Victorians are being asked to put their thinking caps on and come up with ideas to showcase their region during the upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Welcoming the announcement that Victoria is to host the Games, Premier, Daniel Andrews said the Games would be held across multiple regions, “creating a new multi-city model for the Commonwealth Games”.
“Four regional hubs will be established in Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland, each with their own athletes’ village and sport program,” Mr Andrews said.
“The regional hubs will host athletes, officials and fans following an Opening Ceremony at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, using Melbourne as the gateway to regional Victoria,” he said.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Martin Pakula said a new Expression of Interest (EOI) process would be established to capture ideas from local Councils, peak bodies, Traditional Owner groups, cultural organisations and businesses to ensure that every part of the State could benefit from the Games.
“Victoria 2026 will extend far beyond sporting competition, with the Queen’s Baton Relay, warm-up tournaments and training camps, an extensive cultural program, live sites and activations to be in towns and cities across the State,” Mr Pakula said.
“Engagement with First Nations groups is underway and the EOI process will help to harness ideas to develop a platform for the Games that recognises and celebrates Aboriginal history and culture and delivers meaningful opportunities for Aboriginal Australians and their communities,” he said.
“The EOI call out is also going to creative and cultural organisations for ideas and concepts to develop Victoria 2026’s cultural program that embraces the State’s diversity.”
Mr Pakula said the State’s 2026’s cultural program would aim to unite Victorian communities and bring to life the values of the Commonwealth Games – humanity, equality and destiny.
Further information on the EOI process and how be involved can be accessed at this PS News link.
