The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust (MCET) has revealed the brand for the future Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre. The brand name, Nyaal Banyul, was gifted by the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and translates to ‘open your eyes to the hills’. The MCET worked closely with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation throughout the brand development process.

The venue is designed to foster a sense of belonging, sharing, and seeking, and aims to offer a fresh perspective through shared knowledge and ideas. The brand mark, crafted by The Contenders, symbolises enlightenment and perspective, influenced by the hills and layers of Country. The colour palette reflects the natural light of Sky Country that illuminates the region.

MCET Chief Executive, Natalie O’Brien AM, said, “We’ve collaborated 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.”

Elizabeth Kozmevski, MCEC Head of Marketing, expressed the honour of creating a brand with deep meaning and purpose for Nyaal Banyul. She said, “The new brand embodies our goals for Nyaal Banyul, creating a space for belonging and gathering, where individuals can not only share and seek knowledge, but also be inspired by the diversity of landscape and cultural heritage that surrounds us.”

The Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre is part of the Geelong City Deal, a partnership to transform Geelong and the Great Ocean Road by the Australian and Victorian governments with the City of Greater Geelong. Construction of the new centre is currently underway, with completion and opening expected in 2026.

The venue will feature a 1000 seat theatre and 3700 square meters of versatile event space, catering to various events from community gatherings to large-scale corporate functions and international music, theatre and entertainment events.

Wadawurrung Woman, Corrina Eccles, highlighted the significance of the brand name, stating, “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 sense of belonging. The brand acknowledges our deep connection to this place, the Western Cliffs of Djilang, which have always been a gathering place for Wadawurrung People.”

Joe Rogers, Managing Partner of The Contenders said, "To get the opportunity to work with a gifted narrative and name has been a career highlight for our team at The Contenders. We are so proud of the work as it reflects a genuine partnership between the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, Liz and her team at MCET, and the people of Geelong".