Cowes’ Berninneit centre open by Melbourne Cup Weekend

IT’S unofficial, at least for now. But the new $33 million Berninneit cultural centre in Cowes is set to be opened, officially or otherwise, by Melbourne Cup Weekend 2023.

The information was revealed at a meeting of the Phillip Island Progress Association, Island Voice, last Wednesday night by “a member of the arts community”.

According to council, however, three possible dates for the opening of the centre have been discussed, depending on finishing touches to the project, the booking of ‘welcome to country’ representatives, opening day entertainment, the staging of an art show, and the availability of government ministers and Members of Parliament.

There has also been reports of an "invite only" opening on or around Friday, November 3, although avid council watcher Graham Jolly, has howled down such a suggestion.

"To think that they would consider having an "invite only" opening for what, a $35 million, $38 million or even $40 million ratepayer-funded project is unimaginable but that's what we are hearing. Let's hope Council dismisses such a ridiculous idea," said Mr Jolly this week.

But being open by Melbourne Cup Weekend, either as a “soft opening” or official opening, is the preferred scenario.

Council has advised that it will soon announce the date for the opening of the centre.

One of the sticking points has been the annual Melbourne Cup Weekend Art Show staged by the Arts Society of Phillip Island Region (ASPIR), formerly the Artists’ Society of Phillip Island, which has a booking at Newhaven College to stage its arts show.

President of the arts group, Miranda Sage, admitted the arrangements had become a bit tricky.

“We have a booking at Newhaven College for the art show, but in the event the new arts centre is opened in time, we’d like to be able to be a part of that. There are quite a few ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ at this stage,” Mrs Sage said.

Traditionally the art show organised by the ASPIR is a general exhibition, with examples of the works of all its members, from painting, to 3D art, textile and even examples of members creative writing.

The opening of the centre will also give council the opportunity, as promised, to reveal the full cost of the project, including any funds paid to former design company Novated Pty Ltd, prior to the appointment of the ultimate designers, Jackson Clements Burrows Architects, and the cost of any other site works, landscaping, art or equipment purchased or services employed in relation to the shire's biggest-ever capital works project.

The timing of the new cultural centre opening, at which the current Mayor Cr Michael Whelan is reportedly desperate to officiate, will clear the decks for what is anticipated to be a keenly contested Mayoral election, on Wednesday, November 15, at which both Cr Whelan and Cr Rochelle Halstead, the Deputy Mayor, are expected to be candidates.

Cr Halstead was believed to have had “the numbers” prior to the resignation of Cr Bruce Kent, but whether or not the arrival of Cr Geoff Ellis, as his replacement, changes that is yet to be seen.

Cr Halstead, who is presently undertaking an AICD Company Directors Course to enhance her skills as a councillor managing a $100 million budget, has indicated her interest in standing for the role, but Cr Whelan is yet to confirm his intentions.

There’s a lot at stake, not only the kudos of being Bass Coast Mayor and the annual mayoral allowance, which has jumped up to $102,650 since July 1, but also the opportunity to play a key role in the appointment of a new shire CEO, expected to be decided before the end of 2023, and the direction of council.

Such perks as officiating at major events, including the opening of the new Cowes cultural centre, which has been a key focus for Cr Whelan, are among the other benefits of the shire’s highest office.