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.
