A Year of Firsts for Nyaal Banyul
By Bree Pagliuso|
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. Here are the highlights that shaped our year and the steps that bring us closer to opening in July 2026.
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 laneway, 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.
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.
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.