Dhilpamarna, a Wadawurrung word meaning to clap your hands, is the fitting name for the auditorium, marking a new chapter in community celebration in Geelong’s northern suburbs. 

The City of Greater Geelong, together with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and the Community Liaison Reference Group, officially unveiled the name at a ceremony on Friday 29 May during National Reconciliation Week. 

Dhilpamarna – pronounced dill-par-mar-nar – captures the auditorium’s spirit as a place of performance, gathering, culture and connection, building on the strong legacy of Centenary Hall. 

The name was selected through a voting process and supported by a formal language agreement with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners. 

Sarah Eccles, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation Co-Chief Executive Officer

Hearing Wadawurrung language at the heart of this space is significant for our community. Dhilpamarna reflects the gathering, connection and shared joy that define this place, and we are proud to have worked alongside the City and the local community to give this auditorium a name that honours Country.

Corio Ward Councillor Anthony Aitken

To have the City's best indoor community events space located Norlane is a major statement that the northern suburbs of Geelong matters and is a welcoming location for all. I am proud that the local Community Liaison Reference Group stated that the hall should have an indigenous name to reflect the 60,000 years stewardship of the land this magnificent facility operates on and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners have given us a beautiful name in Dhilpamarna.

Norlane ARC opened in February 2024 and is the largest infrastructure project the City has delivered outside central Geelong. It features swimming, waterplay, gym and group fitness facilities.  

The 1000-square metre Dhilpamarna Auditorium features:  

• seating capacity for 730 theatre style or 472 round table 
• professional lighting. sound system and projection screens 
• two green rooms, commercial kitchen and bar space 
• tables, chairs and partition wall 
• stage with lift access. 

Already, more than 100,000 visitors have enjoyed the space for concerts, weddings, ceremonies, multicultural events and community forums. Venue inspections are welcome by appointment. 

Signage featuring the new name has been installed at both entries to the auditorium. 

For more information about the auditorium, including hiring fees and bookings, visit the Norlane ARC website, call 5275 1909 or email [email protected]