Our Vision

The Jetty Memorial Theatre serves as an important arts hub and performance venue for the Coffs Coast region. Our commitment to you:

  • to foster and promote a vibrant performing arts culture
  • to engage, inspire and entertain with a dynamic program
  • to encourage and support our community to share their talents
  • to extend opportunities for our team of volunteers
  • to make your visit a welcoming experience

Our Story

The Jetty Theatre that we know and love today has a rich and interesting history. The theatre was originally opened as a public hall in 1928 to serve as a memorial to soldiers from World War I and to provide a space for community and social events.

From the 1930s to the late 1970s the theatre was used as a cinema until the lease for movies expired, after which, moves were made by a small group of interested locals to have the Jetty Theatre heritage listed and retained for live performances by a management committee.

From the early 1980’s until around 2003, the Theatre was managed by a community-based council committee which, through its members’ hard work, developed the building into a community venue for the cultural arts and live theatre.

In 1990 the second major refurbishment in the building’s history was completed by The Coffs Harbour Vietnam Veterans. Later in 2003, the theatre was closed and underwent a major restoration, notably funded by the Coffs Harbour City Council, which transformed the building into a state-of-the art 250 seat contemporary venue capable of being adapted to a wide range of community and touring shows.

2007 saw the very first season launch at the theatre, introducing the professional touring shows and enabling the Coffs Coast to join the national regional touring network. Since then the theatre has gone from strength to strength and become one of the highlights of the region’s performing arts landscape, with its rich variety of touring shows and much-cherished community theatre.


A Brief History

1928 – opened as a public hall in 1928 to serve as a memorial to soldiers from World War I and to provide a space for community and social events.

1930s to late 1970s – operated as a cinema, with silent movies accompanied by live piano, being the first films to be screened at the venue.

1952 – first community theatre production staged: Arts Council Drama Group presented Tons of Money

1956 – Pirates of Penzance presented ­by the Musical Society

1964 –governance of the Jetty Soldiers Memorial Hall was appointed to the Coffs Harbour Shire Council

1970’s- Still leased as a cinema, live theatre activity increases greatly towards the end of the decade

1980s to 2003 – managed by a community-based Council committee and developed into a community venue for the cultural arts and live theatre.

1990’s – second major refurbishment completed by The Coffs Harbour Vietnam Veterans.

2003 – major restoration, notably funded by the Coffs Harbour City Council, which transformed the building into a state-of-the art 250 seat contemporary venue to present a wide range of community and touring shows.

2007 – first season launch, introducing professional touring shows and enabling the Coffs Coast to join the national regional touring network.

2014– Overhaul of audio visual facilities including the installation of 7.5m motorised screen, FHD projector and 5.1 surround sound.

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