Geelong locals celebrated on Nyaal Banyul mural

The rich culture and community of Geelong are on display across 88-metres of the city’s Nyaal Banyul  development following completion of a stunning new mural by Geelong-born internationally acclaimed artist Rone.

Completion of the mural is the latest milestone at the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, a  landmark project that has already created 1,450 jobs and new opportunities for local businesses.

From youngest to oldest, the mural features 14 local faces and adds a meaningful expression of the community of Geelong to the waterfront development. Created over three months, the mural presents a connection to Wadawurrung history and the community’s evolving storyline.

Seven people from across Wadawurrung family lines are featured, including three-year-old Asta Templeton. Their inclusion is an extension of the celebration of Wadawurrung Culture expressed in Nyaal Banyul’s overall design.

The mural also features nine-year-old Benji Hawkes-Sutton, who is an avid Rone fan and whose work he has previously travelled to see, and 18-year-old basketballer Malik Davis, who is about to embark on an international college career he hopes will take him all over the world.

Further along the mural is Deb de Boer-Smith, born and raised in Geelong, who was drawn back to the city after the birth of her daughter, as well as 88-year-old Ken Mansfield, a familiar face who received a Medal of the Order of Australia for his services to the community.

The new mural appears on the Smythe Street side of the convention centre, which will feature a 1,000-seat plenary hall, two event spaces, meeting and conference facilities, and flexible event spaces. It will also house food and beverage offerings, a public plaza and a 200-room hotel under the internationally renowned Crowne Plaza brand.

Set to open its doors mid-next year, Nyaal Banyul will position Geelong as a premier destination for events and tourism, with four events already secured for next year, bringing an estimated $2.4 million economic boost.

The development is being delivered as a precinct partnership by Development Victoria and the Plenary Conventions consortium, with Plenary Group as sponsor and investor as well as hotel and commercial building developer, Built as builder, Woods Bagot as architect and BGIS as facility manager.

The project is funded through the Geelong City Deal, a $676 million investment from the Australian and Victorian governments, and City of Greater Geelong, to revitalise the regional economy through a range of major projects.

Click here to learn more about the project.