Annual funding assistance of $150,000 from Creative Victoria is sought to assist with programming of professional touring product including theatre, live performance and visual arts, ensuring that our regional venues showcase the highest quality dynamic cultural content. This programming support will provide attendees with access to a greater quantity, quality and diversity of arts events and activities which will contribute significantly to the cultural, social and economic development of our regional communities.

Last year we welcomed Berninneit, a new cultural centre on Phillip Island. Alongside the upgraded Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre both these venues meet professional touring theatre standards and are the only two such facilities in the Bass Coast and South Gippsland regions.

They create a significant gateway touring opportunity to connect Victorian Association of Performing Arts Centres members outer south/south-eastern Melbourne venues.

Council has demonstrated that strategic investment in cultural infrastructure delivers measurable returns.

Stage one proved our venues are not just culturally valuable, but they are commercially viable, creating a sustainable foundation for the future.

The next 5-year stage builds on this success, establishing a hire-subsidised model that serves our community while achieving financial independence. By year 4, these venues will operate without external funding, having transitioned to a self-sustaining framework.

This represents a time-limited investment with lasting impact: consistent cultural programming across eastern Victoria that generates sustainable economic activity, strengthens community connection, and positions our region as a cultural destination for both residents and visitors.

Council has put a focus on our young people who wish to pursue a career in technical operations. We now provide a paid pathway for local school-leavers to receive on-the-job training along with a formal qualification in cultural facility technical operations.

This program is delivered in both our cultural venues through partnerships with Vicwest, Arts Centre Melbourne, and local performance stakeholders.

With regional events and activations proven to provide significant social and economic benefits, Council seeks funding to ensure the people living, looking to re-locate, or visiting Bass Coast have access to high quality arts and cultural facilities