The iconic art deco building has officially been recognised for its unique place in Australia’s history, listed on the NSW state heritage register.

“When they (the Department of Heritage) saw the building, they were just gobsmacked,” Gwydir Shire Council marketing promotions co-ordinator Georgia Standerwick said.

“They couldn’t believe that it wasn’t already listed.”

This listing recognises the Roxy as a place of particular importance to the people of NSW, one that enriches our understanding of our history and identity. The listing also means that the Roxy building is legally protected as a heritage item under the NSW Heritage Act 1977, and will be preserved for future generations.

For witnesses to the building’s tumultuous first five months in business, which led to the bankruptcy of its owners, Peter Feros, George Psaltis and Emanuel Aroney;  its future importance would probably be a surprise.

The Greek trio from the island of Kythera seeked their fortune in Australia after their home country was decimated by war. 

While there was no doubt the three men’s mixed cafe, cinema and guesthouse had a grand facade created by Sydney architect Mark Woodforde, with a town of only 1,500 and another local businessman set to maintain control of the local cinema scene, recouping their costs proved difficult.

Victor Peacocke opened the Regent Theatre in 1935, in direct competition to the as yet unfinished Roxy Theatre. The opening of the Roxy on Saturday, March 28 1936, drew a crowd, with the Bingara Advocate reporting that “probably no event in the history of Bingara has caused more interest and excitement.”

The Roxy’s arrival sparked a fierce cinema war with the Regent Theatre, which included slashed prices, improved sound equipment for both venues, and even a movie ball in which co-owner George Psaltis promised to arrive dressed as Shirley Temple.

Despite the clever marketing ploys, including the offer of “a one pound reward for any lady who will sit alone in the theatre for a midnight screening of the Black Room with Boris Karloff,” the owners lost everything just five months later, declaring bankruptcy.

George attempted to keep his vision alive in the years following, but the Roxy closed its doors in 1958, and was left dormant for another four decades. 

Finally, purchased by the local council in 1999, the Roxy was restored and reopened its doors in 2004. Today the cafe and theatre is owned by the Gwydir Shire Council and operates as a multipurpose cinema, performing arts venue and function centre as well as the Bingara Tourist Information Centre.