Case studies

Ideas

Itineraries

Stories

Videos

We're sorry, but your search came up empty. Please check the filters selected and double-check your spelling or take a moment to explore other captivating articles we have to read. 

Stories and ideas Page UI Messages

Subscribe

Subscribe for all the latest updates on Nyaal Banyul.

Stay Connected With Us

Stories and ideas

We met with Pat Kelly, Founder of 
Constant Coffee
, to talk all things small-batch roasting, Geelong coffee culture, and the new partnership with Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre. 
So, let's start at the beginning. How did Constant Coffee come to life? 
"My name is Pat. I'm the founder of Constant Coffee. I started this business six years ago in my garage, and then slowly moved it up into a warehouse." 
Today, Constant Coffee operates out of its Newtown space, but the approach remains hands-on and in-house. 
"With Constant Coffee, everything's done in-house from our roasting process…we roast each individual coffee tailored to a specific profile.” 
What does small-batch roasting actually allow you to do differently? 
"Small batch roasting at Constant is special because it allows us to tailor the roast profile to each individual bean." 
"In doing that, we bring out diverse flavours and complexity which you can really taste." 
Each coffee is roasted individually before being blended, allowing greater control over flavour and balance. It's a process built around precision, with each coffee treated on its own terms and one that keeps people coming back. 
How much does Geelong influence the way you roast? 
"Knowing the Geelong locals…we've really tailored a lot of our roast profiling towards them." 
"I think looking at how we roast for the Geelong locals, bringing out a bit more body, but also offering those complex flavours and balancing those two through our roasting." 
That balance, body and complexity, is what defines the cup. 
Traceability seems to be a big part of what you do. Why does that matter? 
"Traceability is really important." 
"We source from a lot of small and large farms…to bring those coffees seasonally." 
Each origin is roasted individually, allowing the natural characteristics of the coffee to come through. 
You work closely with local venues. How important is that network? 
"The connection to the Geelong region has been that we work with like-minded cafés who share our values… they act almost as an extension of our brand." 
That shared approach to quality carries through from roastery to cup, creating something familiar, reliable and worth coming back to. 
Let's talk about Nyaal Banyul. What does this partnership mean for you? 
“We're proud to be part of Nyaal Banyul, supplying the coffee." 
That pride is well placed. Constant Coffee is the official coffee partner of Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre. Set along the waterfront, Nyaal Banyul brings people together to share ideas, connect and experience the region in a meaningful way. Coffee becomes part of that experience, something familiar, local and quietly consistent from the first cup of the day through to the last break between sessions. 
There's always one blend that defines a brand. What's yours? 
The High Street blend continues to anchor the range, balanced, dependable and built to work across any setting. 
"This is the blend that really started Constant… Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia origins, bringing those together." 
"And I can't say that enough because we spent over a year developing this blend. So we're really proud of it." 
And finally, how are you drinking your coffee when you get a moment? 
"Black… that's the best way to taste everything that's going on." 
Bringing Geelong and the Bellarine into your event experience means more than just a location. It's a sense of place you can taste, feel and connect to from the moment you arrive. From coastal influences to a strong community of local makers, it's a region defined by quality, character and a slower, more considered way of doing things. 
Constant Coffee is part of that story. Consistent, balanced and grounded in where it comes from. 
Now, as part of Nyaal Banyul, that same approach becomes part of a larger experience. One that reflects the region through the details: thoughtful sourcing, local partnerships and flavours that speak to this place and the people who call it home. 
Because when people arrive, it often starts with something simple. A cup of coffee. 
Explore our Menus
 

There's a rhythm to it. Coastal air, early mornings, long lunches, weekends that stretch out just a little longer. The coffee has to keep up.

