New name chosen for Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre

A new name for the Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre has been chosen to encourage locals and visitors to appreciate the landscapes of Wadawurrung Country.

Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre designs. Picture: Supplied

A new name for the Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre has been chosen to encourage locals and visitors to appreciate the landscapes of Wadawurrung Country.

The much-anticipated precinct that is expected to be complete in 2026, will now be known as Nyaal Banyul, which means “open your eyes to the hill”.

The new name of the centre was officially announced on Friday by Wadawurrung Elders and family, as well as Regional Development Miinister Harriet Shing, Member for Geelong Christine Couzens and City of Greater Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan.

Mr Sullivan said council was proud to celebrate the region’s strong First Nations heritage when naming its own building and facilities.

“It’s exciting that this centrepiece venue will further educate locals about the history and ongoing culture of the Wadawurrung people,” Mr Sullivan said.

The precinct development is the centrepiece of the $500m Geelong City Deal, a collaborative plan to transform the region by the Australian and Victorian governments, and the City of Greater Geelong.

The Victorian government is investing more than $260m to build Nyaal Banyul as part of the Geelong City Deal, with the Federal government contributing $30m and the City of Greater Geelong $3m.

Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Corio, Richard Marles thanked the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and said he was looking forward to continuing to see the purpose-built convention and exhibition space take shape.

“The project will transform the 1.6ha waterfront carparking site into a world-class precinct right here in Geelong,” Mr Marles said.

Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation interim CEO Liam Murphy said they appreciated being invited to provide design principles to inform the concept of the convention centre, as the Western Beach cliffs hold special cultural value.

The centre will host a range of events from large corporate, sporting and entertainment gatherings to international music and trade shows, through to public exhibitions.

There will be a 1000-seat venue, two large exhibition spaces, meeting rooms, conference facilities and flexible event spaces.

New retail spaces will feature hospitality offerings, a large public plaza will become a feature of the Geelong waterfront and a new 200-room hotel under the Crowne Plaza brand will accompany the project.

Construction of the convention centre is expected to start soon.

Originally published as New name chosen for Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre