The working party is an initiative of the youth council, who identified bringing cinema back to Mudgee as a major issue for local young people.

Youth councillor Tim Blackman said local young people frequently called for more entertainment, and the role of the youth council was to respond to that call.

He said he believed a social venue in the form of the Regent Theatre could decrease youth misdemeanours and depression.

Council proposes to support the project by leasing the theatre and bringing in films until the cinema’s owner, sound equipment manufacturer Peter Freedman, is able to find a tenant to manage the cinema.

The working party hopes to attract one or more community groups interested in fundraising for themselves by selling refreshments and tickets.

Community groups interested in participating in this project should contact council’s library and community services manager Simon Jones on 6378 2719.

The Regent Theatre working party met for the first time last week, bringing together youth council members and representatives of council, Community Health, and the Mudgee Guardian.

The group decided to approach Mr Freedman to see whether he would welcome such an approach to operating the theatre.

In the meantime, council is looking into the steps necessary to order films and show them in the theatre.

Mr Freedman said recently that he intended to start painting the theatre soon, having spent six months securing permission to paint the heritage-listed building.

“Once the painting is complete, I will commence a campaign outside of the area to find a professional tenant who has the backing and experience required to operate the venue for movies, live shows and functions,” he said.