By Jena Carr
The Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre (GCEC) is celebrating a milestone as construction reaches the halfway mark.
It was announced on September 13 that construction of the centre’s Plenary and Exhibition Halls were almost complete, with the project set to be completed in 2026.
Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney said the centre was “one of the most exciting and anticipated projects to be delivered in regional Victoria”.
“We’re proud to be backing local apprentices and trainees who are getting real-world training on this major project,” she said.
“It’s fantastic to see Nyaal Banyul coming to life, creating local jobs and giving our apprentices and trainees the opportunity to work on the project of a lifetime.
“(It features a) purpose-built convention and event space, 1000 seat venue, two large exhibition and event spaces, meeting rooms, conference facilities and a brand new 200 room Crowne Plaza hotel.”
The project received $416 million from the state government, $30 million from the federal government and $3 million from the City of Greater Geelong.
Premier Jacinta Allan said it was great to see the project progress and that Nyaal Banyul was a step closer to boosting economic growth and tourist visitation to the region.
“This project will attract events of all sizes from across the state, country and the globe to the heart of Geelong,” she said.
Faulkner Roofing will install 8000 square metres of roofing across the centre and provide 4000 hours of work for three Geelong-based roof plumbing apprentices through the GCEC Early Engagement Social Procurement (GEESP).
Director Dane Hoyer said the project would be a “game changer” for many regional businesses.
“After operating in Geelong for over 20 years, it’s rewarding to see our business growing as a result of large projects in our own hometown,” he said.
“Our young apprentices will learn their roofing trade on Geelong’s most impressive construction site, and with the best view, while being supported throughout by the GEESP program.”
Geelong-based Hanlon Industries also supplied 400 tonnes of manufactured steel for the structures and hosted two boilermaker apprentices and two labourers from the GEESP program.
