Cobram Masonic Lodge has lodged a unique partnership with CobramYouth Group to build a community two-screen cinema.

Tradies from throughout the region have been working on the community cinema project which is at the rear of the property that houses the Cobram Masonic Temple.

One cinema will sit 94 and include a stage and the other will seat 65 and the project includes an open area to double as a function/meeting room.

According to the Cobram Courier local newspaper, the cinema will employ one young manager, two youth trainees and up to eight youth volunteers.

The grant application states volunteers will be given training to help obtain future employment as well as the cinema providing youth with a safe meeting place, a sense of achievement and entertainment and a benefit to local business and tourism.

Cobram Freemasons at first offred their building, but it was not the best venue for a cinema, according to local volunteers. So the land at the rear of the property was used.

A 45-year lease was signed with the Cobram Freemasons for the land. A facelift to the front of the Masonic Lodge in Main St will follow.

This is a $1.05 million project. A youth opportunity shop has donated a massive $210.000 towards the building of the theatre. The Federal Government has contributed $526.000. Assistance has been given by the Freemasons Foundation.

The cinema will not be able to open until after the pandemic restrictions allow. The opening is hoped to be later this year.

Local politician Damien Drum said: “It’s projects such as this that make our regional communities even better places to live, work and raise a family and I’m excited to see the positive difference this project will make to the Cobram community.”

Matteo Donato, Grand Superintendent of Works for Freemasons Victoria, said the idea to build a community cinema spans six years when it was floated during the terms of Grand Masters Hillel Benedykt and Don Reynolds.

“In July last year the community group achieved its target $1 million and works commenced in November,” Matt said.