By Gwen O’Toole

The 6-green star rated Melbourne Convention Centre (MCC) – the most environmentally friendly convention centre in the world – officially opened on Friday (Jun 5) at a special event coinciding with World Environment Day.

Victorian Premier John Brumby opened the venue at an official lunch for dignitaries and the business community.

He used the opportunity to announce the first international conference will take place at the MCC on July 19, with another 50 international conventions confirmed to follow.

The newly opened Melbourne Convention Centre

As the first convention centre in the world with an environmental rating of 6 green stars, the MCC has already gained significant interest worldwide. It is also fully integrated with the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, creating Australia’s largest convention and exhibition district.

Located in South Wharf, central Melbourne, it was given the thumbs up from industry leaders who were given a sneak preview of the venue.

Event Planners Australia general manager Suzanne Best said it was a “momentous introduction to a spectacular venue.” 

Professor Leo Jago, director of Victoria University’s Centre for Tourism and Services Research, said the MCC had already become “the envy of the nation.”

Director of DC Conferences Dianna Crebbin said the MCC was “really a magnificent building and will be a great asset to Melbourne.”

For more information on the newly opened Centre, click here.