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climates, in the days before air-
conditioning. The entrepreneurs used
the outdoor facilities on warm nights
and the indoor on cold or wet evenings.
It is likely that the outdoor section was
built after the auditorium as it was
more likely in “twin” operations to
have a common projection facility, with
swivel mounted projectors. In some
cases the indoor and outdoor
arrangements were built in parallel to
allow for the use of common projectors,
only this time moved on tracks between
the two venues.
Peacock later leased the café to Mr.
Aroney, and so begins the Greek
connection with the Bingara cinema
saga. It was not long after this that
three Greek partners, Messrs Feros,
Psaltis and Comino purchased a large
site further south in Maitland St, at the
corner of Cunningham St. These
gentlemen, trading as Peters and Co. (a
synonym apparently used by a lot of
Greek entrepreneurs at the time),
constructed three large and attractive
buildings including the Roxy. The
words Peters and Co remain in the
terrazzo floor of the theatre entrance.
Tragically the trio became bankrupt
just after the opening of the Roxy in
1936; this event led to the suicide of
Mr. Feros. I. Fader &Co. subsequently
took over the whole complex in
settlement of the debts. A Mr. Peter
Murray was the next owner.
The Roxy theatre is a large
building, which dominates the
streetscape of the commercial area. It is
solid - triple brick with a cement render
finish. Every thing about the theatre
suggests quality and expense,
particularly so in a small country town
setting. ‘It is also a link with the Greek
cinema exhibitors who were known to
have built theatres in New South Wales
country areas that were that little bit
better ……(and) the Roxy may be
close to being the best preserved
example’ (3)
The Roxy is described as ‘… an
excellent example of Australian
“angular” Art Deco with the interior
being profusely decorated…..’ (3)
The frontage comprised a central
entrance flanked by two shops. The
neighboring buildings were built at the
same time by the developers. The art
deco design of the theatre is carried
Exteriors and auditorium side wall Roxy, Bingara 2003.
through to the neighbouring shops. The
stepped awning theme is continued in
the design of the shop fronts. Vitrolite
and metal was used across the frontage.

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