Revealed: Geelong’s largest ever mural unveiled at $450m convention centre

Acclaimed artist Rone has unveiled Geelong’s largest public artwork – an 88m mural featuring 14 local faces on the city’s soon to be opened $450m convention centre. SEE THE VIDEO.

A one-year-old Wadawurrung girl and an 88-year-old community leader are among 14 faces immortalised in Geelong’s largest-ever public artwork.

Acclaimed artist Rone unveiled the 88m mural on Friday, which stretches across the Smythe St facing wall of the new $450m Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre.

Titled “Our Time in Geelong”, the mural forms part of the first Australian convention centre designed in close collaboration with traditional owners, reflecting both cultural heritage and contemporary community life.

Seven of the 14 portraits represent Wadawurrung family lines, including three-year-old Asta Templeton, whose mum, Adina Purton, nominated her to symbolise cultural continuity.

“Our children embody the future,” Ms Purton said.

“They are the ones who will lead the way towards positive and meaningful change.”

Rone and his subjects and the official mural unveiling at the rear of the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre. Picture: Alison Wynd

Other featured locals include nine-year-old Benji Hawkes-Sutton, a young admirer of Rone’s work; Malik Davis, an 18-year-old basketballer preparing for an international career; Susanne Kim, 32, a community advocate for Asian representation; and Ken Mansfield OAM, 88, recognised for decades of service to Geelong.

Malik Davis features on Rone’s mural. Picture: Alison Wynd.

Rone and Benji Hawkes-Sutton. Picture: Alison Wynd.

Rone and Uncle Mal Robinson. Picture: Alison Wynd.

Tyrone “Rone” Wright, who grew up in Geelong, said the mural celebrates the city’s social and cultural history through portraits of residents whose stories reflect Geelong’s evolving identity.

“The people of the community inspire me most, their stories and what it means to them to be represented in their own community,” he said.

“It’s an honour to create a piece that will be part of the future of a city that shaped me.”

Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation interim co-chief executive Sarah Eccles said the mural marked a significant moment in sharing cultural connection to a site of great importance on Country.

“When I look up at the mural, it is with pride to see the faces of my Wadawurrung family across generations representing our continuity, resilience, and living Culture,” she said.

Set to open its doors mid-next year, Nyaal Banyul is expected to position Geelong as a premier destination for events and tourism, with four events already secured for next year that are forecast to generate a $2.4m economic boost.

Delivered by Development Victoria and the Plenary Conventions consortium, the precinct will include a 1000-seat hall, event and meeting spaces, restaurants, a public plaza and a 200-room hotel under the Crowne Plaza brand.

Originally published as Revealed: Geelong’s largest ever mural unveiled at $450m convention centre