Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre

Discover the story behind Nyaal Banyul. We’re thrilled to share that Elizabeth Kozmevski, General Manager of Marketing, will be speaking on the Geelong Design Week panel Nyaal Banyul: A Place of Baierr. This important discussion will delve into the co-design journey of embedding Wadawurrung narrative into the identity and design of Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre.    The site of Nyaal Banyul has long been a place of gathering for Wadawurrung People, where communities came together to share stories, celebrate, exchange knowledge, and make decisions. Guided by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, this rich cultural legacy has been thoughtfully woven into Nyaal Banyul’s story, ensuring that it remains a gathering place of connection, creativity, and learning for generations to come.    Join Liz and panel members from the design team, and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, as they share insights into the collaborative process of honouring Country and culture in every element of Nyaal Banyul. Find out more and get your tickets here: https://lnkd.in/g-FyfBdh

#PCOA24 is almost here! Katie Tinetti will be in Brisbane from 1–3 December, ready to make new connections. Join Katie for a conversation about how we can bring your event vision to life at Nyaal Banyul—a place where inspiration, community, and meaningful connections are always within reach. #NyaalBanyul | Professional Conference Organisers Association

At Nyaal Banyul, we believe in the power of connection—between people, place, and culture. Together with Regional Development Victoria, we had the privilege of bringing together our Trustee’s and leadership team, Geelong stakeholders, and key project partners to celebrate the incredible journey of Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre so far. The gathering was grounded in the significance of this land—a place of baierr, where the Wadawurrung People have come together for generations to share stories, celebrate, and pass on knowledge. MCET Trustee Diana Taylor AM introduced the Welcome to Country, setting the stage for a day of reflection and connection. We heard from The Hon. John Brumby, Chair of MCET, who shared his enthusiasm for the incredible milestones we’ve reached: from the launch of Nyaal Banyul’s award-winning brand to the completion of the venue’s full height, and the exciting future that awaits in 2026 and beyond. The day also marked the introduction of Rick Aylett GAICD as General Manager of Nyaal Banyul. With over 30 years of industry experience and deep ties to the venue and Geelong, Rick is the perfect person to lead Nyaal Banyul into its next chapter. As we move closer to opening, it’s clear that Nyaal Banyul is more than just a venue—it’s a place where community comes together to create something truly special. Thank you to everyone who continues to support us on this journey. Together, we’re creating something truly special. Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre is being delivered by Development Victoria, in partnership with Regional Development Victoria and the Geelong City Deal.  #GeelongCityDeal

Hello, Adelaide! Katie Tinetti and Simon Jacobs are ready to chat all things Nyaal Banyul at the Australasian Society of Association Executives #ACE2024 Conference from 17–19 November. Come and connect with them as they share how our team can bring your next event to life at the future Nyaal Banyul – a place where meaningful gathering and knowledge-sharing is perfectly complimented by its beautiful surroundings. #NyaalBanyul

As we mark the halfway point on the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre project, we celebrate the recent installation of the Exhibition Hall’s final steel truss as a major milestone for the precinct. The 15-metre-tall structure of the purpose-built Exhibition Hall and 1000-seat Plenary Hall will include conference facilities, quality food and beverage retailers, a large public plaza, and hotel overlooking Corio Bay. “Currently we have four tower cranes working on this very busy stage within the project. The workforce consists of around 300 people on site, and as we enter the next phase with facade and fitout works beginning, this number is expected to increase to 500 in the new year.” said James Hawker, Senior Site Manager, Built. Development Victoria Plenary Group Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre BGIS Woods Bagot Hanlon Industries Ross Walker Jack Robson Paul Ritchie Andrew Morgan Josh Pozzebon Daniel Kelzke Kevin Cullis Isaac Tavilla Victorian Government City of Greater Geelong Australian Government #newways #geelong #victoria #regionalinfrastructure

Meet the team shaping the future of Nyaal Banyul with new perspectives and a shared passion for meaningful connections. Katie Tinetti, Simon Jacobs, and Dana Broekhuizen lead our Business Development, focused on discovering new opportunities and creating experiences that truly connect with our community. Attending the Australasian Society of Association Executives #ACE2024 or Professional Conference Organisers Association #PCOA24 Conferences? Come by for a chat—whether you’re nurturing a vision or simply interested in what Nyaal Banyul has to offer, Katie, Simon, and Dana are ready to help make it a reality. #NyaalBanyul

