Logo revealed for Geelong Convention and Event Centre

THE official brand for the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre (GCEC) has been unveiled, with the new logo honouring the culture and heritage of the Wadawurrung First Nations people.

State Minister for Tourism Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos and federal Minister for Regional Development Kristy McBain announced the new brand today (Wednesday, February 7).

The new brand mark is inspired by the hills and layers of Wadawurrung country that come together to form an eye, representing enlightenment and perspective.

It was created by brand agency The Contenders, in collaboration with the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.

With the meaning “open your eyes to the hills”, the name Nyaal Banyul was chosen to encourage locals and visitors to appreciate the landscapes of Wadawurrung Country, a calling that many more will hear when visiting the much-anticipated precinct that is expected to be complete in 2026.

The new brand pays homage to the site’s history as a gathering place for thousands of years and celebrated the return of events and community gatherings to the site.

“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 belonging to songs and dance,” Wadawurrung woman Corrina Eccles said.

“The brand tells a new story of the western cliffs of Djilang which have always been a gathering place for Wadawurrung people.”

Nyaal Banyul GCEC will be managed by the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust, which will showcase the new brand to industry later this month.

“We’ve been proud to collaborate 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,” MCEC chief executive officer Natalie O’Brien said.

The project will support 1,450 jobs during construction with 700 new jobs created once its opened in 2026.

The federal government has contributed $30 million towards the Nyaal Banyul GCEC precinct, with the Victorian government contributing $423 million and the City of Greater Geelong $3 million.

“This is an exciting milestone of the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre precinct project, which highlights that First Nations culture will be front and centre of the precinct,” Corio federal member Richard Marles said.

The precinct is the centrepiece of the Geelong City Deal, which is a 10-year partnership to revitalise Geelong through critical infrastructure.

“As one of the biggest developments in regional Victoria, we are proud to work with the traditional owners to help bring this project to life and deliver so many benefits to the region,” Mr Dimopoulos said.

McBain added: “The Albanese Government is committed to recognising and celebrating the deep connection First Nations peo-ple have to this land, which is why I would like to thank the Wadawurrung people for sharing their guidance to develop this branding.”