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Uploaded on: October 15, 2026

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The former Austral Picture Theatre (also known as the Collingwood Theatre), located at 200 Johnston Street, Collingwood, was severely gutted by a major fire on the night of September 26, 2026.

Emergency crews were called to the vacant, two-storey building around 10:30 pm and found it heavily engulfed in flames.

Victoria Police and arson chemists are currently investigating the blaze as suspicious, with reports indicating it may have been a firebombing.

The Building: Opened on September 15, 1921, by Collingwood Mayor Walter G. Amos, the 1,600-seat cinema was designed in a distinct Greek Revival architectural style. It was renowned for its ornate interior and decorative ceiling work.

Today this is what a Heritage listed building looks like.

Contributed by Greg Lynch -