Narooma School of Arts is delighted to welcome Kristy Randall and Alex Padovan as the new lessees of the community-owned Memorial Hall (Narooma Kinema). This follows their purchase of the Narooma Kinema business from Jade Griffiths on 30 April.

‘When we first met Kristy and Alex it was obvious why Jade was so thrilled to be passing on the much-loved Kinema business to them,’ said Narooma School of Arts President Jenni Bourke. ‘Their bubbly enthusiasm is infectious and their arts background means they’re following their passion.’

Narooma Kinema will continue as a cinema and live performance venue for our community, continuing the legacy of the Griffiths and those before them.

‘We’re so excited and grateful for this opportunity,’ Ms Randall said. ‘My family has had a close association with Narooma since the 1950s, we bought in Central Tilba about six years ago, and we’ve always loved the Kinema. My sister was even married here.

‘Our family has a background in the performing arts so while primarily showing films, we also want to encourage more concerts and live theatre so we’re already reaching out to many musicians and groups to make that possible. We’re so thrilled at how welcoming the community and local businesses have been.’

They are also very excited about the new Arts Centre opening next door. ‘There’s such great synergy; this will be such an extraordinarily vibrant arts precinct,’ she said.

Jade Griffiths has been working alongside Kristy and Alex for a month while they learn. The Kinema’s operators, Greg Campbell and Steph Westbury, will continue to work with the new lessees.

Mrs Bourke said the School of Arts Management Committee has greatly appreciated Jade’s dedication and vision over the last, sometimes difficult, six years, ‘We wish her many long-awaited fun adventures in the years ahead’.

Laurelle Pacey

Photo: Narooma School of Arts President Jenni Bourke, left, with new lessees Alex Padovan and Kristy Randall, following Jade Griffith’s sale of the Kinema business to them. The Hall’s freehold is held by Narooma School of Arts on behalf of the Narooma community.