Positive Impact Guide

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Welcome to our Positive Impact Guide. A resource to create events that are considered, connected and grounded in place. Discover practical tools, local partners and simple ways to reduce your footprint, design more inclusive experiences and create moments that stay with your delegates long after they leave.

Sustainable Offerings

Overview

Explore thoughtful ways to bring sustainable practices into every part of your event, from food and setup, to transport, energy use and waste. Plus, discover how our team is working towards our sustainability goals, and what our venue has to offer.

Nyaal Banyul is designed with environmentally conscious operations in mind.

Sustainable Offerings

Overview
Explore thoughtful ways to bring sustainable practices into every part of your event, from food and setup, to transport, energy use and waste. Plus, discover how our team is working towards our sustainability goals, and what our venue has to offer.
What we do
Source food and beverages from local Geelong and regional suppliers
Use reuseable metal cups for water and hot beverages across catering spaces
Donate suitable surplus food to Geelong Foodshare
Process food waste onsite using our dehydrator
Partner with First Nations suppliers, including Blak Brews Tea for all tea service
What you can do for your event
Choose menus with more vegetarian, vegan or locally sourced options
Confirm guest numbers to order the right quantity of food
Use reusable plates, cups and cutlery instead of single-use
Replace bottled water with refill stations or carafes
Ask exhibitors not to bring bottled water or non-recyclable materials onsite
What we do
Provide labelled bins for six different waste streams: organics, co-mingled recycling, paper and cardboard recycling, glass, soft plastics and general waste
Separate timber, metal and hard waste to recycle or dispose of responsibly
Process organic waste onsite
Donate suitable food to community partners
Provide post-event waste reporting through our waste partner (on request)
What you can do for your event
Direct attendees to use the correct waste streams
Request support for recycling textiles, timber, metal, lanyards or e-waste before your event
Avoid non-recyclable materials including PVC, MDF and non-clear soft plastics
Create signage without dates so it can be reused
Avoid single-use branded items such as lanyards and unnecessary packaging
Use digital materials instead of printed brochures, booklets and signage
Ensure exhibitors use only reusable or recyclable materials
Remove all materials and leftover items at pack-down
What we provide
Guidance on encouraged and discouraged material
What you can do for your event
Choose digital giveaways and materials instead of physical items
Select merchandise made from recycled materials or with multi-use
Design items such as lanyards to be collected and reused
Use digital apps instead of printed programs
Avoid balloons and other single-use styling items
Hire furniture and styling locally, instead of purchasing new
What we do
Provide digital screens for wayfinding and event information
Avoid using non-recyclable materials such as MDF, particleboard and PVC
Provide guidance in our operations manual on encouraged and discouraged material
What you can do for your event
Include sustainability criteria and certified suppliers in your design brief
Use digital signage instead of printed materials
Design stands for reuse, disassembly and recovery
Avoid printing dates and locations to enable reuse or multi-year use
Use recyclable materials such as aluminum structures and fabric systems
Ensure exhibitor stands meet sustainable material and waste requirements
Contact us if you are unsure and we can support on best practice
Getting here
Located a 10-minute walk from Geelong Station
Connected via V/Line services between Melbourne, Geelong and regional Victoria
Accessible via Avalon Airport (20-minute drive) and Melbourne Airport transfers
Shuttle services available via MyBus Geelong and Gull Airport Service
12 EV charging station carparks onsite (11 standard, 1 disability accessible)
4 disability accessible car parks onsite
What you can do for your event
Encourage attendees to travel by public transport and active transport (walk or cycle)
Share clear directions and transport options before the event
Promote ride-share or group transport options such as a chartered bus or car-pooling
Plan routes via Public Transport Victoria: https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au
What we do
Generate energy onsite through a 1,100-panel solar system
Purchase remaining renewable electricity through the Victorian State Electricity Commission
Operate as a fossil fuel free building (excluding backup generator)
Maintain a 5-Star Green Star building design rating
Harvest rainwater for irrigation and non-potable uses
Working towards Climate Active carbon neutral building certification
Maintain standard 22-degree room temperature settings
What you can do for your event
Request reduced lighting levels in exhibition spaces (25% or 50%)
Reduce freight, deliveries and supplier movements by working with local business
Offset travel emissions through:
https://carbonpositiveaustralia.org.au
https://www.greenfleet.com.au
https://reforest.com.au
What we provide
Transparency through our Sustainability Strategy and commitments
Support for digital promotion of your event
On-request event reporting for emissions, utility use and waste
What you can do for your event
Share your sustainability initiatives across event marketing
Send pre-event communications outlining sustainable actions
Use digital tickets, apps and online information instead of print
Measure and report event impact – ask us how
Collect attendee feedback to improve future events
Prioritise digital channels over printed marketing

