Throughout July, the venue hosted a mix of community, business and conference events, including a Community Open Day, an expo, two conferences and two balls.
So the venue has made a strong start since opening and is fast establishing itself as one of the best regional events venues in Australia, says gm Rick Aylett. "We're thrilled with how well the first month has gone,” he adds. "The response from organisers, delegates and the local community has been overwhelmingly positive, and it's a great foundation to build on."
He said the event program so far highlighted the venue's ability to attract visitors to the region while serving the local community. "One week we're welcoming thousands of local residents through the doors, the next we're hosting a national conference. That's exactly what Nyaal Banyul was designed to do. These events support local hotels, restaurants, suppliers and businesses, while helping showcase Geelong as a destination for major events.”
Tourism Greater Geelong and the Bellarine Executive Director Tracy Carter says it was exciting to see Nyaal Banyul open and operational. “It's been particularly pleasing to welcome delegates for large national conferences who have filled hotel rooms across the city, found their way into hospitality and cultural precincts, and toured further afield before and after their events," she adds.