Toowoomba Regional Council is reviewing the operations of the council-owned company that manages the city’s renowned Empire Theatre.
The future of Empire Theatres Pty Ltd, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Toowoomba Regional Council, is set to be determined by the council review.
The council’s Chief Executive Officer, Sal Petroccitto OAM, said the review was consistent with the approach he had taken with all of the council’s activities since he was appointed in May this year.
“We need to challenge ourselves on what the best approach is moving forward to meet our organisational requirements,” Mr Petroccitto said.
“The review will focus on the benefits that alternative structures for the controlled entity may provide.
“The Empire Theatre is a critical and highly valued asset to this community which provides valuable art and cultural services to the residents and visitors of this region, which is why we will continue to work with the Board to deliver the best value for our community.”
Empire Theatres Pty Ltd has not loaded its 2023-2024 annual report to its website. During 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the council-owned company recorded profits of just $82,000 and $59,000.
However, a significant portion of its revenue comes from grants and council funding. The auditors report in 2023 says “the company is dependent upon continued funding from Toowoomba Regional Council to ensure that the entity can continue to operate as a going concern.
“Toowoomba Regional Council has agreed to provide ongoing financial support to ensure that the company can meet its debts as they fall due,’’ the auditors said.
The directors of the Empire Theatre Board will remain in place until at least 17 April 2026, when the review is expected to be completed.
Mr Petroccitto said that, pending the outcome of the review, the council would start any necessary recruitment processes for the Empire Theatres Pty Ltd’s Board before the existing board members appointments expired.
The Empire Theatre has long been Toowoomba’s premier stage and music venue.
The theatre was originally opened in June 1911 as a silent movie house but in 1933, a fire almost completely destroyed the building.
It was rebuilt using Art Deco architectural styling and reopened in November 1933. Following years of neglect, the building was purchased by the council and renovated in the 1990s.
The heritage listed building is now the largest regional theatre in Australia and plays host to performances by local, national and international artists.