Slower, Better: Constant Coffee and the Geelong Way  

When we open, 
Blak Brews
 will bring a deeper connection to that pause. A First Nations owned and operated tea company, each blend draws on native ingredients, cultural knowledge and a strong sense of Country, creating a distinctly Australian flavour in every cup. 
Every sip holds something more. Of land, of tradition, of time. 
We spoke with Troy Benjamin, Founder and CEO of Blak Brews, to talk about how it all began, what makes their tea different, and what it means to be part of the Nyaal Banyul experience. 
A truly authentic Australian Product 
With a background in coffee and running cafés, Troy has always had a sharp eye for what makes something worth drinking. But tea, he noticed, had been left behind. 
“I’d always kind of wondered whether or not tea was going to take the same journey as wine and cheese.” 
“Tea’s probably a category that’s still pretty untouched. It’s a bit archaic.” 
He saw that as an opportunity. 
So, how did Blak Brews come to life? 
It didn’t start with a big plan. 
“What started as a side thing turned into the main thing.” 
Husband and wife duo Troy and Cerisa Benjamin didn’t set out to build a tea brand. Like most good things, it found them anyway. 
“The first tea was dunked in 2023 and the first bag sold a few weeks later.” 
From there, it grew quickly, shaped by new ideas, new collaborations, and a growing audience drawn to something that felt both familiar and entirely new. 
What makes Blak Brews different? 
It starts with the ingredients, and the story behind them. 
“It’s a bit archaic, and I think it’s really important to showcase what’s been here for 60,000 years, finger limes, Kakadu plums. We grow so many varietals from overseas here in the Daintree, so it’s exciting when people start to think about what’s truly Australian. The best teas come from the outback. Indigenous ingredients. Organic goodness. Wildly Australian.” 
Blak Brews is built around native Australian ingredients, sourced as locally and ethically as possible. Sourced, blended and packed in Australia, working with Australian suppliers. It’s a product grounded in place, both in flavour and in origin. 
There’s a strong sense of purpose behind the brand. How do you define that? 
“We’re a little Australian tea company that’s bringing people, health, culture and tastebuds together through a cup of the good stuff.” 
Blak Brews is First Nations owned and operated, with a focus on connection to Country, to community, and to the people drinking it. 
“Australia’s got a long history with the British way of drinking tea. But now we’ve got something really exciting that feels distinctly, truly Australian.” 
And the tea itself, what can people expect? 
Clean, bold flavours built from native ingredients, with a range broader than you might expect. 
“The Mint Tea Green is a really special one. It’s a nice digestive — something to start or finish a meal.” 
“We’ve got eight key blends — two black teas and six herbals. The most popular are Red Centre, Desert Sunrise and Lemongrass and Ginger.” 
Troy’s advice for first-timers is simple. 
“Don’t add milk...don’t add anything…don’t add a drop of honey…just taste it! Because more than likely, you’ve never tasted anything like it.” 
You’ve had a big year. What’s changed? 
“Winning Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars in 2024.” 
The award marked a turning point. It brought national recognition to 
Blak Brews
 and highlighted the brand’s unique place in the market: a premium native Australian tea company grounded in Country, culture and flavour. It’s a milestone that reflects how quickly the brand has grown and how strongly it’s resonating. 
What does it mean to be part of Nyaal Banyul? 
Blak Brews is now part of the experience at 
Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre
. Set along the waterfront, the venue brings people together to share ideas, connect and experience the region in a meaningful way. 
For Troy, it’s personal. 
“I was born and raised here, nothing matters more to us than making sure that when people visit Geelong, they can see this is proudly owned and operated by a local Geelong business. We’re just really excited to be able to present something that Geelong’s proud of.” 
Tea becomes part of that moment. A pause between conversations. A reset within a busy day. 
“I hope people feel warm and that we’re a conversation starter. We just need to be talking and feeling and connecting. You look at our producers here in Geelong, we are world class, premium level producers.” 
“If people are coming here, usually they’re looking for something unique and different and if they can have an experience amongst the centre and enjoy a cuppa in a nice closed moment of their own, I think it’s going to be a really powerful experience.” 
And where do you want to take Blak Brews next? 
“Our journey is to become the best tea on the planet and we want you all to be on the tea-m.” 
Bringing Geelong and The Bellarine into your event experience means more than just a location. It’s a sense of place you can taste, feel and connect to from the moment you arrive.  Blak Brews is part of that story. A reflection of culture, community and a different way of doing things, slower, more thoughtful, and deeply connected to Country. 
At Nyaal Banyul, that matters. 
Explore our menus
  

We spoke with Troy Benjamin, Founder & CEO of Blak Brews, about its origins, what makes their tea unique, and its role in the Nyaal Banyul experience.

