Theatre system creates new options

Preston Beach Progress Association members are hoping to revitalise the newly-built community centre by installing a state-of-the-art audio visual system.

Money allocated to build the Preston Beach Community Centre was left over after construction, so the association asked Waroona Shire Council to put it towards an audio visual system.

The $20,000 system will include a big screen TV, sound equipment and surround-sound speakers.

Association president Judy Carroll said the audio visual system would encourage additional use of the centre.

“Without this system, we just felt as though the hall was not fully complete,” Ms Carroll said.

“We will be able to encourage corporate organisations to host events at the centre and can enhance birthdays, fundraisers and community events with this new addition.

“It will result in the hall being financially self sustaining and means we can put the funds raised back into the building or Preston Beach community.”

Waroona shire president Mike Walmsley said the new system would be a boost for the association and the community centre.

“We are happy to throw our support behind this,” Cr Walmsley said.

“It might lead to some good events out there.”

Cr Walmsley said the new equipment could be a drawcard for companies staying in the nearby Footprints resort, because it could be used for seminars or company “bootcamps”. “I hope this can lead to more uses of the community centre and more social events out there,” he said.

The Preston Beach Community Centre was official opened in September.

As well as providing a venue for meetings and events, the $750,000 facility also functions as a critical evacuation centre during fire emergencies.