We're thrilled to share the news of Rick Aylett GAICD's appointment as General Manager of Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre! Since joining us in 2022 as Project Director, Rick has been instrumental in shaping the design and vision of our venue, guiding it towards a future grounded in both innovation and respect for the land. With over 30 years of senior leadership experience, including five years as Head of Operations at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Rick’s expertise in managing large-scale events and operations will be pivotal as we approach our opening. Natalie O'Brien AM, Chief Executive, expressed her excitement, "We’re thrilled to have Rick at the helm. His proven leadership and vast experience in the industry will be instrumental in establishing Nyaal Banyul as the best regional convention centre in Australia.” Rick himself is eager to get started, preparing Nyaal Banyul for opening in 2026, “I’m honoured to be given this opportunity and look forward to working with the team to deliver meaningful and world-class experiences for event organisers and attendees. Greater Geelong is such an incredible destination with so much to offer. I’m also thrilled to be connecting and partnering with the Geelong community. The longstanding local support and advocacy for the convention centre is the reason we exist. Nyaal Banyul will be a game-changer for Geelong, and I’m eager to contribute to its success.” As we look to the future with Rick’s leadership, we’re excited to deepen our connection with the Geelong community and Wadawurrung Country. Together, we’ll create events that are not just memorable but grounded in the rich culture and spirit of this place. Discover more about what’s to come here: https://lnkd.in/g5CQq3cD #NyaalBanyul

✨BREAKING NEWS✨Four new Location-Based Board Members were voted in last at last night's Annual General Meeting, held at the brand-new Geelong Sports Museum at Kardinia Park. Representing Geelong: Katie Tinetti brings over 20 years of experience working in venues and organisations across Australia and overseas. Currently, she is leading the business development team for the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre. Tenille Moisel, owner of Splatters Cheese Bar and Co-CEO of Platform Arts is a passionate leader, bringing to the table many years of board and governance experience across several not-for-profit organisations. Representing Bellarine: Marie-Claire Trotter, CEO of the Q Train, is a strong advocate for measured sustainable growth and is passionate about Geelong becoming a leader in inclusive and sustainable tourism. Peter Wallace has over a decade of experience in the tourism industry, particularly in sales and marketing over at Searoad Ferries. He has served on various school councils, sporting club committees, and community-based working groups, which has provided him with a solid foundation in governance and collaboration. We would also like to extend a heart-felt thanks to all the nominees who put themselves forward for the Board. Your passion and dedication to our industry is deeply appreciated, and we look forward to your continued involvement.

Last Friday, our team, together with Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre's Executive Chef Peter Haycroft, spent an inspiring day immersed in the stories and flavours of The Gordon Culinary School, exploring their hospitality courses and programs. The day revealed exciting opportunities for collaboration, especially in developing Geelong’s future hospitality leaders—nurturing talent grown from the very community we’re proud to be part of. As we prepare for the 2026 opening of Nyaal Banyul, a place deeply embedded in the spirit of Wadawurrung People and the land we share, we look forward to building meaningful pathways for local students. It’s all about investing in people, respecting the land’s rich heritage, and celebrating the vibrant stories that make Geelong unique. #NyaalBanyul

Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Member for Corio Richard Marles recently dropped by to view construction progress of the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre and meet the team delivering the $449 million precinct development. “It’s exciting to see works at the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre precinct at full steam ahead. As well as providing fantastic employment and learning opportunities for young, local workers during its construction, once complete this project will also support hundreds of ongoing jobs in the Geelong community.” Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Member for Corio, Richard Marles. The Plenary Group-led Plenary Conventions consortium is contracted to finance, design, construct and maintain the project for 25 years in partnership with the Victorian Government and its funding partners under the Geelong City Deal, the Australian Government and City of Greater Geelong. The convention centre and hotel precinct is expected to be complete in 2026. Victorian Government | Development Victoria | Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions | Australian Government | City of Greater Geelong | Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre | Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre | Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation | Give Where You Live Foundation | GROW - G21 Regional Opportunities For Work | gforce employment + recruitment | The Gordon Plenary Group | Built. | BGIS | Woods Bagot | IHG Hotels & Resorts | Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts