The tour takes you into the new 660-seat performing arts auditorium. This is a wonderful facility for a relatively small community. Our guide, Su McLennan, explained that the Dalrymple Shire realised that there was a need to unite the district, increase the diversity of experience and help feed the soul of local residents. The Shire established a steering committee, which consulted the community for two and a half years before completing plans for a multi-functional complex on this site. The theatre is its centrepiece. Since opening in 1996 it has projected Charters Towers and Dalrymple Shire residents into the top 1% of theatre going communities in Australia.

Next port of call was the two cinemas. We were taken into the projection room for a unique look at the equipment. That was an interesting experience. Visits were then made to the Dungavell’s Bar (only operates when the theatre is being used) and to Lawson’s Restaurant. Then we headed upstairs into the old bank building. The upper floor has been converted into a series of meeting rooms. One contains the still blood stained table from an early incident in the building. Finally we looked into the Charters Towers and Dalrymple Archives Centre, which is open on Sunday mornings for personal research into the fascinating history of this very interesting region.

The tour was extremely interesting but our greatest memory is the amazing vision and leadership given by the councilors of the Dalrymple Shire to create such a complex for the community. We congratulate them.