On Monday 10th August 2020 the City of Armadale formally adopted their 2020/2021 budget and included is the full amount for the re-build of the Roleystone Theatre! This means the project is fully funded and detailed plans are in the works as you read this.

Thanks must go to our amazing councillors (past and present) who worked on this, and especially to our Hills ward councillors Caroline Wielinga and Grant Nixon for the sustained commitment to making this a reality. 

This could not have been achieved without the enduring support of the public, our local community, theatre members and some very committed individuals. 

I have been reflecting on the journey so far since receiving the news last night, and the sheer amount of work from so many quarters getting to this point has been just amazing. 

We are confident that the re-development will result in one of the best small theatres in the state being located in hills of the City of Armadale, whilst retaining a building of significant cultural and historical heritage.

It’s incredible what a focussed, committed and passionate community can achieve with the support of local government.

Thank you everyone for supporting the arts, and our community. 
Bree
(Bree Hartley - Roleystone Theatre Inc. President)

UPDATE March 2021 - The demolition phase of the project is now complete. The tender process has now closed and an announcement is due on May 2021 on the winner of that contract.

A side note on the cost of the redevelopment -

While we all have differing views on what is most important in a community - it's important to remember the arts have a really important place in human society. 

The Roleystone Theatre building alone has been a hub for thousands and thousands of people, for almost 100 years, to come together, engage in the arts (whether as part of the performance or in the audience) and build community. 
With the redevelopment this can continue for another 100 years. 

This redevelopment is a great investment for community connection, mental health, the arts, local heritage and for Roleystone as a 'locale'... that means a high initial outlay with a valuable long-term return - one that is not able to be measured in dollars alone.