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Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre is ramping up recruitment ahead of opening to the community in 2026.
Venue operator, Victorian Convention and Event Trust (VCET), are building a local team to lead operations at the Centre, supporting the recently appointed General Manager, Rick Aylett.
Applications will be open for 12 new roles over the coming 3-4 months. 
These include key positions such as Executive Chef, Event and Venue Operations Manager, Marketing Specialist and Sales Executives.
The new roles will share responsibility for establishing Nyaal Banyul globally as a state-of-the-art, world-class convention centre.
Construction is progressing well for the precinct, set in a unique location on Geelong’s stunning waterfront. Once complete, it will feature a 1,000-seat theatre and 3,700 sqm of flexible space, ideal for everything from community gatherings to major conferences and concerts. 
Nyaal Banyul is expected to be transformative for the Greater Geelong region – increasing local jobs and delivering major economic growth through supply chain and increased tourism opportunities.
Beyond this initial recruitment drive, a growing number of new jobs will be available as the building progresses towards opening.
“Nyaal Banyul is more than a venue – it will be a space for creating meaningful connections and discovering new perspectives,” said Rick Aylett, General Manager Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre.
“Outstanding customer experience is at the heart of what we do, and it starts with a great organisational culture. I’m excited to start building our foundational team at Nyaal Banyul.
“While we’ll be benefiting from VCET’s 30-years of experience, as a local team we’ll be taking on a ‘start-up’ mentality. 
“These new roles will be pivotal in shaping the identity and energy of Nyaal Banyul – enthusiasm, creativity and a customer-first attitude are the core traits we’re looking for,” Mr Aylett said.
Applications for positions at Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre are now open, with more to be added over the coming weeks. For more information visit 
nyaalbanyul.com.au/work-with-us
Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos:
“Nyaal Banyul is well and truly taking shape and this centre will be a major boost for Geelong - attracting even more world-class events to the area and backing local businesses and jobs.”

Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre is ramping up recruitment ahead of opening to the community in 2026.

Local job recruitment ramps up for Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre 

The announcement reflects Nyaal Banyul’s broader menu philosophy, which prioritises Geelong and Bellarine producers across its menus to deliver a distinctly local experience for visitors and support the regional economy.
Blak Brews, a First Nations-owned and operated tea company, will supply a range of native Australian teas made using ethically sourced Indigenous ingredients such as Kakadu plum, finger lime and native botanicals.
Constant Coffee, a small-batch roastery based in Newtown, will serve as the centre’s official coffee partner, providing carefully roasted blends tailored to Geelong’s tastes and values.
Blak Brews Founder and CEO Troy Benjamin said Blak Brews would bring cultural storytelling and a strong sense of place to Nyaal Banyul’s beverage menu.
“Australia’s got a long history with the British way of drinking tea. But now we’ve got something really exciting that feels truly Australian.” 
Mr Benjamin said being part of Nyaal Banyul was particularly meaningful as a ‘born and raised’ local.
If visitors to Nyaal Banyul can enjoy a Blak Brews cuppa in a nice quiet moment of their own, I think it’s going to be a really powerful experience.”
Constant Coffee Founder Pat Kelly said small batch roasting at Constant was special because it allowed them to produce a roast profile that was distinctly Geelong.
"Knowing the Geelong locals, we've really tailored a lot of our roast profiling towards them." 
“We're proud to be part of Nyaal Banyul, supplying the coffee,”
 said Mr Kelly.
Nyaal Banyul General Manager Rick Aylett said supporting local producers was central to the Nyaal Banyul business model.
“It gives our visitors an experience that genuinely reflects Geelong and the Bellarine, while keeping investment and jobs in our region and strengthening the local economy.”
Mr Aylett said featuring small businesses like Blak Brews and Constant Coffee also aligned with the venue’s commitment to culture, sustainability and thoughtful sourcing.
“They’re about telling local stories, supporting ethical producers, and creating authentic and memorable moments for our guests.”
Located on the Geelong waterfront, Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre is positioning itself as a gateway to the region, using local suppliers to create meaningful connections between visitors, community and place. 
For more information about Nyaal Banyul’s food and beverage philosophy, visit 
nyaalbanyul.com.au
.

Local businesses Blak Brews and Constant Coffee have been announced as tea and coffee suppliers for Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre.

