By Michael Scalzo

Wimmera families can watch a film in a unique way this Saturday with a drive-in cinema to light up the autumn evening. 

Horsham Optus will host a temporary drive-in theatre, with options to lay a picnic rug on the lawn, at
Horsham Agricultural Society’s Maydale Reserve.  

Horsham Optus franchise owner Mick Dempster said the experience was a great opportunity for families to be part of something special, reconnect and have fun in the wake of the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. 

“Everyone has had a pretty ordinary time in recent years when it comes to getting out and social,” he said. 

“The event will be one of the first drive-in experiences Horsham has had in several years and the agricultural society has made the area a great spot to have these events.

“The weather is looking good and hopefully everyone has an enjoyable night.”

The event is ticketed but involves no cost for patrons. 

Tickets will include popcorn, dinner options and picnic blankets available at no charge for people wanting to sit closer to the big screen for the family film ‘Back to the Outback’.

Optus Southern Victoria general manager Jayson Grool said the event was a great way to give back to the community of Horsham. 

The event also marks a new working relationship between Optus and Netflix. 

“The film will be on our massive mobile big-screen – a big movie
theatre on wheels. Also, depending on the event, the set-up could be available for other community events,” Mr Grool said. 

He said Optus placed a strong importance on working alongside community events, businesses and councils to support regional communities – in particular, young people. 

“This is the first time we are doing something like this with a temporary drive-in theatre, but there would absolutely be opportunities to do it again going forward — especially on the other side of winter, we would look to do some summer evening events,” he said. 

Horsham Agricultural Society’s
Andrea Cross said her organisation was pleased to be involved.  

“We have had similar events with big screens before at the showground, and this is another great opportunity to utilise he showground’s wide-open spaces,” she said. “I know there are not many spots left. If people leave it too late to book a ticket, they will miss out.”

Event capacity is limited to 75 cars, with five-people per car, for the drive-in allocation, and 75 grass picnic spots. The event, at Maydale Reserve, begins at 6pm. 

Mr Dempster said people could go to www.trybooking.com/BYNFB to book their ticket. 

The entire April 27, 2022 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire April 27, 2022 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!