Tuesday, 28 July 2026

 Chris COUZENS (Geelong) (13:05): The recent opening of Nyaal Banyul Convention and Event Centre is a game changer for the Geelong region. Nyaal Banyul belongs to the people of Geelong to share with the rest of the world, all delivered by a Labor government. Nyaal Banyul is underpinned by a partnership in design and delivery with First Peoples. I want to thank and acknowledge the work of Corrina Eccles, a Wadawurrung woman, for sharing Wadawurrung culture and language. In Wadawurrung language Nyaal Banyul means ‘eyes to the hills’, because you can look out the window and over the magnificent bay to see those hills. The building design, the design and colours of the carpets and the artworks around the building, both inside and out, reflect and acknowledge country and the First Peoples culture of the Wadawurrung peoples. Wadawurrung country has come through its peoples to bring warmth and a sense of belonging at Nyaal Banyul. For over 65,000 years this location has always been a special place: a home, a supermarket, a place of ceremony for Wadawurrung people. It is now part of our shared history – a privilege for all of us to enjoy. Many events have occurred so far in the past few weeks, including the Barwon Health Foundation Gala Ball, which was attended by 1100 people, and the NAIDOC ball, which had over 500 people, when usually the centre can only take 350 people.