further research may also demonstrate associations with further personalities of significance in the history of entertainment, movie making or theatres in NSW.
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	The Roxy Theatre represents a rare surviving example of the work of the major theatre architects, Kaberry and Chard. It is a fine example of a country picture theatre from the Inter-War period, designed in a modified Art Deco architectural style with Art Nouvou and Spanish Mission elements, which has survived remarkably intact, internally and externally. It demonstrates an intact example of a two level theatre interior, retaining its original design, which provides a rare opportunity to experience a country picture theatre of this era. The scale of the Theatre, its dramatic facade and the prominent red neon signs are a major part of the Leeton landscape. Together with the nearby Walter Burley-Griffin designed water towers, the Roxy is a landmark building of the district. Its location at the crest of a hill makes the theatre visible for many kilometres into the countryside at night, particularly with its red neons aglow.
SHR Criteria d) [Social significance]	The Roxy is valued by several generations of the Leeton and surrounding community as a key centre for social interaction, community events and entertainment for over 75 years. The theatre has been an essential part of the social and cultural fabric of the Leeton community for most of the town's period of existence. The Roxy was the first country cinema in NSW to be purchased by the community to save it from demolition in the 1970s, illustrating an advanced social value for these buildings and community activism for heritage, without which most cinemas from this era, including the original New York Roxy of 1927, have been lost. The money was raised in 1977 for the $75,000 purchase of the Cinema from a major fundraising drive and significant donations from the community of $27,000. The local nickname for the theatre. "Big Red", also indicates the emotional attachment the community holds for the building.
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	As the Roxy is virtually intact from its construction in 1930 and 1933 additions, it offers potential for further research into the design, operation and cultural aspects of early theatres from the time when "talky" pictures were first introduced. This resource includes the associated memorabilia in the form of pictorial records of works and artists and a small collection of early cinema items.
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	The Roxy is rare in the State as one of only three surviving intact country cinemas designed by the major theatre architects of Kaberry and Chard, of an original collection of 57 theatres commissioned from these architects throughout NSW. The Jadda Centre at Junee and the Montreal Theatre at Tumut are the other two surviving examples. The Jadda Centre was listed on the State Heritage Register in 2004. Only the Leeton Roxy and the Junee Jadda Centre retain the splayed false decorative walls each site of the stage opening, which is a distinctive and theatrical feature of the architects, Kaberry and Chard. Only Tumut has an original proscenium. The Roxy is also one of only eleven surviving intact country cinemas in NSW, where there had once been 351 cinemas in 289 country towns throughout NSW (in 1951). By 2003 less than 10 per cent "exist" as spaces recognisable as original theatres (that is, only 31). Only 11 of those exist with some form of obviously decorative interior and theatrical exterior. The Junee theatre is one of those eleven or one of only 3.1 per cent of the body of country cinemas that existed in 1951, comprising picture theatres built in the heyday of the silent and sound movies. The Roxy is a rare surviving example in NSW of an Inter-War cinema that retains the two levels.
SHR Criteria g) [Representativeness]	The Roxy Theatre represents a rare surviving example of a 1930s country cinema from the heyday era of movies, which demonstrates the importance of "cinema going" during the first half of the 20th century in NSW towns before the advent of television. It also represents the early introduction of American Pop culture into country NSW, which had a major impact on Australian leisure activities, society, communication and fashions in architecture, clothing, music, behaviour and language. The Roxy Theatre represents a fine example of an Inter-war cinema of the Art Deco/ Spanish Mission style, which is remarkable for retaining its original interiors and two levels. It also represents a rare surviving work of the major theatre architects, Kaberry and Chard.
Integrity/Intactness:	The Roxy and associated shop survives virtually intact.
Assessment criteria:	Items are assessed against the State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Recommended management:

Pine Street faade requires cleaning, and repaininting of faade and awning required in next 5 years. (Leeton Council 2005) Large advertising sign on east facade facing Kurrajong Avenue should be removed. (Leeton Council 2005) Appropriate screening to air conditioning units placed at roof to be installed to reduce visual impactfrom Chelmsford Place and Kurrajong Avenue. (Leeton Council 2005) Underside of awning should be repairs, and a regular maintenance programme established. (Leeton Council 2005)

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Standard Exemptions	HERITAGE ACT 1977 ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT STANDARD EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL I, Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales and under section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977: revoke the order made on 2 June 2022 and published in the Government Gazette Number 262 of 17 June 2022; and grant an exemption from section 57(1) of the Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out the class of activities described in clause 2 Schedule A in such circumstances specified by the relevant standards in clause 2 Schedule A and General Conditions in clause 3 Schedule A. This Order takes effect on the date it is published in the NSW Government Gazette. Dated this 29th day of October 2025 The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC Minister for Heritage For more information on standard exemptions click on the link below.	Nov 7 2025

Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Title	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register		01747	24 Feb 06	27	992

Study details

Title	Year	Number	Author	Inspected by	Guidelines used
Movie Theatre Heritage Register for NSW 1896-1996	1996		University of Sydney		Yes

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Tourism	Leeton Shire Council	2007	Roxy Theatre - Leeton Shire Council Website	View detail
Written	Pattison, Talia	2021	Going through motions	View detail
Written	Pattison, Talia	2020	DA for Roxy Theatre goes in
Written	Pennay, Bruce	1996	Looking after your community's heritage - an introductory guide to local government councillors
Written	Thorne, Ross	2003	Initial Report on the Athenium Theatre (Broadway/Jadda Centre), Broadway, Junee, NSW, as at August 2003
Tourism	TourismNSW	2007	Roxy Theatre	View detail

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.

(Click on thumbnail for full size image and image details)

Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Heritage NSW
Database number:	5052348
File number:	H04/00319

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