Huge incentives offered for Nyaal Banyul events

THE Victorian government is working to fill all the dates in the events calendar to the under-construction Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, offering large incentives for organisers.

Associations and corporate event organisers can apply for discounts up to $60,000 per event, with up to $100 discounts per delegate for single-year conferences, or $120 per delegate for multi-year partnerships.

Under the grants program, events must be held between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2030.

“This funding program is a fantastic incentive for event organisers to experience all that Nyaal Banyul has to offer,” Victorian Convention and Event Trust chief executive officer, Natalie O’Brien, said.

The funding is designed to make it easier to host events at the centre that leave a lasting impact, supporting organisers in achieving high-impact experiences.

 

To be considered for the grant, events must have a minimum of 250 in-person delegates, run for at least two days, have at least 30 per cent of delegates from outside Victoria and be considering destinations outside Victoria.

“If you are an event organiser, this is a great opportunity to make the most of these brand-new facilities and deliver something unforgettable for your event,” Lara MP Ella George said.

Bellarine MP Alison Marchant also welcomed the incentive.

“This represents a significant discount for event organisers and a major boost for the local community, who can now look forward to year-round events at the centre,” she said.

To open in 2026, Nyaal Banyul will attract major conferences and events to the region, raising Geelong’s national and international profile.

It is expected that the first four events to take place at the venue – Associations Forum National Conference, the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative NAIDOC Week Dinner, the Business Managers Victoria Conference and the Victorian Principals Association Conference in August – will inject an estimated $2.4 million into the local economy.

“Nyaal Banyul is poised to be a gamechanger for Geelong’s tourism industry and this new program will help maximise the benefits from the moment it opens its doors in July next year,” Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said.

The new $450 million venue will feature 3,700 square metres of flexible event space, a 1,000-seat theatre and cutting-edge AV technology.

While providing the region with a valuable economic boost, the centre will also create hundreds of jobs across hospitality, tourism, events and services.