Meet Blak Brews Tea Rooted in Country

A Shift Toward Meaningful Gatherings 
In 2026, regional destinations are emerging as powerful settings for events that prioritise connection and purpose. Choosing to host beyond the city centre reflects a desire for experiences that resonate long after the event ends.
Today’s audiences gravitate toward places with character. They notice when a venue belongs to its surroundings. They feel the presence of local culture throughout the experience. And they remember gatherings that feel authentic, distinctive and deeply connected to place. 
Where Place Shapes Experience 
On the shores of Corio Bay, Nyaal Banyul embodies this shift. Positioned on Wadawurrung Country and developed in collaboration with Traditional Owners, the venue carries story within its architecture. Materials, forms and spaces respond to land and water rather than sitting apart from them. From the moment delegates arrive, there is a sense of connection to place, history and community. 
That grounding creates emotional resonance. It transforms an event from something interchangeable into something meaningful. 
Designed For What Events Need Now 
Regional hosting now signals a future-focused approach to how events should work. 
Today’s gatherings demand flexibility, inclusion and sustainability. Hybrid participation is expected. 
Accessibility
 is non-negotiable. Environmental impact is scrutinised. Venues must adapt quickly while delivering a cohesive experience for everyone involved. 
Purpose-built regional facilities are responding through intentional design. Universal access principles ensure all guests feel welcome and supported. Sustainable infrastructure reduces the footprint of large gatherings. Technology is integrated from the outset, enabling events to reach global audiences while maintaining the intimacy of a physical setting. 
Here, flexibility is built in. 
Space To Breathe Between Sessions 
Perhaps the most powerful difference lies beyond the venue itself. 
Geelong and The Bellarine
 offer something city centres rarely can: space. Space to think clearly. Space to walk along the waterfront between sessions. Space to step away and return feeling refreshed, focused and ready for what comes next. 
And increasingly, delegates are choosing to stay. 
A regional event becomes a long weekend. A solo reset by the coast. A chance to bring family and turn business travel into shared time away. Coastal walks, cellar doors, galleries and beaches sit within easy reach, inviting guests to extend their experience beyond the program. 
Delegates leave a keynote and step onto a waterfront promenade instead of a congested footpath. Conversations continue over coastal views rather than traffic lights. The pace slows naturally, creating room for deeper discussion, stronger relationships and more creative thinking. 
Ease of access keeps it practical, just over an hour from Melbourne, while the setting feels worlds away. 
A Taste of The Region 
Food and wine bring the landscape to the table. 
Menus
 guided by regional producers reflect seasonality, provenance and the character of the coast. Shared meals become moments to pause, connect and take in the experience. Delegates taste the region as vividly as they experience it. 
When Community Is Part of The Event 
Regional hosting creates impact beyond the event itself. 
Local hotels
, restaurants and small businesses benefit directly, while creative industries and suppliers gain new opportunities. Visitors move through the community, bringing energy and economic activity with them. The event becomes part of the region’s life, with locals, businesses and visitors all sharing in the experience. 
A Different Experience 
Geelong and The Bellarine are particularly well placed for this moment. Close enough to Melbourne to remain convenient, yet distinct enough to feel genuinely different. The destination offers professional infrastructure alongside natural character and deep cultural context. 
Delegates leave with more than 
conference
 notes. They leave with a sense of place shaped by coastline, community and shared experience. 
Why Regional Events Deliver More 
As plans for 2026 take shape, many organisers are looking beyond delivery to the kind of experience that stays with people. 
By the water, with space to think and stories embedded in the landscape, gatherings take on a different tone. Conversations deepen. Connections last longer. Outcomes feel more meaningful. 
Regional Australia is becoming a leading space for the future of events. 
Nyaal Banyul stands at the heart of this shift, bringing world-class capability together with a strong sense of place, culture and community. 
Explore what’s possible at Nyaal Banyul
 

In 2026, regional events step into focus as organisers look beyond scale and toward meaning. What sets event experiences apart now is place, perspective and the kind of connection that lingers long after the closing session.

Why 2026 is the Year of Regional Events

Set on the Geelong waterfront, our venue is Victoria’s newest purpose-built space for 
live performance
, designed for audiences who expect more and for organisers who want a venue that works with them. 
What is it about live music, comedy or performance
s
 by the water that makes it feel different?
 
