Thousands take a look inside Nyaal Banyul

The Geelong community has embraced its first opportunity to step inside Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre, with almost 6,000 people attending Saturday’s community open day.

The centre officially opened at the start of the month and welcomed the public for a free community open day over the weekend.

Organisers expected about 5,000 visitors but almost 5,800 people came through the doors during the six-hour event.

Visitors explored the venue’s 1,000-seat theatre, exhibition spaces, meeting rooms, conference facilities, flexible event spaces, cafes and the public Gheringhap Plaza, while enjoying live entertainment, local food and drinks, face painting and free family-friendly activities.

 

Regional flavours and products were also featured throughout the day.

Nyaal Banyul general manager Rick Aylett said the open day reflected the community’s pride and ownership in what he described as “Geelong’s venue”.

“Welcoming almost 6,000 people through our doors was an incredible milestone and demonstrates just how much excitement and anticipation there is for this venue across the Geelong and Bellarine community,” he said.

 

Aylett said the Nyaal Banyul team was grateful for the local support they had received since the centre opened.

“Nyaal Banyul was created as a place for people to gather, connect and celebrate, and it was fantastic to see so many locals experiencing the venue for the first time,” he said.

 

“We’re excited for the journey ahead as we bring the world to Geelong and showcase the very best of Geelong to the world.”

The centre’s debut event was the Barwon Health Foundation Gala Ball on 3 July, with bookings for a further 50 events confirmed for its first six months of operation.