DROMANA Drive-In has become a popular venue for school communities getting together to celebrate end-of-year functions.
This has come about as, over the past two years, the pandemic has forced many schools to think outside the square and to capitalise on the space and opportunities offered there.
It is a trend that has pleased drive-in proprietor Paul Whitaker. “Some schools filmed their annual play, as they could not present it to parents, and we screened it here on the three big screens, with parents and the actors in the cars,” Mr Whitaker said.
“Others did a live-to-screen-graduation presentation with a red carpet, lights, and lots of horns tooting and lights flashing.”
While pandemic restrictions had put a strain on school-life, Mr Whitaker said the drive-in offered a welcome respite. “Many parents are saying the students will remember the experience forever, especially after two years of COVID-19 lockdowns and homeschooling,” he said.
“I have fun, too, getting around with my own cameras doing outside broadcasts.”
Most schools had about 90 families per screen attending, but some of the bigger schools took all three screens on a night – with up to 480 cars.
Primary schools taking part in the on-screen action included Dromana, Rosebud, Tootgarook, Red Hill Consolidated, Our Lady of Fatima, Derinya, Rowellyn Park, Somerville, Kunyung, St Josephs, St Marys, Flinders Christian College and Woodleigh.
Community groups included The Gateway Church and Dancesation Dance School.
The drive-in’s next big event is New Year’s Eve.
Details: dromanadrivein.com.au
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 21 December 2021
