Books, furniture, grass rolls in ahead of Berninneit opening

THE big day has arrived. The Cowes cultural centre, known by its Boonwurrung language name as Berninneit, will be officially opened, at a VIP event this Saturday, October 28.

The books are in the library, the furniture has been wheeled in and the grass out front has been laid. There are still some finishing touches to be added, after the official opening by Victorian Senator Jess Walsh, but the estimated $35 million project by Melbourne builders McCorkell Constructions Pty Ltd is substantially complete.

Just a few tradesmen remained on Friday this week, attaching fittings and electronic equipment, completing landscaping, laying grass and cleaning up ahead of a big opening weekend after dozens of workers have been engaged on site for the past 20 months.

The redevelopment of the former Cowes cultural and community centre site involved the complete replacement of the existing centre, to bring together the cultural and social aspirations of the community, encouraging a range of community activities and events.

During the construction phase, the building works were supposed to generate 6-70 jobs, but its likely that many more tradesmen and contractors set foot on the site. It is estimated that 30 ongoing jobs will be created and with the centre expected to provide a $51.8 million in economic benefits.

In line with Council’s Climate Change Action Plan, the Centre was built and designed and will be certified to Passivhaus Standards, making it the most environmentally significant building in the region, according to the Bass Coast Shire Council.

Opening events are as follows:

* On Saturday, October 28, 2023, Victorian Senator Jess Walsh, State Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale and Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor Cr Michael Whelan will preside over an “official opening”. As revealed in Question Time at council this week, the exclusive opening event will be for 40 invite-only guests.

* On Wednesday, November 1, 2023, there will be a ticketed “sneak preview” event and program launch for up to 300 people, who entered the ballot for tickets, notified during the week.

* On Thursday, November 2, 2023, the Berninneit facility will be open to the public with the new theatre, cinema and community spaces activated over the following few days with art exhibitions, literary events, music events and community activities.

Coming events include:

* Friday, November 3: Places We Imagine: An Author Panel Discussion (FREE). Dive into the world of fiction and explore the role of place in storytelling. Join contemporary authors Ava Dunn, Eliza Henry-Jones, and Josephine Rowe as they discuss how place shapes their writing and the magic of fictional place-making. Grab your FREE tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/CLHKM

* Saturday, November 4: Beethoven’s Enchanted Forest Presented by Inventi Ensemble ($10). Step into a musical wonderland with Inventi Ensemble. Experience a captivating rendition of Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony in this outstanding performance. Feel the storms, thunder, and lush forests come to life with a performance that is custom-made for the acoustics of our new cultural facility. A seven-piece ensemble performing one of the most iconic orchestral works of all time, you will feel the storms, thunder and lush forests of Beethoven in this outstanding performance. Get your tickets now: https://www.trybooking.com/CKSAD

* Sunday, November 5: The Living Circle Concert - Celebrating Our Gathering Place (FREE). Bringing people together to celebrate the community itself in the brand new cultural centre, with songs, stories, films and dance from children, conservationists, musicians and First Nation Elders and performers. Don't miss out! Get your FREE tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/CMAKP

* Friday, November 17 8pm-9.30pm Akmal - Not Dead Yet

* Sunday, November 18 Phillip Island Festival of Stories

* Saturday, November 25 7pm-8pm Tubular Bells for Two - 1 Album. 2 Men. Too Many Instruments.

* Saturday, December 2 8pm-9:15pm The King & Guy

* Friday, December 15 Ocean Sounds presents Steph Strings & Friends, Home Grown.

* Sunday, February 4 6.30pm Kate Miller-Heidke Catching Diamonds Tour.

* Friday, February 23, 7.30pm-8.45pm, The Caravan Music Club will present English music legend, Ralph McTell, best remembered for ‘Streets Of London’, which went on to become one of the most recorded songs of all time. McTell is in Australia briefly to headline at the Port Fairy Folk Festival, and this will one of a small number of intimate side shows. Tickets $69.50. Book now at Try Booking: https://www.trybooking.com/events/1130547/sessions/4212910/sections