Local Tea and Coffee Suppliers Announced

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos was thrilled to announce Nyaal Banyul as the location for the 2026 conference, which is expected to generate an estimated $815,000 in economic benefit to the region, cementing Nyaal Banyul as a driver of business tourism and regional economic development.
Meet Geelong and The Bellarine and Nyaal Banyul worked closely with PCOA to secure the conference, which is a highlight of the business events industry calendar.
The $450 million state-of-the-art venue is a landmark investment in Victoria’s regional infrastructure. Opening in 2026, Nyaal Banyul will deliver 3,700 square metres of flexible event space, a 1,000-seat theatre, and the 200-room Crowne Plaza Geelong Hotel.
This investment represents a significant commitment to strengthening the state’s business events sector, positioning Geelong as a competitive destination for national and international conferences.
PCOA is a leading industry association representing professional conference organisers who play a vital role in supporting the business events economy through education, networking, and advocacy. Its annual conference brings together venue managers, event planners, and sector leaders to exchange knowledge and foster innovation.
Hosting next year’s event at Nyaal Banyul demonstrates confidence in the region’s capacity to deliver large-scale conferences that stimulate local employment, tourism, and investment.
Beyond the conference program, delegates will engage in curated regional experiences that showcase Geelong and The Bellarine’s economic strengths in tourism, hospitality, and culture. From acclaimed wineries to stunning natural landscapes and local attractions, these activities will support local businesses and help position Geelong as one of Australia’s most exciting destinations for business events.
Nyaal Banyul is being delivered in partnership with the Plenary Conventions consortium and will be operated by the Victorian Convention and Event Trust.
The project is funded through the Geelong City Deal, a $676 million investment from the Australian Government, Victorian Government and City of Greater Geelong to revitalise Geelong through critical infrastructure.
For more information and upcoming event announcements, visit
 nyaalbanyul.com.au
.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos
“Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre is a landmark investment that will deliver lasting economic benefits for Victoria. Hosting the PCOA Conference here in 2026 demonstrates Geelong’s growing capacity to attract major business events, supporting local jobs, tourism operators and the wider regional economy.”
“This conference is further proof that Geelong is emerging as one of Australia’s premier destinations for business events. With world-class infrastructure, Nyaal Banyul will showcase our region to national and interna-tional delegates, strengthening Victoria’s reputation as a leader in the global events industry.”
Quotes attributable to Tamie Ryan, Convention Bureau Manager, Meet Geelong and The Bellarine:
"We are thrilled to welcome PCOA delegates to Geelong and The Bellarine in 2026. This conference is an incredi-ble opportunity to showcase our world-class venues, vibrant precincts, and unique experiences that make our region one of Australia’s most inspiring business events destinations."
Quotes attributable to General Manager Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, Rick Aylett:
" We look forward to welcoming PCOA delegates to Nyaal Banyul in 2026 and showcasing a venue designed to set a new benchmark for regional business events in Australia.
Nyaal Banyul will be a home for ideas and meaningful connections, with a strong sense of place. This project has been years in the making, and from day one our focus has been on creating a world-class venue that in-spires every delegate who walks through our doors.”
Quotes attributable to PCOA President, Barry Neame
"PCOA is delighted to bring our 2026 Conference to Geelong. The region’s mix of exceptional venues, natural beauty, and unique experiences will make this a truly memorable event for our members. We look forward to connecting our delegates with local partners and showcasing what Geelong and The Bellarine have to offer."



Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre will host the 2026 PCOA Conference, welcoming 500+ delegates from Australia and New Zealand.

Geelong Event to Deliver $815K Boost

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos today announced the first four events that will be 
held at the $450 million state-of-the-art venue – covering a range of topics such as leadership, education, culture, 
and community in July and August 2026. 
Nyaal Banyul features 3,700 square metres of flexible event space, a 1,000-seat theatre, cutting-edge AV 
technology, and is part of a new precinct expected to create hundreds of jobs across hospitality, tourism, events, 
and services, while boosting visitation to the region. 
In July 2026, the Associations Forum National Conference will be one of the largest association management 
conferences ever held in the southern hemisphere with 400 expected attendees discussing industry challenges, 
management, and innovation.
The July calendar will also include the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative NAIDOC Week Dinner for a celebration 
of culture, community and connection, and the Business Managers Victoria Conference will bring together business managers and education support staff from schools to support growth in professional leadership. 
August will welcome the Victorian Principals Association Conference which will support principals and educational 
leaders through professional development and sector collaboration. 
Collectively, these inaugural events are expected to have a significant impact on the local economy through 
delegate spending on accommodation, dining, and local attractions. These events demonstrate the venue’s 
capacity to attract major conferences that raise Geelong’s national and international profile. 
Nyaal Banyul is being delivered as a partnership with the Plenary Conventions consortium and will be operated by 
the Victorian Convention and Event Trust. 
The project is funded through the Geelong City Deal, a $676 million investment from the Australian Government, 
Victorian Government and City of Greater Geelong to revitalise Geelong through critical infrastructure. 
For more information and upcoming event announcements, visit 
nyaalbanyul.com.au.
 
Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos 
“These events are a sign of how valuable Nyaal Banyul will be to the Geelong region ─ bringing visitors, boosting 
the local economy and showcasing what the region has to offer.” 
Quote attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens 
 
“Securing these first events is an important milestone for Nyaal Banyul, not only highlighting that it’s a world-class 
venue, but also delivering benefits for the local community and economy.” 
Quote attributable to Member for Lara Ella George 
Media contact: Liam Mcallister 
0488 771 334
 | 
liam.mcallister@minstaff.vic.gov.au 
“These four events are just the beginning of what will be a year-round calendar of events once the centre opens ─ 
driving people to the region and supporting local jobs and businesses.” 
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney 
“Nyaal Banyul will be a game-changer for Geelong — attracting world-class events, creating local jobs, and 
strengthening our community’s reputation as a premier destination for culture and connection.” 
Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant 
“The first bookings at Nyaal Banyul are a welcome milestone, as the venue delivers on its promise as a state-of-the
art venue that will support local businesses and attract visitors to the Geelong region.” 
Quote attributable to Chief Executive of the Victorian Convention and Event Trust Natalie O’Brien AM 
“These four events show exactly what Nyaal Banyul stands for: thought leadership, cultural connection, and 
community impact. It’s the perfect beginning to a venue built to bring people together in meaningful ways.” 
Quote attributable to Group General Manager of Associations Forum Fatima Sunderji 
“We are delighted to be holding the first association’s conference, the Associations Forums National Conference at Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre in its opening month. It is our 20th year for the conference and we couldn’t be more pleased to be bringing it to the stunning new state-of-the-art centre, with its focus on 
sustainability and community engagement it makes it a perfect event destination for association conferencing.” 

Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre moves closer to opening, with events booked at the world-class venue, supported by the Allan Labor Government.

Nyaal Banyul Announces First Four Events

A
ndreas brings extensive global experience and a passion for local produce to Australia’s most anticipated new business events venue, set to open in July 2026. 
His career spans fine dining restaurants across Europe, premium cruise lines, luxury hotels and large-scale stadium catering. Now, he brings that expertise to Geelong, where his focus will be on creating a menu that is locally grounded, culturally inclusive, and guided by seasonality.

Discussing his inspiration for designing the menu, Andreas said the venue was fortunate to be surrounded by so many high-quality producers.  
“We’re surrounded by so much here. Oceans, farmland, incredible artisans. You don’t need to look far to find flavour – it’s already here.” 
Originally from Austria, Andreas’ approach is shaped by his European roots and deep respect for ingredients.  
“I’ve always dabbled in the kitchen – it runs in the family. My great-grandparents on my mother’s side ran the Stiftskeller in Admont, and both my grandmother and mother were exceptional cooks.”  
Menus at Nyaal Banyul will be shaped in close collaboration with local growers and artisans, many based across the Bellarine and Surf Coast.  Andreas and his team will source seasonal ingredients with a focus on sustainability, supporting regional producers and minimising food miles. 
One of his first signature dishes - Moorabool Valley duck breast with leg croquette, saltbush, Mount Zero lentil granola and local carrots - reflects a commitment to elegant, thoughtful food that is authentically local. 
“You start with what’s in front of you. The landscape, the season, the community. Then you cook with intention. That’s how a dish becomes something more,” 
said Andreas. 
Nyaal Banyul General Manager Rick Aylett celebrated Andreas’ appointment as a major milestone. 
“Andreas and his team will deliver a world-class dining experience for our customers, while celebrating local producers and telling the stories of regional Victoria.” 
“Our ambition is to leave a positive lasting impact on every single person who walks through our doors – and food is a big part of that,” 
Rick said. 
Andreas joins a growing team of passionate locals who are eagerly preparing for the venue to open its doors in 2026. 
About Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre: 
Located just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre (Nyaal Banyul) sits on the stunning Corio Bay with easy access to bars, restaurants and cultural attractions.  
Direct flights are available from Sydney, Brisbane or Gold Coast to Avalon Airport, just 20 minutes from Geelong.
Nyaal Banyul offers 3,700 sqm of flexible event space including a 1,000 seat theatre, adaptable meeting rooms with cutting edge technology and gala event spaces overlooking the Geelong waterfront. 
There is a 200-room Crowne Plaza hotel onsite, and over 1,500 nearby hotel rooms.  
Designed for universal access, Nyaal Banyul is a 5-Star Green Star-rated, carbon-neutral venue, setting new benchmarks for sustainable and accessible events.   

Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre has appointed Andreas Gober as Executive Chef.

Andreas Gober Appointed Executive Chef at Nyaal Banyul

VCET is the first convention centre operator in Australia to appoint a permanent external advisory committee dedicated to creating accessible, inclusive experiences for customers, visitors and employees.
Following an open expression of interest process, Briar Harte, Nikhil Bora, Jess Price and Alex Stratikis were appointed to the committee.
Each committee member brings a unique expertise to the table: 
Briar Harte is a specialist in inclusive design and a former winner of the Disability Inclusion Changemaker of the Year award.
Nikhil Bora is an experience designer and co-founder of SignHow, a start-up that developed the first community-driven sign language dictionary.
Jess Price is the founder and Chief Vision Officer of Paradigm Makers, a business consultancy that designs solutions that respond to systemic workplace challenges.
Alex Stratikis is a tourism consultant, writer, and founder of Autism Adventures Abroad, providing content and travel advice for autistic adults.
Chief Executive Natalie O’Brien AM was delighted to join the committee members for their inaugural meeting earlier this month.
“At MCEC and Nyaal Banyul, we aim to create spaces where people of all abilities can connect, discover and enjoy. By actively engaging people with lived experience, we hope to ensure our facilities and services are truly inclusive and welcoming to all.”
“The Accessibility Advisory Committee members bring a wealth of knowledge, personal and professional experience to the table and I look forward to the progress we can make together."
The establishment of the Accessibility Advisory Committee aligns with VCET’s commitments to improving services and facilities at MCEC and Nyaal Banyul, as outlined in the Accessibility Action Plan launched last year. The committee will play a crucial role in monitoring progress and holding the organisation accountable to its commitments.
Significant advancements have already been made at MCEC, including the opening of a Changing Place facility earlier this year and achieving Limited Mobility Accessible Tourism Accreditation.
MCEC’s Customer Service team have also undertaken Hidden Disabilities Sunflower training, which recognises over 900 non-visible disabilities, chronic illnesses and health conditions, to better support visitors with diverse needs.
Looking ahead at Nyaal Banyul, which is set to open in mid-2026, Universal Design Principles have been embedded to ensure accessibility and inclusivity from the moment the doors open. The new venue will feature a Changing Place Facility, sensory rooms, fully accessible seating, augmented hearing assistance and high-contrast wayfinding.
VCET is committed to setting a positive example for the event industry, listening to lived experience and taking proactive steps to improve accessibility and inclusivity across two world-class venues.
Two committee members had this to say about their appointment:
"My goal is to help shift accessibility from something people have to ask for into something they can expect by design,"
 Jess Price.
"I’m looking forward to sharing my knowledge as a disability inclusion advocate and experience as a Mum with a disability. Too often I avoid events for fear of accessibility barriers, I look forward to helping make Melbourne events more and more accessible for families like ours," 
Briar Harte. 


Victorian Convention and Event Trust, operators of Nyaal Banyul, have appointed an Accessibility Advisory Committee.

