One of the last remaining drive-in theatres in south-east Queensland, the Tivoli Drive-In, has closed its gates for good, citing escalating operational costs and dwindling attendance. Located in the Ipswich suburb of Chuwar, the iconic venue has been a part of the community since its opening in 1976, but the challenges of modern entertainment consumption have proven insurmountable.
The Tivoli Drive-In initially ceased operations in 2000, only to be revitalized in 2008 by the Rivers of Life Christian Church. The church aimed to offer low-cost family entertainment, a mission spearheaded by Pastor Fred Muys. However, the economic realities have shifted dramatically over the years.
Economic Challenges and Industry Trends
Pastor Fred Muys explained that the financial burden of running the cinema, coupled with impending maintenance and upgrade expenses nearing $1 million, rendered the business model unsustainable. “Unfortunately, over the last five years, the drive-in cinemas and cinema industry have gone backwards with the advance of streaming movies,” he remarked.
“Ten years ago we were running at 300-plus families a week. Now we often average about 100 and more recently below 100,” Pastor Muys said.
The decline in attendance has been exacerbated by a series of wet weekends, further impacting the drive-in’s viability. “We had thought we might stay open through until February or March but the prospect of a very wet summer just basically brought everything on here,” he added.
Community Impact and Nostalgia
The closure has left a notable void in the local community, with many residents expressing their disappointment. Ipswich resident Caitlin Schiewe, who frequented the drive-in with her family for nearly a decade, shared her sentiments. “Our eldest is nine and we started going when she was a baby. It was a way to get out of the house,” she said. “You didn’t have to worry about the kids making noise and honestly, it was a cheap night out which was a really big drawcard.”
With the Tivoli Drive-In’s closure, Queensland is now home to just five drive-in theatres, a stark contrast to the more than 50 that operated during the 1960s. Across Australia, only about a dozen remain operational.
Expert Insights and Future Prospects
Dr. Elizabeth Heck from the University of Queensland provided insights into the broader decline of drive-in theatres, attributing it to several factors including the “suburban squeeze.” She noted, “If you look at areas like Aspley and Keperra where a lot of housing estates had gone in the sixties and seventies – there’s the need for land that was once considered more affordable.”
The convenience of streaming services has also played a significant role in diminishing cinema attendance. “That’s a real pinch for cinemas, even regular cinemas have been feeling the squeeze from streaming services so I imagine that would be amplified for drive-in cinemas,” Dr. Heck explained.
“Vinyl is a great indication of that, and 35mm film is making a resurgence as well,” Dr. Heck said. “I think people like to recapture that and there’s something about that older form of technology that’s really recapturing a lot of interest.”
Despite the challenges, there remains a glimmer of hope tied to nostalgia. As with the resurgence of vinyl records and 35mm film, there is potential for drive-ins to attract a new generation of patrons seeking a unique experience.
The closure of the Tivoli Drive-In marks the end of an era for many in the Ipswich community. As the landscape of entertainment continues to evolve, the memories of nights spent under the stars at the drive-in will endure, a testament to the cultural significance of these venues.
