Geelong mural captures generations in powerful new public art

THE faces of Geelong throughout the years are now on show on a mural on the side of the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Mural artist Rone and seven of the mural’s subjects gathered on the roof of the nearby Deakin University car park to officially mark the completion of the mural that stretches 88 m along the Smythe Street side of the development on the Geelong waterfront.

From youngest to oldest, Our Time in Geelong features 14 local faces and adds a meaningful expression of the community of Geelong to the project.

Created over three months, the mural presents a connection to Wadawurrung Culture history and the community’s evolving storyline.

Seven people from across Wadawurrung family lines are featured, including three-year-old Asta Templeton. Their inclusion is an extension of the celebration of Wadawurrung Culture expressed in Nyaal Banyul’s overall design.

The mural also features nine-year-old Benji Hawkes-Sutton, who is an avid Rone fan and whose work he has previously travelled to see; and 18-year-old basketballer Malik Davis, who is about to embark on an international college career he hopes will take him all over the world.

It also features Deb de Boer-Smith, born and raised in Geelong, who was drawn back to the city after the birth of her daughter, as well as 88-year-old Ken Mansfield, a familiar face who received a Medal of the Order of Australia for his services to the community.

“The people of the community inspire me most, their stories and what it means to them to be represented in their own community – it’s an honour to create a piece that will be part of the future of a city that shaped me,” Rone said, adding that it took him a long time to think of a title and he only settled on Our Time in Geelong on the morning of the opening.

Wadawurrung woman Corinne Eccles and Geelong MP Christine Couzens also attended.

“This is a significant moment in sharing Cultural connection to a site of great importance on Country,” Ms Eccles said.

“When I look up at the mural, it is with pride to see the faces of my Wadawurrung family across generations representing our continuity, resilience, and living Culture.”

Funded through the Geelong City Deal, Nyaal Banyul is expected to hold its first events in July and August 2026.

The development is being delivered as a precinct partnership by Development Victoria and the Plenary Conventions consortium, with Plenary Group as sponsor and investor as well as hotel and commercial building developer, Built as builder, Woods Bagot as architect and BGIS as facility manager.