Accessibility Advisory Committee Appointed to Enhance Inclusivity at Nyaal Banyul

In 2023-24, VCET generated $777 million in economic impact for the State of Victoria, as well as achieving important climate change, water, procurement, equality and recognition targets.
MCEC proudly hosted 720 events, including the high-profile ASEAN Commemorative Summit, Lions International Convention, the largest AIME in a decade, and the BBC Earth Experience, direct from its world premiere in London. 3.2 million people visited MCEC, a 23% increase from last year.
In an important milestone, VCET launched its latest Accessibility Action Plan in 2023-24, which was developed with input from people with lived experience along with expertise from accessibility consultants in the tourism industry.
MCEC’s innovative returnable coffee cup program served over 894,000 delegates with reusable stainless-steel cups, preventing thousands of disposable cups from ending up in landfill.
During the year, MCEC developed a carbon emissions inventory, calculating Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. By including Scope 3 emissions, MCEC is extending its responsibility beyond its direct operations and encouraging sustainable practices along the entire value chain. The carbon inventory will also be used to develop a roadmap to achieve net zero by 2050.
Continuing its commitment to supporting leading Australian charities and community organisations, MCEC celebrated a decade of support for the Good Friday Appeal and OzHarvest, and workplace giving increased by 297%. 
In Geelong, Nyaal Banyul project partners have established a gold standard for social procurement during the construction of Nyaal Banyul, providing fully funded training for 28 trainees or apprentices who have experienced barriers to employment.
V
CET also collaborated with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners to develop the award-winning brand identity for the future venue, which takes inspiration from the venue’s gifted name and the landscapes and heritage of Wadawurrung Country.
Quote attributed to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos 
 
“VCET plays a key role in our booming visitor and events economy, which keeps our hotels and hospitality venues thriving and backs local businesses and jobs."
Quote attributed to Chief Executive Natalie O’Brien AM
“As leaders in the events industry, we play an important role in contributing to a better future through our commitments to people, planet and economic prosperity. We’re proud of the innovative sustainability programs we’ve implemented at MCEC over the year, as well as the progress we’ve made in Geelong, in collaboration with our project partners and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners. We look forward to continuing to make a positive impact in the communities we serve.”
Quote attributed to Sustainability and Impact Manger Kristen Gillespie
“We’ve made important progress towards our ambitious impact goals, be that through waste reduction efforts, sponsorship for community organisations, or improving access for people with disabilities. We know many of our customers, partners and stakeholders share our commitments to sustainability and community impact, and we look forward to continuing to work with them to ensure it remains a top priority.”  

Operators of the future Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre have released their Annual Report and Impact Report.

Events Deliver Impact in Geelong and Beyond

This appointment follows Rick’s successful tenure as Project Director for Nyaal Banyul since 2022, where he has played a pivotal role in the venue’s design and development, while laying the foundations for its future operations. 
Funded by the 
Geelong City Deal
, the Nyaal Banyul precinct will include a purpose-built convention and exhibition space, incorporating a 1,000 seat venue, two large exhibition spaces, meeting rooms, conference facilities and flexible event spaces.
The precinct will also be home to retail and hospitality spaces, a large public plaza that promises to become a feature of the Geelong waterfront and a 200-room Crowne Plaza hotel. 
Rick brings more than 30 years of extensive experience in senior leadership and operations management to this role. His career highlights include five years as Head of Operations at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, where he honed his expertise in managing large-scale events and operations.
An internationally accomplished executive, Rick has successfully led the strategic development and operational delivery of over 60 major international events, including the Commonwealth Games in India and the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
His experience also includes serving as Chief Executive of the North Melbourne Football Club, Managing Director of Peter Rowland Major Events, and providing consultancy services to the Australian Football League. Rick is a former Board Director of William Angliss.
Natalie O’Brien AM, Chief Executive of Victorian Convention and Event Trust, said Mr Aylett was selected from a strong field of candidates for his experience, skills and passion for delivering excellence in event management. 
“We’re thrilled to have Rick at the helm of Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre,”
 Ms O’Brien said. 
“His proven leadership and vast experience in the industry will be instrumental in establishing Nyaal Banyul as the best regional convention centre in Australia.”
Mr Aylett said he was excited to get to work preparing Nyaal Banyul for opening in 2026. 
“
I’m honoured to be given this opportunity and look forward to working with the team to deliver meaningful and world-class experiences for event organisers and attendees,
” said Mr Aylett. 
“Greater Geelong is such an incredible destination with so much to offer.”
“I’m also thrilled to be connecting and partnering with the Geelong community. The longstanding local support and advocacy for the convention centre is the reason we exist.”
“Nyaal Banyul will be a game-changer for Geelong, and I’m eager to contribute to its success,”
 said Mr Aylett. 

VCET is pleased to announce the appointment of Rick Aylett as the General Manager of Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre.