Public artwork to celebrate Geelong community

GEELONG, VICTORIA – A stunning 88-metre-wide mural in celebration of the local community at Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, the waterfront development set to bring major economic benefits to Geelong, is currently underway.

The mural, which will be created by internationally acclaimed and Geelong-born artist Rone, will feature the faces of 14 locals and celebrate Geelong’s rich social and cultural history.

Blue ochre will be used in the mural, and central to the artwork will be figures from the seven Wadawurrung family lines, acknowledging their enduring connection to Country.

Work on the mural commenced this week, continuing the collaborative approach to development of the centre that makes Nyaal Banyul the first convention centre in Australia designed from inception with Traditional Owners.

The vast mural will soon begin to appear on the southern wall of the precinct along Smythe Street, creating a lasting piece of public art that celebrates Geelong.

Known for his detailed and large-scale outdoor artwork, Rone has already created major murals in the region, including at the Powerhouse Station in North Geelong and Provenance Wines in Fyansford.

Nyaal Banyul is being delivered as a partnership with the Plenary Conventions consortium, with Plenary Group as a sponsor, investor and hotel and commercial building developer, Woods Bagot as architect, Built as builder and BGIS as facilities manager. The Centre will be operated by the Victorian Convention and Event Trust.

Once finished, the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre will feature a 1,000-seat theatre, two large event spaces, meeting rooms, conference facilities and flexible event spaces. It will be home to spaces for food and beverage, a public plaza and a 200-room hotel under the internationally renowned Crowne Plaza brand.

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 city and regional economy.

For more info visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/cities. For more info on Rone visit rone.art

Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes

“This mural will be an incredible addition to the streetscape, a key attraction in its own right and yet another way that the Nyaal Banyul project will leave an enduring, positive mark on Geelong.”

Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts Harriet Shing

“The Rone mural offers an unforgettably beautiful opportunity for people to appreciate the precinct while honouring local individuals and families.”

Member for Geelong Chris Couzens

“I’m absolutely delighted that Rone will be bringing his talent to this exciting project. This state-of-the-art facility will not only transform Geelong’s landscape but also boost local jobs and drive economic growth.”

Plenary Group Chief Executive Officer Paul Crowe

“Through its design, and this artwork, Nyaal Banyul is creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for the community and boosting tourism to the local and broader region.”

Rone

“The mural aims to bring the community together, reflecting the community’s changing and evolving storyline along the wall. It’s a huge honour to create permanent work in Geelong, be involved in this project and to share my work.”

City of Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM

“The Nyaal Banyul Convention and Event Centre is set to be a game-changer for Geelong and how people from outside our region view us.

“It will bring major events, create local jobs and boost tourism across the region, and the mural by Rone, celebrating Geelong’s people, spirit and growing national profile, adds something truly special to the centre.”