Families and young people are among those choosing a night at Dubbo's drive-in for one of their first entertainment outings since coronavirus restrictions eased.
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Dubbo Westview Drive-In was one of the city's first attractions approved by authorities to operate again after the state's shutdown, and rolled out multiple measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The drive-in reported the weekend had been a success, and patrons had abided by the requirements.
"With the measures in place, everyone kept themselves distanced at the cafeteria and the toilets," a spokesman for the operator said.
"We never really had to speak to anyone, everyone seemed to be very responsible."
In the past two years the drive-in has made a comeback after more than three decades out of action and has been building to become a key attraction.
But the COVID-19 shutdown forced the postponement of a sell-out Running on Empty event planned for March 21-22, four days before its staging.
The gates opened to the public for the first time since last year when it screened an NRL match on Friday and Shrek on Saturday.
"It was a really amazing weekend, for Shrek, we had a really good crowd in there, and everyone had heaps of room to set up and the weather was perfect and lots of great feedback, which was great," a spokesman for the operator said.
"I think people are appreciating being able to be out of the house.
"Lots of people had their setups with a lounge or beanbags and blankets and beanies, so everyone seemed to be quite comfortable."
The drive-in has the original Footloose and Australian classic The Man from Snowy River to screen on Friday and Saturday nights respectively.
It falls on the long weekend, and comes after the reopening of Taronga Western Plains Zoo and the easing of travel restrictions on Monday, and organisers are hopeful some visitors may be among the patrons.
"People keen to get out of the city and get out into the fresh air and the country," the spokesman said.
"It's a great opportunity to go to the zoo and then go to the drive-in while you're in Dubbo."
In acknowledgement that times are financially tough, the drive-in has a multi-movie discount offer, and tickets are available on its website.
Faye Wheeler
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
