Portfolio — 22 June 2026
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles opened the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre on 21 June, marking the completion of the largest events and convention venue in regional Victoria [TA-260621-infras-8503d09d87f2:mHWQ]. The project was jointly funded across three levels of government: the Allan Labor Government contributed $416.1 million, the Albanese Government contributed $30 million, and the City of Greater Geelong contributed $3 million.
Construction delivered 1,400 jobs and gave 250 apprentices more than 150,000 hours of hands-on training; the centre will employ over 240 staff on opening. The centre was designed in collaboration with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, and a free Community Open Day is scheduled for 11 July. Marles acknowledged Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain in the media release, signalling active cross-portfolio collaboration between his ministerial role and the regional development portfolio on this project.
The opening positions Geelong as a destination for major national and international events, with the Albanese Government's $30 million contribution framed as an investment in regional economic infrastructure.
The official records this note draws on — the raw primary documents themselves, as published.