Geelong locals celebrated on massive mural

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA – Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre is helping celebrate the rich culture and community of Geelong, with the completion of an expansive and stunning new mural by Geelong-born and internationally acclaimed artist Rone.

Plenary Conventions Project Director Michael Walsh joined Rone, Member for Geelong Christine Couzens and the mural’s subjects to officially mark the completion of the mural that stretches 88 metres across the exterior of the Nyaal Banyul development.

Completion of the mural is the latest milestone for the 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, investor and 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.

Rone said, “The people of the community inspire me most, their stories and what it means to them to be represented in their own community – It’s an honour to create a piece that will be part of the future of a city that shaped me.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Member for Corio Richard Marles said, “Immortalising locals will help ensure Nyaal Banyul has a strong connection with our community. It’s been wonderful hearing their stories and seeing the artwork come to life. We are securing Geelong as a premier destination for events and the arts to create local job, tourism and cultural opportunities well into the future.”

Member for Geelong Chris Couzens said, “The completion of the Nyaal Banyul Convention and Event Centre will help to ensure a strong future for Greater Geelong, one that builds upon the rich history and strong sense of community depicted in Rone’s latest work of art.”

Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM said, “I have admired the artistic works of Rone for a long time, and this new mural is a striking addition to the Nyaal Banyul development. The work highlights the connection that the Convention Centre will have to the local community by featuring the faces and stories of real people, and I know it will be a major point of interest when the facility opens next year.”

Plenary Group Chief Executive Officer Paul Crowe said, “Public art is an important way of connecting the community to an exciting new precinct. Rone’s mural celebrates the character and stories of Geelong, creating a meaningful connection between the community, Nyaal Banyul, and wider region.”

View the joint Australian Government and Victorian Government media release.