It might not host a meeting for another two years, but the
team behind Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre has just unveiled branding
for the waterfront venue (above).
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust (MCET) says the
design builds upon the name Nyaal Banyul, chosen by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, meaning ‘open your eyes to the hills’.
MCET engaged with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal
Corporation during brand development for the new venue, which will have views
over Corio Bay and the hills beyond.
The brand, created by brand agency The Contenders, is
influenced by the hills and layers of country that come together to form an
eye, symbolising enlightenment, and perspective.
Nyaal Banyul is part of the Geelong City Deal, a partnership
to transform Geelong and the Great Ocean Road by the Australian and Victorian
Governments with the City of Greater Geelong.
Nyaal Banyul will feature a 1000
seat theatre and and 3700 square meters of versatile event space. Construction
is underway with completion and opening in 2026.
MCEC head of marketing, Elizabeth Kozmevski, said the brand
embodied the goal for Nyaal Banyul, to be a place, ‘where individuals can not
only share and seek knowledge, but also be inspired by the diversity of
landscape and cultural heritage that surrounds us’.
Wadawurrung Woman Corrina Eccles said: “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.”
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