New, coastal and thoughtfully designed, Nyaal Banyul is a place where shows feel elevated, organisers feel supported, and every detail from arrival to final applause is considered. 
From major touring productions to stand-up comedy, screenings, live music and cultural showcases, our venue brings together technical readiness, considered hospitality and a waterfront location to support seamless event delivery. 
Designed for Moments 
Wala Mirr Theatre
 sits at the heart of live entertainment at Nyaal Banyul. Purpose-built for concerts, comedy, screenings and headline events, it seats up to 1,000 people in a room that feels intimate yet powerful. 
Acoustics are crisp. Lighting is flexible. Technology is already in place. Performers benefit from well-planned backstage spaces, while our technical and operations teams provide the infrastructure and support needed to hit the ground running. 
Spaces That Work the Way You Do 
Not every show fits a traditional theatre, which is why we designed 
Delama Event Spaces
 to flex. 
Delama A and B can be combined to create a large-format performance environment suited to touring productions, cultural showcases, fan experiences and special 
entertainment events
. Used individually, each space supports smaller-scale or immersive formats. 
These spaces scale, shift and transform based on the experience you want to create. 
A Destination Audiences Want to Visit 
Just an hour from Melbourne, 
Geelong
 blends coastal ease with city energy, framed by waterfront views, a growing food and arts scene, boutique accommodation and room to explore. 
That sense of place changes how audiences engage. For events hosted at Nyaal Banyul, a ticket becomes more than a night out. It becomes a reason to stay, explore and make a weekend of it, adding value for organisers through stronger promotion, attendance and overall experience. 
Food Worth Talking About 
At Nyaal Banyul, food is part of the experience, not an afterthought. 
Our menus
 are shaped by local produce, seasonal flavour and generous hospitality, designed to support long days, late nights and everything in between. 
From artist catering and green room refreshments to pre-show receptions and multi-day crew meals, our food offering is flexible, thoughtful and genuinely satisfying. 
There is a strong sense of place on the plate too. Expect flavours drawn from Geelong, the Bellarine and across Victoria, shaped by what is fresh, in season and suited to the rhythm of live performance. 
A Dedicated Planning Team 
Entertainment events
 have their own rhythm, and our team understands it, backed by more than 30 years of experience delivering concerts, touring productions and major entertainment events. 
From your first enquiry, you will work with a dedicated planner who understands concert production timelines, logistics, technical requirements, artist flow, accessibility and audience movement. 
You will have a single point of contact, supported by our full-service production, catering and operations teams. 
Audio Visual That Makes Things Simple 
Our spaces are technically ready from the start. With pre-installed AV, adaptable rigging and an experienced in-house crew, our venue removes unnecessary complexity from live production. 
Our systems are reliable. Our layouts are flexible. Our team on the floor understands the rhythm of a show day. 
That shared understanding makes a difference. Bump-ins are efficient. Changeovers feel calm. Communication is clear. Your production team can focus on the performance, the artists and the audience. 
Why Nyaal Banyul? 
New, coastal and flexible, our venue is designed specifically for live entertainment. The result is an experience that supports your team, your performers and your audience at every stage. 
Enquire now
 to explore what your next event could look like at Nyaal Banyul. 

Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre offers something genuinely different.   Set on the Geelong waterfront, our venue is Victoria’s newest purpose-built space for live performance