First Nations Cultural Guide

To support meaningful engagement with the Traditional Owners of the land, we are developing a guide to help you incorporate cultural awareness and respect into your event.

Nyaal Banyul stands on Wadawurrung Country and has been designed in partnership with Traditional Owners. This connection is reflected throughout the venue, creating a place grounded in story, culture and community.

The guide will support respectful language, cultural protocols and practices such as Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country, helping you create experiences that are considered and culturally informed.

Cultural guide and experiences are coming soon.

First Nations Cultural Guide at Nyaal Banuyul

Accessibility and Inclusion

Celebrate diversity and create an inclusive experience for all guests by working with us to support accessibility across your event. Our spaces are designed using universal design principles, with step-free access, flexible seating, hearing assistance, sensory space, Changing Places facilities and all gender bathrooms. We can support Seeing Eye Dogs and registered service animals, Auslan interpreters, quiet spaces, prayer rooms and tailored accessibility solutions to meet your delegates’ needs.

Accessibility at Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre

Our venue and surrounding precinct have been thoughtfully crafted with the principles of Universal Design being considered from the very beginning. Each event space is designed for equitable access, featuring at-grade entrances, push-button opening doors, and hearing assistance available via both Wi-Fi and infrared.
Wala Mirr Theatre offers a wide variety of seating types to accommodate different abilities, with wheelchair-accessible seating available at multiple heights throughout the theatre.
We proudly offer a sensory room, a Changing Places facility and several all-gender bathrooms to ensure everyone's comfort.
Our commitment to inclusivity means that all employees and delegates can easily access all facilities throughout the venue.
If you need support making your event more accessible, Leisure Networks is a local Geelong based NDIS- registered community organisation focused on inclusion, disability support and community participation.
Nyaal Banyul is committed to ensuring all community members feel safe and included when attending events at our venue. We offer several all-gender bathrooms throughout the venue to ensure everyone's comfort.
If your delegates would prefer additional all gender toilets, we can accommodate this on request by making changes to any gendered signage of toilets as part of your event.
Nyaal Banyul welcomes delegates with Seeing Eye Dogs and recognised service animals. While there are no designated animal relief areas onsite, the grassy area along the waterfront side of the building is the most suitable option, with bins available for convenient waste disposal.
Due to limited space between seating rows, booking a wheelchair-accessible bay with a carer seat may provide more comfort for both patron and animal.
We provide complimentary hearing assistance via both Wi-Fi and infrared systems for your delegates.
- Infrared Hearing assistance is available within event spaces only and requires collecting a receiver from Customer Service.
- Wi-Fi-based systems are accessible throughout customer service areas, registration desks and the venue paging system, ensuring delegates have an inclusive option as soon as they arrive.
Auslan is the native language of the deaf community in Australia. Providing Auslan interpretation for your event or conference is a great way to make sure the content is more accessible to more people. Organisations such as Expression Australia or Auslan Stage Left can assist with Auslan interpreter bookings for your event.
Our team is trained to recognise and support the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program community - whether you need a bit of extra help, a touch more understanding or just a moment to take it all in. We're here to make sure you feel welcomed and safe so you can dive in and enjoy the event your way.
Curious to learn more? Explore Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
A multi-faith space, including a foot-washing facility, is located next to the Parenting Room on Level 1. This space is open to the public and can also be reserved for your event upon request.
If you require the space to be separated by gender, please let us know ahead of your event.
When considering your event at Nyaal Banyul, we prioritise creating a safe and inclusive experience for all delegates, including those with neurodiverse or specific cultural needs.
