The Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre (VCET) is now the biggest events and convention venue in the Australian state of Victoria, marking the arrival of a major new venue for the city of Geelong.
It was officially opened by the Victorian Convention and Event Trust (VCET) on 21 June and is expected to turn Geelong into a world-class destination for global events and conferences. The city is the second largest city in the state, after Melbourne. Situated on the shores of Corio Bay, approximately 75 km southwest of Melbourne, Geelong serves as a major regional hub for industry, healthcare, and education.
Funding for the new convention centre came from $416 million invested by the Victorian government, $30 million from the federal government and $3 million from the City of Greater Geelong, bringing the full project to $449 million.
The centre will start hosting events from July. With more than 80 events already secured and more than 250 proposed events expected to bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to Geelong in the coming years, VCET chief executive Natalie O’Brien AM said the opening was a significant milestone for Victoria’s business events sector and a landmark moment for Geelong.
The convention centre features a 1,000-seat theatre, exhibition spaces, meeting rooms, conference facilities, flexible event spaces, food and beverage offerings and a public outdoor plaza named Gheringhap Plaza.
The waterfront 200-room Crowne Plaza Geelong is just next door, providing seamless access for delegates and event guests.
The venue was designed in partnership with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, embedding cultural narratives throughout the architecture, public spaces and visitor experience.
“Nyaal Banyul reflects the cultural significance of this place and the stories connected to it, while also creating a contemporary venue that welcomes visitors from across Australia and beyond,” O’Brien said.
It’s aimed at drawing national and international visitors to Geelong and delivering economic benefit across the wider region, with events flowing from trade through to local hospitality.
On the jobs front, Nyaal Banyul will employ more than 240 people, while over 50 local businesses are already onboard supplying food, wine, equipment and event services across the precinct. Construction created 1,400 jobs along the way, with 250 apprentices clocking up more than 150,000 hours of hands-on training.
