Mr Souris attended Dungog at the request of the Friends of the James Theatre Inc for a personal tour of the theatre to see for himself the layout, design and state of repair of the building.

Accompanying him were the mayor Harold Johnston, president of the James Theatre committee Ken Tickle, chairperson of the Friends of the James Theatre Lisa Connor, and Allanah Zitserman and Stavros Kazantzidis from the Dungog Film Festival.

Mr Souris is a keen supporter of the James Theatre and the Dungog Film Festival.

Mr Souris emphasised that the Dungog Film Festival is now regarded as “a state major event" and is “an important event in the programme of film festivals in Australia”.

"NSW is forging a reputation for film festivals of which the Dungog Film Festival is an important one,” Mr Souris said.

Ms Connors said Mr Souris is aware that the theatre building is in urgent need of upgrade and restoration.

“He has committed to assist the Friends of the James Theatre and Dungog Shire Council in their efforts to renovate the theatre as a heritage building, whilst ensuring that its operational functionality is not compromise,” Ms Connors said.

“There are currently a number of funding opportunities available and Mr Souris is encouraging the Friends and council to apply for all available grants to expedite the renovation process.

“Ms Zitserman and Mr Kazantzidis both offered their support for the renovation of the theatre and for the continuation of an operating cinema in Dungog.”

Council hopes to be in a position shortly to call for expressions of interest to operate the cinema in the theatre, following which it is hoped that the cinema will resume operating.

“In what capacity will depend on the outcome of the expressions of interest process,” Ms Connors said.