Mural to celebate community

Artist Rone has begun work on an 88-metre mural to celebrate the local community at Nyaal Banyul. (supplied)

Geelong-born artist Rone is creating an 88-metre-wide mural that will celebrate the local community at Nyaal Banyul.

The mural, at the southern wall of the precinct along Smythe Street, will feature the faces of 14 locals and celebrate Geelong’s rich social and cultural history.

Work on the mural commenced last 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.

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.

“The mural aims to bring the community together, reflecting the community’s changing and evolving storyline along the wall,” Rone said.

“It’s a huge honour to create permanent work in Geelong, be involved in this project and to share my work.”

The Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre will feature a 1000-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 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.

“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 said.