The new Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre (GCEC) has reached the halfway mark with the construction of Plenary Hall and Exhibition Halls - the centrepieces of the precinct - almost complete.
Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan and Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney today visited the site to see the progress - with local businesses, workers and apprentices hard at work bringing this major project to life.
The project is backed by the Albanese and Allan Labor governments and the City of Greater Geelong through the Geelong City Deal.
Locally owned and operated roofing company, Faulkner Roofing, is installing 8,000 square metres of roofing across the entire centre - providing 4,000 hours of work for three Geelong‑based roof plumbing apprentices as part of the Nyaal Banyul Early Engagement Social Procurement (GEESP) program.
Geelong-based Hanlon Industries has also supplied 400 tonnes of locally manufactured steel for the structures and hosted two boilermaker apprentices and two labourers from the GEESP program at its Corio factory - creating 1,200 hours of full-time work and long-term job opportunities.
While on the job, these apprentices will not only learn valuable skills they can take to their next job, but they will experience working with a team of more than 500 people on one of the most exciting and anticipated projects to be delivered in regional Victoria.
The GEESP partnership has been co-designed by Development Victoria, the Give Where You Live Foundation's GROW initiative, social enterprise gforce and is being delivered by Built as the head contractor. Through the GEESP program, Nyaal Banyul is establishing a gold standard for social procurement in government-led projects.
In total, 45,000 employment hours will be provided to local apprentices and trainees as part of the project - and by the time the project is complete they will have had 12 weeks of fully funded training counting towards a Certificate II in Construction Pathways through Gordon TAFE.
Built says construction on Nyaal Banyul is expected to create up to 500 local trade jobs, as well as 60 project management jobs.
Once the precinct is open, Plenary Hall will be able to host 1,000 people - drawing major national and international events to Geelong. On top of this, Nyaal Banyul will have two exhibition spaces, food retail spaces, a public plaza and will be home to Geelong's largest hotel - the 200 room Crowne Plaza hotel.
The project is set to be complete in 2026, where it will suppprt hundreds of ongoing jobs across the precinct and boost visitation to the region. Since the project was announced, the surrounding area has attracted around $250 million of private sector investment with commercial businesses eager to be part of the buzz the precinct will create.
Nyaal Banyul is being delivered as a precinct partnership, with the Plenary Conventions consortium contracted to finance, design, construct and maintain the facility for 25 years in partnership with the Victorian Government and its funding partners under the Geelong City Deal.
The Victorian Government is contributing $416 million towards Nyaal Banyul, with the Australian Government contributing $30 million and the City of Greater Geelong $3 million.
For more information on the Geelong City Deal and precinct visit: infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/cities.
As stated by Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Member for Corio, Richard Marles
"This is an exciting milestone for the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre precinct - with remaining work at full steam ahead.
"As well as providing fantastic employment and learning opportunities for young, local workers during its construction, once complete this project will also support hundreds of ongoing jobs in the Geelong community."
As stated by Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan
"This project will attract events of all sizes from across the state, country and the globe to the heart of Geelong - supporting more local jobs and businesses and backing the region's bright future."
As stated by Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain
"It's fantastic to see the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre precinct progressing - a project made possible thanks to the collaboration between all levels of government.
"This means Geelong is one step closer to hosting a wide range of events, which will drive economic growth and tourist visitation in this region."
As stated by Victorian Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney
"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."
Quotes attributbale to Federal Member for Corangamite, Libby Coker:
"The Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre precinct is an incredibly important project for our region, which is why I'm so excited to see it reach this new milestone.
"From hundreds of local jobs during construction, to hundreds of local jobs once operational -this precinct is a real game changer for workers, the economy, and tourism, not just in Geelong, but across the Surf Coast and Bellarine."
As stated by City of Greater Geelong Mayor Cr Trent Sullivan
"Nyaal Banyul will be such a focal point for the Geelong community and a major contributor to our local economy. It's wonderful to see the building taking shape with the help of local workers and suppliers.
The City of Greater Geelong is proud to be a partner in this significant project and thanks the Victorian and Australian governments for their investment in our region."
Quote to attribute to Faulkner Roofing Director Dane Hoyer
"The project's emphasis on supporting local is a game changer for so many businesses in the region, as well as for our young apprentices who 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."
