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Village Drive-In Patrick Street, Stawell, VIC

TRIBUTE - Don Kennedy

VALE Donald Kennedy (Stawell Drive-In)

Dear Cinema Pioneers - We have been advised of the passing of long time Cinema Pioneer Donald Kennedy who passed away on December 4 2023.

Donald was the long time operator of the Stawell Drive-In having taken over the operational contract with Village in 1964 after a series of Managers run the place from when it first opened in November 1957. Donald run and operated the venue from the time he took over until he closed in in July 1988, a total of 23 of the venues 31 years.

Stawell Drive-In was one of a number of similar venues inside a racecourse, this one being inside the Stawell Harness Racing Club with the screen on the outside and the speakers and Projection room on the infield where the cars would park. It made good use of otherwise unused space and also gave additional income to the Trotting Track owners helping to keep that business operating as well. When Donald closed the Drive-In he told the local paper that

“We have to compete with colour television, 10 o’clock hotel closing and videos all making Drive–In theatres no longer viable.”

Donald was devastated as he loved this business so much so he even taught his son Andrew to run the shows and the rest of his family worked there as well. Done was described as a man who lived a massively full life and a man of abundant generosity. I’m told amongst other things, he moved planes, boats, cars, motor bikes and go carts. He loved the real things and he loved models. Above all, he loved his family.

Donald’s funeral was held in a packed Church in Stawell on December 13 2023. For those who would like to see the service it is available by clicking on the following link: https://vimeo.com/892482301

Please take a moment to remember Donald Kennedy, husband to Carlene (dec) Loving father to Andrew, Tim and families.

Derek Screen - Victorian Branch Committee Member
The Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers

Contributed by Greg Lynch -