EXACTLY who dubbed the new, $35 million Berninneit Cultural Centre at Cowes with the nickname ‘Bernie’ is not known but it’s almost certain to stick, at least until locals and visitors get their teeth around the Boon Wurrung language name (pronounced burn-eh-neet).
The ‘Wedge’ at Sale, ‘GPAC’ at Geelong, ‘The Capital’ at Bendigo and many other regional art centres already have a local name, and whether it’s ‘the Cowes Cultural Centre’, ‘Berninneit’ or simply ‘what’s on at Bernie’s’; you’ll know what they’re talking about.
And it seems that the centre is set to be opened with a bang, or three bangs as it turns out:
Interestingly enough, the normal punters won't be allowed to attend either of the first two "opening" events, the first on October 28 being an invite-only occasion for VIPs, the second on November 1 a ticketed event by ballot and third event, being actual opening day for the public, who incidentally paid the lions' share of the cost, all but the $8.3 million contributed by government.
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, to be notified by Tuesday, October 24.
- 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:
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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
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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
Cost of hire
It’s interesting to note that Berninneit theatre costs $1340 to hire (seat capacity 250) while the Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre theatre costs $1580 to hire (seat capacity 416).
These ‘full day’ costs do not include the cost of duty technicians, tech staff, duty manager and front of house staff (between $50 and $40 per hour) and 10% net box office levy. As well as gallery space hire of $100 per day, arts exhibitions have to contribute 30% from commissioned sales.
Council provides some explanation about the various costs and comparison between Wonthaggi WUCAC and Berninneit:
“Council acknowledges that venues with less seating capacity offer a reduced opportunity for hirers to generate revenue, depending on the event type.
“Staffing and facility costs for operating cultural facilities are comparable, regardless of size and seating capacity.
“Accordingly, based on a combination of reduced seating capacity but comparable operational costs, Cowes Cultural and Community Centre auditorium is proportionally cheaper than the Wonthaggi auditorium.”