A New Destination for Live Performance in Victoria

For eligible conferences, 
subvention funding
 of up to $60,000 may be available for events held at Nyaal Banyul, helping offset costs while supporting a 
conference experience
 delegates genuinely enjoy. 
And that experience matters. The best conferences are the ones people remember for how they felt to attend. It is about the conversations, the connections and the place that framed the experience. 
Set on the Geelong waterfront, Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre offers a conference environment that feels considered, connected and genuinely welcoming for everyone. 
Your delegate-first checklist 
Here’s why our venue works so well from a delegate's point of view. 
✔ 
A destination that feels like a reset 
Just an hour from Melbourne, Geelong delivers city energy with coastal calm. Delegates arrive easily but immediately feel the shift. Open skies, water views and a slower rhythm create the kind of destination that gives people space to think, collaborate and have better conversations. 
✔ 
Rooms and spaces that support connection 
From a 
1,000-seat theatre
 to 3,700 square metres of flexible meeting and exhibition space, Nyaal Banyul is designed to support conferences of all shapes and sizes. Rooms vary in structure and feel. Some are light-filled, some face the waterfront, but all are adaptable and easy to navigate. This helps delegates move smoothly between sessions without friction or fatigue. Whether it is a keynote, breakout discussion or 
exhibition
 experience, our spaces are purposeful and never overwhelming. 
✔ 
A venue that brings people together naturally 
There is a warmth to the way Nyaal Banyul moves and flows. Our team are experienced, knowledgeable and ready to welcome and adapt. Delegates are not funnelled or rushed. They are invited to gather, pause and connect. With unparalleled waterfront views, calm interiors and a strong sense of place and history, guests are encouraged to interact meaningfully and form lasting connections. 
✔ 
Conference food that propels the experience 
At Nyaal Banyul, food is designed around how 
conferences
 actually unfold. Meals are generous, social and energising, supporting long days without slowing people down. 
Menus
 are built on locally sourced produce and offer sustainable and diverse options. 
On arrival, delegates are welcomed with artisan sourdough, local butter and garden platters layered with pickled, roasted and raw regional vegetables. Lunches are designed for sharing and conversation, featuring seasonal salads, plant-forward plates and comforting classics that feel elevated without being heavy. 
Live chef stations add a sense of theatre and freshness, while thoughtfully curated breaks offer barista-made coffee, baked treats and savoury options that keep energy steady throughout the day. 
✔ 
A place for everyone 
When spaces are designed with inclusion in mind, conferences feel and operate better for everyone. At Nyaal Banyul, 
accessibility
 is not an add-on. It is embedded in the way the venue works. 
Designed using Universal Design principles, the venue offers step-free access throughout, integrated wheelchair and companion seating, hearing loops and assistive listening in key spaces including the 
Wala Mirr Theatre
 and meeting rooms. Sensory rooms, parents’ rooms, a multi-faith prayer space, all-gender bathrooms and a fully equipped Changing Places facility ensure people of all ages, abilities, genders and backgrounds feel comfortable and supported. 
Wide paths, rest seating, natural light, intuitive wayfinding and clear digital signage help delegates move confidently through the venue. Assistance animals are welcome, Companion Cards are accepted, and accessibility is supported by trained teams who understand that inclusion is about dignity, ease and belonging. 
For delegates, this means less anxiety, fewer barriers and a stronger sense that they belong in the room. 
✔ 
Technology that enhances, not distracts 
Pre-installed, full-service technology is seamlessly integrated throughout the venue. From large-scale presentations to hybrid and broadcast-ready events, everything is designed to work quietly in the background, allowing delegates to stay focused on content rather than logistics. 
✔ 
A city that extends the conversation
 
When sessions wrap, 
Geelong and The Bellarine
 region keep the conversation going. Waterfront dining, walkable streets, nature experiences and local history make it easy for delegates to continue connecting beyond the agenda. 
✔ 
A sense of place that adds meaning
 
Gathering on Wadawurrung Country brings depth and perspective to the conference experience. A connection to land, community and story is woven into the venue and its events, leaving a lasting impression long after delegates return home. 
✔ 
Time that feels well spent 
With everything close, considered and easy to navigate, delegates spend less time moving and more time engaging. The result is a conference that feels productive, balanced and genuinely enjoyable. 
✔ 
Support that makes a difference 
For eligible conferences, 
subvention funding
 of up to $60,000 may be available to support events held at Nyaal Banyul, helping organisers deliver a considered, delegate-first experience. 
Ready to start shaping your conference in Geelong?
 Explore what’s possible at Nyaal Banyul and see how a delegate-first experience comes together. 

When you’re planning a conference, every decision matters. Not just how it runs on the day, but how it feels to attend, and how achievable it is to deliver a great experience within budget.

