Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre

Built on a historical gathering place for the Wadawurrung People known as Baierr, the project celebrates the return of events and community gatherings to this significant site. Within this cultural context, The Contenders faced the challenge of reconciling past with present, requiring deep empathy, respect, and understanding. They aimed to create a brand that transcends tokenistic symbology, encouraging genuine engagement with the environment and fostering authentic connections with place. More than merely serving as a ’vessel’ for diverse events, the centre needed to offer visitors a unique, inclusive, and culturally relevant experience.

The Contenders use symbology of an ‘eye’ to unite past and present. Responding to the gifted Wadawurrung name ‘Nyaal Banyul’ which translates to ‘Open your eyes to the hills’, it honours cultural narratives embedded in the significant cultural site on which the Centre sits. It is a symbol that encourages curiosity, observation and engagement, allowing the original role of this site as a Baierr – a traditional gathering place for the sharing of ideas and perspectives – to continue today. The identity encourages visitors to immerse themselves in the city, culture, and landscape of Wadawurrung Country, Geelong (Djilang).

The completion of Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre represents the culmination of a transition Geelong has been undertaking from manufacturing hub to modern creative city, capable of hosting expansive and global ideas. Embedding Wadawurrung language in the name and through every creation point of the project shows commitment to safeguarding First Nations’ culture and heritage, bridging past and present with respect and empathy. Commercially, the project will drive economic growth and social cohesion, supporting 600 construction jobs and 270 ongoing positions, and most significantly will transform a 1.6 hectare car parking site into a world-class cultural precinct.