Alpine News

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2002 PUBLISHED AT POREPUNKAH INCORPORATING MYRTLEFORD NEWS 90c*
Support the Bright Hospital
Annual fete on Saturday, from 9.30am

300-seat cinema planned for Bright

By Michael Gorey
B right will have a new 300-seat
cinema within two years if the
final stage of a redevelopment plan
for the Star Hotel receives council
approval.
M&S Whelan Investments have
begun significant renovations in-
cluding relocation of the TAB, con-
struction of a café on the corner of
Star Road and Gavan Street and en-
largement of the Star Room from its
existing capacity of 150 people to
200.
The company’s managing direc-
tor Shane Whelan said the finished
building would be an entertainment
precinct similar to one of the major
clubs in Albury. The redevelopment
is valued at $2.6 million.
The company has also received
approval to increase the number of
gaming machines from 18 to 30 —
believed to be one of the few expan-
sions allowed in country Victoria for
several years.
The “Star Café” will be developed
on the corner site of the old
bottleshop, featuring outdoor seats
in a paved courtyard. Patrons will A sketch of the Star Hotel redevelopment showing the proposed cinema to the right.
be able to choose from a range of
The first stage of the Star Hotel The company is currently dis- Wangaratta or Albury/Wodonga.
coffees, wine on tap and a quick,
redevelopment has received coun- cussing the plans with council. “We expect it will attract people
cost-conscious menu. The café will
cil approval. Mr Whelan said the investment from elsewhere in the region to
cater for a broad section of the com-
The second and third stages, in- reflected his confidence in the local Bright.”
munity.
cluding a 300-seat cinema adjoining economy. Another element of the compa-
The Star Hotel’s accommodation Star Road, are presently being evalu- “I’ve got confidence in the entire ny’s redevelopment is a proposed
will also be improved. ated. North East. Alpine Shire and Bright extension and refurbishment of the
Twenty of the existing units will The cinema will accommodate live in particular have a lot of potential,” Alpine Hotel bar.
be upgraded and 10 will be demol- theatre and movies, and include fa- he said. It will be refitted to provide a venue
ished to make way for 16 new units cilities for live bands. It’s expected “The cinema will screen a wide for live entertainment, including a
in two storeys. There will also be a there will be daily movies, with mati- range of movies, providing a serv- revamp of the audio-visual equip-
pool and landscaping. nees and evening shows. ice that isn’t even available in ment.

Showtime in Myrtleford
The Myrtleford Show on Saturday was an outstanding success.
Madeline Muller, of Eurobin, and Dimity Heafield, of Porepun-
kah, enjoyed the pet section. More in Myrtleford News, p9.
New 4WD ambulance arrives at Bright
The Bright Ambulance Station has a new $130,000 4WD ambulance. It’s similar to a traditional
ambulance, but the four-wheel drive capability means it can access terrain that would other-
wise be inaccessible.
Ambulance officer Michael Costolloe said the station staff were consulted in the design.
“A prototype was sent up here last year and evaluated,” he said.
“They went away and came back with a final version that addressed the concerns we had.”
The ambulance also features a mini-television so the driver can see the patient.
Pictured are ambulance officers Michael Costolloe and Dave Williams.

Swing into Spring

Gapsted winemaker Michael Cope-Williams with Christine between 2pm and 4pm.
Baker and hostess Kay Reid, of Lawlers Hut, at the Winemakers
Dinner in Bright. More pictures, page 5.
The Springtime in Bright Festival
is in full swing, having begun last
Friday with a “Winemakers Din-
ner” at Lawlers Hut.
Highlights this weekend include
the Grand Fireworks Display at
Pioneer Park on Saturday, start-
ing with fun, food and entertain-
ment at 5.30pm.
On Sunday the inaugural
“Chocoholics Afternoon” will be Focus on women’s health
held at the Uniting Church Hall Community health nurse Kerrie Connor and Fran Butler, of
Bright, were among those who attended the Women’s Wellness
For Melbourne Cup celebrations Day in Bright on Friday. A women’s health day will be held at
on Tuesday visit the Wandi Pub. the Porepunkah Hall next Thursday.

Thinking of buying or selling?

Contact the team at Dickens Real Estate
for professional advice
REAL ESTATE PTY LTD.
20 Ireland Street, Bright Phone (03) 5755 1307 www.dickens.com.au