Mundaring’s Outdoor Kookaburra Cinema saved by prisoners

When extensive storm damage forced the closure of family owned and run Mundaring’s Outdoor Kookaburra Cinema located in the Perth Hills, the owner put out a call to the community for help – and the S95 crew from Wooroloo Prison Farm answered.

Prisoners from Wooroloo Prison Farm have been working to get Mundaring’s Kookaburra Outdoor Cinema up and running after extensive storm damage forced the popular local landmark to close.

In February 2024, the owners of the cinema posted on social media:

“The insurance assessor has provided a quote for repairs that considerably exceeds the amount that the cinema is insured for. We do not have the resources to meet the difference but we do believe that repairs could be carried out for far less and still meet the necessary standards.

“If we can't repair the cinema within our insured budget, we will be left with little choice but to sell off what assets we can and walk away.

“This is not what we want to do as we understand that the cinema is an important facility for our community and asset to our region's tourism portfolio and our community expects the cinema to continue to function.

Part of the cinema’s screen was crushed by a large tree branch brought down by the severe January storm, which also caused widespread damage throughout the Perth Hills area.

Facing a repair and clean-up bill running into tens of thousands of dollars, cinema owner Peter Foyster put out the call for help – and Wooroloo Prison’s S95 crew answered.

Section 95 of the Prisons Act enables minimum security prisoners to contribute to the community through supervised work programs.

With the favourite film spot, which has been operating since 1997, the Wooroloo prisoners had their work cut out for them.

“When we first got here it was like a cyclone had gone through, there was debris everywhere it was a total mess,” Vocational Support Officer, Graeme, said.

Strong winds and falling branches from surrounding trees had also punched holes in the perimeter fence and blanketed the car park in debris.

Under close supervision, the S95 crew has been clearing branches and wreckage scattered across the venue before repairing the fences.

The work gives the carefully screened prisoners an opportunity to learn new skills and experience working as a team.

“When they get out of prison, they can use those skills to better themselves or get a job,” Graeme added.

That’s not all the prisoners get from the experience.

“It’s good to get into the community, get involved in the community and make a difference,” one prisoner said. “When you get back to the prison you feel like you’ve achieved something for the day.”