Wednesday, 19 November 2025

 Chris COUZENS (Geelong) (10:27): The Allan Labor government is supporting the Geelong region’s award-winning manufacturing and construction businesses, and the landmark Nyaal Banyul development is fast becoming a showcase of all they have to offer. Nyaal Banyul now features more than 6000 square metres of 100 per cent locally manufactured carpet produced by Geelong-based Godfrey Hirst. Established in 1865, Godfrey Hirst has been a leading manufacturer in Geelong, and on this project has supported the commercialisation of a flooring technology that places the Geelong manufacturer at the forefront of its industry. The company’s new Enviro Grip technology makes the venue’s hall and theatre carpet removable without the use of adhesives, which is a big advantage for exhibition spaces. It is this type of innovation that has just seen the company named regional manufacturer of the year at the 2025 Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards. The Enviro Grip carpet was co-designed with the Wadawurrung traditional owners and is the latest in a long list of design features at Nyaal Banyul that celebrate Wadawurrung culture. Sitting beneath the award-winning company’s carpet is the concrete that was batched at Moolap by the family-owned Barro Group. Overhead, the roof structure includes steel fabricated at Hanlon Industries’ Corio plant, as well as flashings from nearby Rodgers Sheetmetal, while on the walls, the joinery and cladding are manufactured by North Geelong’s Jacaranda Industries, featuring locally milled fabric from LoomTex and Instyle.