Page 14 - CR

1960s.

During the down-time, the on-site
Galaxy Cinema was put into occasional
service, but thankfully the drive-in was
able to finally re-open from June 24 –
complete with new screen and even a
snazzy new sign at the entrance.
The projection equipment for the
drive-in screen consists of Kalee-21
projectors with Strong X-60D lamp-
houses which use 4000-watt xenon
bulbs.
The projection equipment for the
Original Projection room – 1960s.
Galaxy Cinema are Century machines
with Strong X-60D lamp-houses running
3000-watt xenon lamps.
Projection for both screens is now
from one central projection-room
located upstairs in the Galaxy building.
The original drive-in bio-box was a
stand-alone building located mid-way
between the screen and the café at the
rear of the field. This bio-box still exists
and still houses a carbon-arc slide-
projector and the spare Kalee projector –
Projection is now from upstairs in the Galaxy bio-box. Café at the right. both of which get occasional use for
special presentations. Old retro glass
advertising slides are sometimes shown
from here – much to the enjoyment of
all… “Need a new car? Buy a new
Hillman or Valiant today!”
We still have some of the old classic
in-car speakers, but you can now tune in
via your car’s FM radio for superior
quality sound.
With nostalgia on the uprise, the
Stardust gets carloads of people who
regularly travel from Townsville and
Bowen, and tourists rave about it after
their visit. Many from countries like
Norway have never experienced a drive-
in and they just love it!
After 46 years, the Stardust remains
a nostalgic piece of Ayr and
Queensland's history. For me, it is the
culmination of many years of interest in
The Galaxy bio-box services both screens.
“the movies”.

14 2011 CINEMARECORD