Bass Coast Shire Council is proud to present another exceptional program of events at its Cultural Venues in honour of NAIDOC Week 2026, celebrating the national theme 50 Years of Deadly.
From the stage of Berninneit in Cowes to The Union Theatre in Wonthaggi, our venues will come alive with First Nations music, comedy, art, film and community with a deeply a deeply meaningful expression of culture, pride and resilience.
NAIDOC Week is one of the most significant events on the national calendar, and the 2026 theme carries extraordinary weight. As the NAIDOC reflects, '50 Years of Deadly' recognises the organisers, artists, activists and communities who carried NAIDOC forward year after year, ensuring it remained grounded in culture and community.' Bass Coast Shire Council is honoured to stand alongside that legacy.
"Our cultural venues exist to bring community together and this NAIDOC Week that's exactly what we are seeing across Bass Coast. This program has come together through strong partnerships with community and First Nations artists, welcoming everyone to share in a celebration of culture, survival, resistance and pride. This is what 50 Years of Deadly means to us."
"Every year, it's fantastic to see such strong interest and turnout from our community. That kind of support says a lot about Bass Coast, it's something we can all be really proud of. We extend a warm invitation to every member of our community to come along, listen, watch, and be moved." said Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari.
Both Berninneit in Cowes and The Union Theatre in Wonthaggi will be illuminated with NAIDOC projections throughout the week, casting a powerful and visible tribute to First Nations peoples across our community.
Events at a Glance
Aboriginal Comedy Allstars | Saturday, 27 June | 7.30pm | Berninneit, Cowes
Get ready to laugh and celebrate with six of Australia's finest Aboriginal comedians in one unforgettable night. The Aboriginal Comedy Allstars bring sharp wit, warmth and brilliance to the Berninneit stage. MOBTix available.
Emma Donovan with special guest Fonzie | Sunday, 13 July, 6:30pm | Berninneit, Cowes
A founding member of Stiff Gins and a formidable solo artist, First Nations singer Emma Donovan is one of Australia's most beloved voices. Born into the renowned Donovan musical family, Emma has spent a lifetime grounding her music in soul, country, lineage and storytelling. Her performance at Berninneit promises to be intimate, powerful and unforgettable. Joined by special guest Fonzie.
MOBTix available.
Imagine - Film Screening & Yarn | Wednesday 1 July, 12:30pm | The Union Theatre, Wonthaggi
Presented by Bass Coast Shire Council and ReGen, Imagine is an 80-minute Indigenous-led animated feature film and the first film in the world to give its IP and profits back to nature. Co-created by over 400 people during the 2020 pandemic, including Indigenous youth, elders, remote communities and storytellers from around the world, this is a story for our moment. Stay for a community yarn after the screening.
Helen S. Tiernan | Daily until July | Berninneit Gallery, Cowes
The acclaimed artist Helen S Tiernan will be showcased in the Berninneit Art Gallery, presenting work that speaks to First Nations experience, identity and connection to Country. Visitors are invited to engage with this powerful exhibition throughout NAIDOC Week.
Ngannga Festival | Berninneit, Cowes | Saturday, 11 July, 10am - 3pm
The Ngannga Festival, presented by the Bass Coast Reconciliation Network, returns for its second year at Berninneit - following a fantastic turnout of over 800 people in 2025.The festival creates an opportunity for First Nations creatives and businesses to share and celebrate their work, offering a vibrant and meaningful celebration of community, culture and Country.
Tickets and information for all events are available at basscoastculturalvenues.com or via the TryBooking links provided. Some events are free; bookings are recommended as capacity is limited.
