Beenleigh’s Phoenix Ensemble Gets $90,000 State Funding for Theatre Refurbishment

The Funding

The State Government announced on 28 April 2026 that it had delivered $90,000 to the Phoenix Ensemble to refurbish the not-for-profit company’s Beenleigh Showgrounds home.

Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the grant met a commitment made at the 2024 state election.

“The Crisafulli Government has delivered on its election promise to revitalise the home of this much-loved community theatre,” Langbroek said.

What Was Done

The works covered new seating, flooring and carpeting at the Pavilion Theatre, the company’s home venue at the Beenleigh Showgrounds on James Street.

Phoenix Ensemble President and Artistic Director Hayley Gervais said the new seating bank had improved comfort, sightlines and wheelchair access.

“The replacement of the seating bank has significantly improved comfort, sightlines, and wheelchair accessibility, enhancing the overall experience for audiences and making the venue more inclusive,” Gervais said.

About Phoenix Ensemble

The Phoenix Ensemble has run from the Beenleigh Showgrounds since 1993, producing more than 30 years of community theatre from the Pavilion Theatre, a venue locally known as “The Tin Shed”.

The company also runs the Phoenix Arts Academy, which hosts performance workshops for school-aged students in the region.

Recent productions include the Broadway musical Falsettos, which opened at the Pavilion Theatre in February 2025.

Wider Arts Package

The Beenleigh grant is one of three regional arts commitments the State Government has now funded. The package also includes $100,000 for the Wondai Regional Art Gallery in the South Burnett and $250,000 for the Mackay Musical Comedy Players, with the Mackay works due to finish later in 2026.

Langbroek said the funding was tied to the government’s Queensland’s Time to Shine strategy, a 10-year plan for the arts and culture sector running from 2025 to 2035.

“We’re committed to supporting artists and performers right across the State and ensuring that no matter where you live, Queenslanders have the opportunity to enjoy the arts,” Langbroek said.

What’s Next

Gervais said the upgraded venue would let the company focus on its programming and audience development.

“Looking ahead, the theatre is well positioned to focus on high-quality programming and deeper community engagement, supported by infrastructure that meets contemporary accessibility and audience comfort standards,” Gervais said.