Where is the Starlight Drive-In sign? Since being removed from lying facedown in the dirt next to the Starlight Apartments, the iconic neon sign has been dearly missed by Canberrans. Now, some enterprising Canberrans are working to get it back.
For those not aware of this particular piece of history, the Starlight Drive-in sign stood sentinel on the Federal Highway at Watson. It was much-loved as an icon of times gone by, when drive-in movies theatres actually existed and were an important part of weekend life in the Capital.
After showing its last movie in 1993, the overgrown site was sold off to developers. However, much to the joy of Canberrans, the sign remained in place throughout the construction of the Starlight Apartments.
Sadly, the sign was struck down by a thunderstorm in 2012, and was soon removed for repair. Even more disappointing is the fact the sign is yet to return. We’d love to see a fresh-faced and refurbished sign once again welcoming drivers as they enter Canberra – and It certainly presents a more friendly face than the endless parade of speed cameras between Watson and Civic.
There can be no doubt that if Trevor Dickinson has used something in one of his artworks, that it is an important Canberra cultural artefact. We are excited by the petition put together by some community-minded locals in an attempt to harness broader support to see the sign repaired to new condition and reinstalled at the original location.
Congratulations to Irene Hazilias, Laurie McDonald and Jay who have developed the petition. We encourage all Canberrans to get behind this, and bring back a special part of Canberra’s History. Click here to put your name to this cause.
Trevor Dickinson’s Starlight artworks are available here.
