6 February 2024
Geelong Welcomes Nyaal Banyul Convention Centre with Open Arms and Open Eyes
In an exciting development for the city of Geelong, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust (MCET) proudly introduced the brand identity for the much-anticipated Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre on February 6, 2024. Named after the Wadawurrung words for ‘open your eyes to the hills,’ the Nyaal Banyul represents a fusion of traditional wisdom and contemporary innovation, promising to be a cornerstone of community pride and a hotspot for global dialogue.
The inception of Nyaal Banyul’s brand is a testament to the collaborative spirit between MCET and the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, embodying a vision that honors the land’s ancestral roots while forging a path towards a future of inclusivity and discovery.
“We’ve collaborated with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners to develop a brand that the whole Geelong community can be proud of, as well as creating a captivating value proposition for customers and visitors, that encourages belonging, sharing and seeking,” shared Natalie O’Brien AM, Chief Executive of MCEC.
The centre invites visitors to immerse themselves in a journey of enlightenment, facilitated by the wealth of knowledge and ideas nurtured within its walls. Drawing inspiration from the Wadawurrung stories of Country, the venue’s design and ethos encourage a global exchange of transformative ideas, set against the picturesque backdrop of Geelong’s waterfront.
Elizabeth Kozmevski, MCEC Head of Marketing, highlighted the significance of building a brand from the ground up, rooted in the story of the country and the dynamic essence of Geelong. “The new brand embodies our goals for Nyaal Banyul, creating a space for belonging and gathering, where individuals can not only share and seek knowledge, but also be inspired by the diversity of landscape and cultural heritage that surrounds us,” she added.
The brand mark, crafted by The Contenders, encapsulates the essence of enlightenment through its depiction of hills and layers converging to form an eye, symbolizing a renewed perspective. This emblem, bold and playful, alongside a color palette mirroring the natural light of Sky Country, pays tribute to the site’s history as a cultural hub for the Wadawurrung People.
“The name Nyaal Banyul encourages people to open their eyes to the hills of Wadawurrung Country, for these hills hold our stories, resources and our strong sense of belonging. The brand acknowledges our deep connection to this place, the Western Cliffs of Djilang, which have always been a gathering place for Wadawurrung People,” said Wadawurrung Woman, Corrina Eccles.
Joe Rogers, Managing Partner of The Contenders, expressed pride in their work, reflecting a genuine partnership that honors the narrative and name bestowed by the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners.
Situated in a prime location, the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre stands as a beacon of inspiration and collaboration, surrounded by the natural beauty of the sea, bay, and hills, and nestled in the heart of Geelong’s vibrant city life. With construction underway and an expected completion in 2026, the centre is poised to elevate Geelong’s status on the global stage, inviting future visitors to explore, connect, and extend their stay amidst the region’s rich offerings.
This landmark project is a part of the Geelong City Deal, a transformative initiative by the Australian and Victorian Governments alongside the City of Greater Geelong, marking a significant leap towards enriching the cultural and economic landscape of the region.
As Nyaal Banyul prepares to open its doors, it stands not just as a venue, but as a symbol of unity, heritage, and forward-thinking, ready to welcome the world with open eyes and open hearts.