Why Your Delegates Will Love Attending a Conference in Geelong

One Year to Go 
Our One Year to Go celebration brought the future of Nyaal Banyul into focus. Guests moved through the spaces, tasted dishes shaped by local producers and connected with the stories of Geelong and The Bellarine. It was the first glimpse of how this place will gather people in 2026. 
Events Already Locked In 
We’re beginning to share what’s ahead. Four of our confirmed 2026 events are now announced: the Associations Forum National Conference, the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative NAIDOC Week Dinner, the Business Managers Victoria Conference and the Victorian Principals Association Conference. Each gathering brings its own community into the venue. And there’s plenty more we’ll be revealing soon.
Art Taking Shape 
Behind the venue, RONE’s mural Our Time in Geelong now stretches across the back of the venue, capturing the people and spirit of the region in a work created for this place. It offers an early glimpse of the stories that will welcome visitors to Nyaal Banyul. 
Read the conversation 
A First Taste 
Our menus took shape this year, guided by the flavours and producers of Geelong and The Bellarine. Each dish reflects the region, its growers and its changing seasons, offering a first look at how food at Nyaal Banyul will connect people to this place and to one another.  
Explore our Menus 
Connecting With Our City 
This year we were proud to be a Community Partner for Run4Geelong, joining the community in support of local health and wellbeing. It was a chance for our team to spend time in the city we will soon call home—cooking on the BBQ, sharing stories and contributing to a cause that brings people together. It offered a small glimpse of how Nyaal Banyul will continue showing up for Geelong in the years ahead. 
As we prepare to open in July 2026, our team is here to help you imagine what your event could become at Nyaal Banyul. 
Connect with Us Today
 

2025 was the year Nyaal Banyul began to come to life. From early event bookings to creative reveals, new menus and moments shared with the community, each milestone offered a glimpse of the place we are building together

A Year of Firsts for Nyaal Banyul

Our First Menus 
It’s been months of planning, tasting and talking with local producers, and now the results are ready to be shared.  
The 
menus
 are shaped by the same philosophy that defines our venue: connection, discovery and a deep love for the region. 
“We spoke to the artisans of Geelong and The Bellarine and tried to capture their passion on the plate,” Andreas says. “It’s not just about ingredients, it’s about the stories behind them.” 
Led by the Region 
For him, Geelong feels like “relaxed excitement and anticipation.” It’s that feeling — calm but full of energy, that he’s translated into the food offering. There’s an invitation to explore, whether that means tasting local native herbs like Geraldton wax or lemon myrtle for the first time or rediscovering something familiar in a new way. 
“I want people to be curious,” he says. “To try things they haven’t tried before.” 
Storytelling drives his process. “You start with a beautiful ingredient, and everything else falls into place,” Andreas explains. “You pair it with things that grow just metres away, it all comes down to letting the ingredients tell their stories.” 
From the Sea, From the Land 
One dish, though, feels especially close to home. “The duck with coastal saltbush,” he says. “It’s earthy and a little salty, just like the view from the Darrwal Room, where you can feel Country in the hills and the coastline at the same time.” 
Seafood, too, plays a big part. “Any seafood says Geelong to me,” he adds. “It’s fresh, it’s vibrant, it’s who we are,” and that’s clear in the local catch, Bellarine Smokehouse fish, Bass Strait scallops and Portarlington mussels and oysters showcased across the menu. 
That same energy flows through our lunch selections; our conference menu is designed around focus and generosity. “I imagine what it would be like for our guests to come over for a meal and treat them like family,” Andreas says. “That’s where the generosity comes from.” 
A Sense of Play 
There’s also a touch of theatre, live ceviche stations, loaded croissants and even cotton candy moments. “I love seeing chefs in front of guests,” Andreas says. “It shows our craft and passion, and we get to see their reaction right there.” 
And then there’s the cocktail menu... 
Playful, unexpected and a little mischievous. “The caviar pairing will be cool,” he grins, “but I’m also looking forward to the boozy ice cream and cotton candy. Those might raise an eyebrow or two.” 
What Andreas hopes guests will take away is simple. “I hope they feel connected to our region, to the people, to the moment,” he says. “If they leave having discovered something new or tasted something that reminds them of this place, that’s everything.” 
As we prepare to open our doors next July, Andreas’ words set the tone for what’s ahead: an invitation to taste Geelong and The Bellarine in new, exciting ways. 
Explore our menus
 and discover our food philosophy that brings our region to the table.
 

When Executive Chef Andreas Gober talks about creating the very first menus for Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, his face lights up.

