The new $449 million convention centre offers a 1,000-seat plenary theatre alongside 3,700m2 of flexible event space. The venue is operated by the Victorian Convention and Event Trust (VCET), which also runs Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).
“For VCET, this is the beginning of our journey operating a regional venue in Victoria’s second largest city that is right-sized, distinctive and embedded in its community,” said VCET’s CEO Natalie O’Brien AM.
“Drawing on our experience at MCEC, we’ve shaped not only the physical spaces but how this venue will operate – delivering events that will bring more people to Geelong and its surrounding regions, support local businesses and create lasting impact.
“Nyaal Banyul reflects the cultural significance of this place and the stories connected to it, while also creating a contemporary venue that welcomes visitors from across Australia and beyond.”
The convention centre was developed in consultation with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners from the beginning. Its name, Nyaal Banyul, gifted by the Traditional Owners means “open your eyes to the hills”.
“Nyaal Banyul will play a critical role in bringing new audiences to Geelong – delegates, organisers and industry leaders coming from all over Australia, many of whom will be visiting the region for the first time,” said O’Brien.
“The flow-on effects are significant – increased tourism, stronger local supply chains and new opportunities for businesses across hospitality, services and the broader visitor economy, in Geelong and the surrounding areas in the Bellarine and Great Ocean Road.”
With over 80 events locked in and more than 250 others in the pipeline, Nyaal Banyul will host its first significant event, the Barwon Health Foundation Gala Ball, on July 3.
“Our team is ready to get started, working alongside local partners to create exceptional experiences that not only showcase this venue, but position Geelong as a global destination,” said Nyaal Banyul’s general manager, Rick Aylett.
More than 50 local businesses are supplying the convention centre, including local food and beverage producers.
“The Geelong community has backed Nyaal Banyul from day one, and now it’s our turn to deliver,” Aylett said.
For the business events sector and the visitor economy, Nyaal Banyul has a couple of significant events lined up – the centre will host the Professional Conference Organisers Association (PCOA) national conference in December and the Australian Tourism Awards next March.
