COPACC FAQs
Published on 01 May 2026
Colac Otway Shire Council resolved to enter into a lease with a new operator for the Colac Otway Performing Arts and Cultural Centre (COPACC).
Council has now finalised the lease with IVG Global, who officially took over operations of COPACC on 1 July 2026.
The following Frequently Asked Questions have been developed to inform the community on the process and changes to the way the centre will be managed.
This document will be updated as new information becomes available.
Q: Why is Council leasing COPACC?
A: Council has negotiated and finalised a lease with IVG Global to provide a long‑term operating model that brings together cinema, performing arts, events and community use under a single provider. This approach is intended to strengthen activation of COPACC, support ongoing community access, and ensure the centre is sustainable into the future.
Q: Is COPACC closing?
A: No. COPACC is not closing. The proposal relates to how the centre is managed, not whether it operates. Cinema screenings, performances, events and community use will continue.
Q: Is Council selling COPACC?
A: No. COPACC remains a Council‑owned community asset. Council is negotiating a lease for management and programming, not the sale or transfer of ownership. The initial lease will be for three years.
Q: Will the cinema close?
A: No. The proposal ensures the continued operation of cinema services as part of an integrated programming model. The building remains in Council ownership, and the cinema remains part of the COPACC offering. There may be some downtime in the transition from the current cinema operator to the new provider. Council will provide an update on that when full details are known.
Q: What parts of COPACC does the lease cover?
A: The lease relates to the operational areas of COPACC, including the auditorium, Civic Hall, meeting rooms, foyer, function spaces, and the cinema. These are the spaces used for performances, events, community hire and programming.
The lease does not include the Colac and District Historical Society areas, the History Centre, or the Makers Space facilities. These areas are not part of the proposal and will remain under Council management and existing arrangements.
Q: What does this mean for community groups and local hirers?
A: Community access remains a core requirement of the lease terms. The intention is to maintain and improve access for local groups, schools, hirers and community organisations. Final access arrangements will be set through the lease.
Q: What about pricing for community hire or events?
A: Pricing frameworks remain subject to lease terms and Council oversight. Any future pricing structure must align with Council’s requirements for community access and affordability.
Q: Will programming change under a lease?
A: The intent is to increase activation, including a mix of cinema, professional performances and community‑focused programming. A more integrated management model is expected to support expanded offerings while maintaining community access.
Q: Will the community still be able to book spaces like the Civic Hall, auditorium and meeting rooms?
A: Yes. Community access is a core requirement in the proposed lease terms. All key spaces must remain available for community, school and local group use.
Q: What happens to existing COPACC bookings?
A: All existing bookings will be honoured. There will be no impact on any confirmed events, performances, functions, community hire or school bookings.
Q: Can I still make a new booking at COPACC?
A: Yes. COPACC is continuing to accept bookings. The lease relates to the management model only and does not affect COPACC’s availability for community use, events or venue hire. Bookings will continue to be supported throughout the transition process.
Q: Who is IVG Global?
A: IVG Global is an Australian company that works with councils and communities to bring venues to life. Their focus is on making places active, welcoming and well used - spaces where people want to gather for events, performances, films and community activities.
They have experience managing multi‑use venues and delivering events, and they work with a range of presenters and industry partners to help activate spaces with diverse programs and experiences.
IVG Global’s approach is practical and collaborative, with an emphasis on working with what already exists and building on local strengths. IVG Global values working closely with community to support venues that are accessible, well run and connected to those they serve.
Q: When will IVG Global take over management of COPACC?
A: The handover date is yet to be confirmed and is subject to final lease negotiations, but Council’s expectation is that a transition will commence in June.