A Taste of What’s to Come

At Nyaal Banyul, accessibility is about belonging and connection. Built on Wadawurrung Country and guided by cultural respect and community, every detail has been shaped by Universal Design principles to create spaces that feel open, intuitive and inclusive for everyone. 
From tiered wheelchair seating in 
Wala Mirr Theatre
 to sensory rooms, Changing Places facilities, and all-gender bathrooms, accessibility has been considered at every level of design and experience. 
Nyaal Banyul will welcome people of all ages, abilities, genders and backgrounds through thoughtful design features. 
Design Features 
Accessible Facilities
 – Step-free access throughout the venue, including the 
Wala Mirr Theatre
, 
Delama Event Space
 and meeting rooms. Wheelchair seating and companion spaces are integrated throughout, supported by hearing loops and assistive listening devices. 
Support Facilities – 
Separate spaces for reflection, parenting and sensory needs, including a multi-faith prayer room, parents’ room and sensory room. 
Inclusive Bathrooms
 – Male, female, gender-neutral and accessible bathrooms, along with a fully equipped Changing Places facility. 
Intuitive Wayfinding –
 Digital signage throughout the venue and precinct provides clear information to help visitors navigate easily and find what they need. 
Designed for Easy Mobility
 – Wide paths, natural light, rest seating and drinking fountains create an effortless flow throughout the venue. 
Assistive Technology
 – Integrated hearing loops, digital displays and adaptable lighting enhance accessibility across all event spaces. 
Event Accessibility Checklist 
True accessibility starts in the planning phase. The more considered your approach, the better the experience for every guest. 
Whether you’re hosting a 
conference
, performance or community gathering, these simple steps can help you create an event where everyone can participate comfortably and confidently. 
 1. Plan for Accessibility Early 
Set clear goals to make your event welcoming for everyone. 
Plan for things like Auslan interpreters, captions, hearing loops, sensory rooms and wheelchair hire. 
Think about providing all-gender bathrooms, a Changing Places facility and prayer spaces. 
Talk to people with lived experience and include their ideas in your planning. 
 2. Share Accessibility Information Early 
Add clear information about accessibility to your event website and registration forms. 
List what’s available at Nyaal Banyul, including step-free access, quiet rooms, assistance for animals, hearing loops and the Changing Places facility. 
Give guests a clear contact person for accessibility questions or support. 
3. Make Your Website and Online Platforms Inclusive 
Add captions or transcripts to videos. 
Offer Auslan interpretation if you can. 
Make sure people can move around your website using a keyboard or screen reader. 
Use large text, strong contrast and simple layouts. 
4. Make the Venue Easy to Get Around 
Provide step-free access to all areas, including stages and breakout rooms. 
Create quiet and sensory rooms so guests can rest or recharge. 
Install hearing loops and use clear, low-glare signage to show where facilities like Changing Places and assistance-animal relief areas are located. 
5. Train Your Team and Speakers 
Teach your staff, volunteers and contractors' simple ways to support accessibility.  
Train speakers to describe any visuals they use and to speak clearly.  
Run a short workshop to help your team feel confident supporting guests with different needs. 
 6. Make Dining Inclusive 
Offer tray service and use counters that are easy to reach.  
Plan menus that meet different dietary and cultural needs.  
Provide extra help at mealtimes if needed. 
7. Make It Easy to Find Your Way Around 
Use clear, easy-to-read signs with strong colour contrast. 
Share simple maps and directions before the event. 
Position signage and digital displays where everyone can see them easily. 
 8. Welcome Assistance and Companion Animals 
Nyaal Banyul accepts Companion Cards and welcomes assistance animals. 
Provide relief areas and water stations for animals. 
Make sure staff know how to support guests with both visible and hidden disabilities. 
 9. Ask for Feedback and Keep Improving 
Ask guests for feedback on accessibility before, during and after your event. 
Celebrate what worked well and keep improving each time. 
A Place for Everyone 
Every event here is a chance to plan with care, strengthen community and celebrate the shared experience of being together. 
Through our 
Accessibility Action Plan
, we’re taking meaningful steps toward a more inclusive future. 
Discover how we can help you make your next event more accessible
. 

When spaces are designed with inclusion in mind, they bring people together. Conversations deepen. Ideas grow. Everyone has the opportunity to take part.