The biggest events and convention centre in regional Victoria has opened in Geelong, co-designed with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners.

Key points

• Local Wadawurrung people co-designed $449m Nyaal Banyul centre

• Site was a significant gathering place for Wadawurrung people

• Free community open day on Saturday July 11

The project was made possible through a $416.1 million investment from the Victorian government, alongside $30 million from the federal government and $3 million from the City of Greater Geelong.

Inspired by the local Wadawurrung people, the $449 million Nyaal Banyul centre is the major centrepiece of the regional city's landmark $676 million waterfront development and is a key component in the plan to attract visitors, create jobs and generate millions for the Geelong economy.

Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan and deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles on officially opened the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre on Monday.

The highlights Geelong's unique identity and would draw visitors from across Australia and beyond, with international cohorts among delegates attending 80 conferences and events already booked with the new centre.

Wadawurrung culture showcased

Co-designed with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, the development is the growing region's first purpose-built convention centre, with cultural values a major feature of the precinct.

Nyaal Banyul is derived from Wadawurrung language, meaning "open your eyes to the hills". It was gifted as the site's official name by the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC) to reflect the landscape and cultural history of the area.

WTOAC co-chief executive Rebekah Devlin said the site had long been a significant gathering place for Wadawurrung People for thousands of generations.

"One strong connection to the site is embodied in the depiction of seven Wadawurrung community members, who are in the incredible mural that was created," she said.

Geelong's Western Beach cliffs are considered culturally and spiritually significant for Wadawurrung people. The precinct sits on land historically known as Baierr, traditionally used as a gathering place.

From the site, views extend to the Wurdi Youang (You Yangs) and Anakie Youang to the north, the Bellawiyn (Bellarine) hills to the east, Fyansford hill to the west and the Barrabul (Barrabool) hills to the south.

WTOAC has collaborated for several years with major project contractors and the state and Federal governments since the design phase of the building and public spaces, ensuring local cultural heritage was recognised throughout the space. It said the naming process was significant for the return of language to Country and to local Traditional Owners.

Indigenous business wins supply contract

Local business Blak Brews was announced as tea supplier for Nyaal Banyul.

The First Nations-owned and operated tea company will provide its range of native Australian teas made using ethically sourced Indigenous ingredients, such as Kakadu plum, finger lime and native botanicals.

Blak Brews founder and CEO Troy Benjamin said he would bring cultural storytelling and a strong sense of place to Nyaal Banyul's beverage menu.

"Australia's got a long history with the British way of drinking tea. But now we've got something really exciting that feels truly Australian," he said

Mr Benjamin said - as a "born and raised" local, being part of Nyaal Banyul was particularly meaningful.

"If visitors to Nyaal Banyul can enjoy a Blak Brews cuppa in a nice quiet moment of their own, I think it's going to be a really powerful experience," he said.

Business tourism to drive economic benefits

The centre would host the first of almost 100 conferences and events from July, complementing the new 200-room Crowne Plaza next door.

Proponents expect Nyaal Banyul to generate jobs for more than 240 people in Geelong, while 50-plus businesses from the region were already contracted to deliver events, local food, wine and equipment.

Mr Marles, also federal member for Corio, said the venue was a massive win for regional development and celebrated the culture of Wadawurrung Traditional Owners.

"Nyaal Banyul will open further opportunities for the Geelong economy, with events bringing in more business for our local cafes, hotels, pubs and restaurants, securing local jobs," he said.

Premier Allan - whose government funded the bulk of the project - said local businesses and suppliers were backed to deliver the bulk of contracts linked to Nyaal Banyul.

Federal regional development minister Kristy McBain said more jobs and flow-on benefits to local businesses would now flow.

"National and international delegates coming here will create jobs and boost hoteliers, restaurants and small businesses," she said.

"More than 1,400 jobs have already been created across the region with more to come."

Federal MP for Corangamite Libby Coker said the precinct was a major tourism attraction for Geelong, but also the Bellarine and Surf Coast, taking a region-first approach to trades and suppliers.

The precinct will host a free community open day on Saturday July 11.