The Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation has gifted a new name to what has been known as Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre returning Wadawurrung language to country.
Named Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, Nyaal Banyul means “open your eyes to the hills”. It is made up of two Wadawurrung words – nyaal, meaning to open your eyes, and banyul, meaning hill. This name was chosen to encourage people visiting to take time to appreciate the landscapes of Wadawurrung Country.
The Western Beach cliffs are a cultural and spiritual place for Wadawurrung People. From the site, Wurdi Youang (You Yangs) and Anakie Youang can be seen to the north, while the hills of the Bellawiyn (Bellarine) can be found to the east, the Fyansford hill to the west and the Barrabul (Barrabool) hills to the south.
The Victorian Government is investing more than A$260 million (US$175.6 million) to build the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre precinct as part of the Geelong City Deal, with additional contributions of A$30 million from the Australian Government and A$3 million from the City of Greater Geelong.
The consortium, Plenary Conventions, is delivering the project and will work with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation to embed its culture, values, and knowledge into the building and public realm as part of a co-design approach.
The Corporation will also work with the future operators of the centre, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust, to celebrate and educate the public on Wadawurrung cultural history.
Construction of the purpose-built convention and event centre will commence soon, and is slated for completion in 2026.