A permanent sensory room is available for delegates to use during events.
Our flexible venue ensures we can adapt spaces to provide a suitable environment for all delegates, such as providing dimmer lighting and supporting noise reduction. Let us help you provide a tailored and accommodating event that meets the diverse requirements of your attendees. When booking, please tell us about your delegates' specific needs or requirements.
Create a more inclusive event experience with Travellers Aid, a registered Australian charity committed to accessibility. Travellers Aid offers a range of thoughtful services:
- Electric Buggies: Seamless connections from transit points including Geelong Station to event spaces, including wheelchair-accessible buggies.
- Guidance: Expert assistance, including personalised support for those with vision impairments.
- Mobility Equipment: Extra wheelchairs for attendees with mobility needs, going beyond venue provisions.
- Personal Care: Dedicated carers offering support like mealtime assistance and communication aid.
To include these services in your event, head to travellersaid.org.au  or call (03) 9654 2600 . Elevate your event's inclusivity – and don't forget to inform your Nyaal Banyul Event Planner for a seamless experience.
Nyaal Banyul is a wheelchair-accessible venue with ramp access, elevators, push-button opening doors, dedicated parking and seating that can be reserved and booked via the ticketing agent you use (our teams can assist with setting this up).
We have a limited number of wheelchairs available for daily loan. Delegates can reserve a wheelchair in advance by contacting Customer Service or collect one on the day of the event, subject to availability.
Changing Places toilets are larger than standard accessible toilets which provide people with disability and high support needs access to suitable, safe, and private bathroom facilities. Our facility is accessed using an MLAK key.
Nyaal Banyul offers a suitable, safe and private changing places facility for people living with disability and high support needs.
More information on Changing Places can be found at changingplaces.org.au .
When events are designed with accessibility in mind, something powerful happens. Conversations get richer. Ideas get bigger. Events become more meaningful because they include voices and perspectives that might otherwise be left out.
Designing for accessibility does not just benefit people with disabilities. It often creates better, clearer, and more flexible experiences for everyone.
As a venue built on  impact, sustainability, and community, we are committed to investing in both our spaces and our digital platforms to make accessibility a given, not an afterthought.
Explore how we can help you bring accessibility into your next event by checking out our Accessibility Checklist .
Explore our current Accessibility Action Plan .

Inspiring Speakers

As part of our Positive Impact program, the Victorian Ambassador Network brings together people whose work shapes industries, shares knowledge and sparks new thinking.

These are individuals deeply connected to their fields and their communities. Through their work, they help position Geelong and Victoria as places where ideas are shared, challenged and carried forward.

Our ambassadors are recognised leaders across research, business, medicine, technology and innovation. They bring insight, perspective and a genuine sense of purpose to every conversation, adding depth and meaning to your event.

If you’re looking for a speaker who brings both expertise and impact, an ambassador can help shape a more thoughtful and engaging program.

Meet our ambassadors and discover the impact of the Victorian Ambassador Network.

Victorian Ambassador Network

Positive Impact Guide

Sustainable Offerings

Overview

Food and Beverage

Waste

Event Styling and Merchandise

Signage and Stand Design

Transport

Energy, Water and Emissions

Marketing and Communications

Overview

Sustainable Offerings

Overview

Overview

Food and Beverage

Waste

Event Styling and Merchandise

Signage and Stand Design

Transport

Energy, Water and Emissions

Marketing and Communications

First Nations Cultural Guide

Accessibility and Inclusion

Accessibility and Inclusion

Nyaal Banyul venue features

Access and inclusion

All gender toilets

Assistance and companion animals

Hearing assistance and Auslan

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program

Religious observation

Safe or quiet spaces

Travellers Aid

Wheelchair access and hire

Changing Places

Accessibility checklist

Inspiring Speakers