A community cinema with heart, purpose and very comfy seats.
When Mansfield’s Star Cinema closed in 2006, locals James and Catriona Wilson set out to bring the magic back. After months of research, design and fit out, Mansfield Armchair Cinema reopened in May 2009 as a not-for-profit run for and by the community. From day one, MAC paired big-screen, fully digital escapism with a clear mission: screen latest release movies, support community fundraisers and create a space for social connection.
From retro classic to Australia’s very first fully digital cinema
When the old Star Cinema closed in 2006, locals, led by James and Catriona Wilson rallied support and created a new not-for-profit model so Mansfield would not lose its cinema. After months of research and fit-out, MAC opened its doors in May 2009, built by the community, for the community. Watch this “tale of two cinemas” to find out more ...
The MAC A-Team: training local young people
Managers Karen and Elaine keep the cinema humming and the community connected, while our front-of-house crew make every session friendly and fuss-free. Mark at Luna Bar pours the good stuff when you fancy something celebratory.
MAC partners with Mansfield Secondary College and Goulburn Ovens TAFE on a school-based apprenticeship/traineeship that is unusual in Australia. Selected students train on real shifts inside a working cinema: customer service, hospitality, business admin, cinema and digital tech, marketing—and can complete Certificate III studies alongside VCE. Since 2009, many dozens have come through the program, gaining portable life and work skills