MICK Gentleman says the Starlight Drive-in Theatre Sign, alongside the Federal Highway in Watson, has been restored to its former glory, following severe storm damage in 2012.
“The Starlight Drive-in Theatre Sign is significant as the only tangible reminder in the ACT of the iconic era of drive-ins. It is also thought to be the only original drive-in theatre sign in the country which still stands in its original location” Mick said.
“In 2012 the Sign was blown off its footings in a storm and was removed from the site by the ACT Government for safekeeping.
“Subsequent to the storm event, the body corporate of the Starlight Units generously gifted the sign to the ACT Government, enabling significant repair and conservation works to be undertaken.
“The ACT Government used emergency repairs funding of around $50,000 to restore the sign.
“I am proud to see the sign, restored to its former glory, at the entrance to the nation’s Capital. A lot of meticulous work has gone into the restoration and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all involved in the process.
“There has also been substantial community interest and lobbying for the sign and I am happy to be joined today by representatives from these groups, who have shown their support for the restoration of a piece of our local history.
“The reinstatement of the sign today marks the culmination of those works, with the repair of wording on the sign itself; treatment of rusted panels and frame; the reconstruction of a matching panel to one side of the sign; L.E.D neon lighting being reinstated; and the removal of two panels below the main sign, due to risk of vandalism and for public safety reasons.
“Drive-in theatres across the country had their peak popularity from the 1950s until the 1970s, and have formed a strong component of the psyche and consciousness of the community who attended them.
“This project has created substantial benefit for the ACT community and its visitors, located at such a prominent position on the entrance to Canberra,” Minister Gentleman concluded.
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