Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) Partners with Kinaway!
Overview of the Partner’s business
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust (MCET) operates the globally recognised Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and will soon operate a new venue, Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre (opening in 2026).
At MCEC, visionary ideas come to life, and the world's thought leaders gather. Our iconic venue is an outlet for Melbourne’s signature culture, hosting dynamic exhibitions, conferences, galas, and concerts. Our place will leave you buzzing with inspiration and excitement. Always thinking ahead of the game, we blend trendy eats, sustainability, and cutting-edge tech to create mind-blowing, globally recognised events.
Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, opening in 2026, built on Wadawurrung land will continue traditions of knowledge-sharing and gathering. Construction is currently underway and once complete the venue will host everything from community gatherings to large-scale conferences and entertainment.
How has the Partner engaged with the Indigenous sector?
MCET has registered with Reconciliation Australia to formalise our RAP journey and support meaningful action to advance reconciliation through the core pillars of relationships, respect and opportunities. We are in the Reflect stage and have commenced work to develop our first ever RAP.
Additionally, MCET's Marketing and Communication teams have continued to deepen knowledge and embed practices towards Reconcilliation through participation in workshops presented by organisations like Bundyi Girri.
At MCEC:
Last year MCEC launched a Positive Impact Guide to support event planners create meaningful engagement with the Traditional Owners of the land on which MCEC is built. The guide assist customers in incorporating cultural awareness and appreciation in their events.
We welcomed Mandy Nicholson, a Wurundjeri-willam (Wurundjeri-baluk patriline) artist and Traditional Custodian of Melbourne to MCEC’s prestigious Club Melbourne Ambassador Program. Mandy is the first Traditional Owner to join Club Melbourne, bringing a wealth of knowledge to the cohort. Additionally, a number of materials for the annual Club Melbourne Awards was procured through First Nations’ owned businesses, including florals and gratuities.
Our laundry supplier, Gerrbik laundry services are certified by Supply Nation and are Australia’s largest and first Aboriginal-owned commercial laundry. They are critical to the successful operation of MCEC.
Last year MCEC also established a partnership with the National Indigenous Culinary Institute and the first apprentice is currently undergoing training in our award-winning kitchen.
At Nyaal Banyul:
The Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation gifted the venue its name, Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre. The name means ‘open your eyes to the hills’ and was chosen to encourage people at the site to take time to appreciate the landscapes of Wadawurrung Country.
MCET continues to engage with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners to embed culture and history throughout the venue – from the architecture, interior design and landscaping to brand which was launched in February.
At the brand launch, gift bags were created with gratuities procured through local Wadawurrung creators and artists.
Nyaal Banyul is establishing a gold standard for social procurement in Government led projects. Delivered by Built as the head building contractor, the Geelong Convention and Event Centre Early Engagement Social Procurement (GEESEP) program will employ 28 apprentices during the build of the venue who have experience barriers to employment. Apprentices will receive 12 weeks of fully funded training on the project, contributing to certification through Gordon TAFE. Once the venue is operational, 4.79% of employment must contribute to inclusive employment outcomes. This includes 0.5% priority job seekers, 1% Victorian Aboriginal employment and 3.29% GEESP.
Why did the Partner sign up with Kinaway? What was the driving factor?
MCET recognises it needs to invest and support more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses. We are looking for new business connections and learning opportunities. We are determined to embed cultural awareness within our workplace and we aim to make both of our venues welcoming to all.
What is the Partner’s mission or aim in supporting the Indigenous economy? How will Kinaway member businesses benefit from this partnership?
MCET is committed to change, equity, equality and reconciliation. By partnering with Kinaway, MCET aims to actively support and promote Indigenous businesses. The Kinaway business directory is listed as a resource in our Positive Impact Guide, connecting customers directly with suppliers to source goods and services for their events.
How does the partner hope to benefit from the partnership with Kinaway?
Foster business connections, access to learning and development opportunities for our team and support us on our RAP journey.
Support our customers to engage with First Nations creators and suppliers for their events.
