09/09/2026
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=100057053725005&set=a.1605695918008850
The history of the Stardust Drive-In is a particularly fascinating one,The original land at Rossiters Hill was purchased by the Frazers, who intended to build a drive-in theatre on the site. However, their plans did not proceed.
The property was subsequently purchased by Reg Hunt, a Brisbane drive-in owner, who went on to construct the Stardust Drive-In, The theatre was later purchased by Birch Carroll & Coyle (BCC), who expanded its operation to six nights a week. BCC subsequently leased the theatre to the Stanley Brothers, Pem and Bob Stanley. It was during this period, in 1975, that a very important chapter in the Stardust story began for Frank Jerkic.
Frank, a single father with an 11-month-old baby, was given an opportunity by the amazing Pem and Bob Stanley. They employed Frank and, incredibly, allowed him to bring his baby to work with him.
That kindness and opportunity meant so much to Frank, and to this day he remains immensely grateful to Pem and Bob Stanley, Bob and Del O'shea for giving him that chance.
Over the years, ownership of the Stardust passed through:
Birch Carroll & Coyle → The Stanleys → The O'Sheas → Frank & Suzi Jerkic And remarkably, the story continues.
Today, the Stardust Drive-In is still operating in essentially the same location, still showing movies under the stars, still serving the local community, and still carrying on a tradition that has now spanned more than six decades. From its beginnings in 1964, through the many people who helped shape its history, to the Jerkic family carrying the torch today, the Stardust is more than just a cinema — it is a piece of North Queensland history.
And after 62 years, the lights are still on, the screen is still glowing, and the stars are still shining over the Stardust.
