Celebrating 25 years...
Published on 20 May 2020
Do you remember where you were on Saturday 20 May 1995? Merril Bainbridge’s song ‘Mouth’ was #1 on the Australian Singles Chart, Ray Martin had just won the Gold Logie, and pay television was just arriving in Australia.
On this day, for the people of Frankston City a 15-year-old vision was finally achieved with the opening of the Frankston Cultural Centre. Acknowledging the awe-inspiring effort undertaken by the supporters, donors and citizens of the Frankston area, the surrounding streets closed for Community Day celebrations including live performers, art and crafts, roller blading street displays and live music.
Leading on from the Community Day was the Official Opening in the brand new 800-seat theatre by the then Prime Minister, the Hon. Paul Keating MP. ‘A Gala Event’ showcased local talent with about 2,000 performers involved, including Frankston Ladies Choir, the Australian Welsh Male Choir and performances by the much-loved actress, Evelyn Krape, and opera singer, Rosemary Gunn.
If you were there, perhaps you can spot yourself in this highlights video...
To watch the full video of the Official Opening of the Frankston Cultural Centre, click here.
Back in 1995, David Lee (Chairman, Board of Management) made the following statement in the Official Opening program, and we think it rings true to this day (and will do for many decades to come):
“The Frankston Cultural Centre has created a heart to the city. It will play a vital role, both now and in the future, of providing a quality venue for the promotion of the arts for the communities of Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula.”
On our 25th birthday, the FAC would like to thank our enthusiastic audiences, our fabulous talent and our passionate staff for being part of our story so far… we can’t wait to welcome you back to the theatre!