This week we celebrated the opening of Berninneit, our recently completed cultural and community centre in Cowes. The launch included a heartfelt speech by Cr Michael Whelan, Mayor of Bass Coast Shire Council, and a magical night of performances by Uncle Kutcha Edwards, Sean Kelly and Rosie Westbrook, the Living Circle Community Choir with Laura Brearley, Jane Clifton, Elly Poletti supported by Mat Goss, Slava Grigoryan, The Victorian State Ballet, Garry Starr and Kate Ceberano.

Designed in response to its coastal setting, the building comprises a theatre, library, gallery, museum, community function rooms and offices. Through deep engagement with community, we hoped the building would nurture a sense of civic pride. On Wednesday, we saw just how powerfully it’s been embraced by the people of Bass Coast. Designed to Passivhaus Standards and incorporating mass timber construction, Berninneit meets ambitious sustainability credentials, with its timber interiors creating a great sense of warmth and welcome.