When it was announced that regional Victoria would not be hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games, it wasn’t just athletes who lost a chance to shine.
Businesses, poised on the starting blocks, were left stranded at the starting line.
However JL Productions and Hire owner Jamie Lea didn’t just stand on the sidelines — she wrote a letter to Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews expressing her disappointment and concern.
“There was probably a couple of reasons I wrote the letter,” Ms Lea said.
She said one of those reasons was that Shepparton would be one of the festival hubs for the games.
“Every hub was going to have a festival period; for me, that was kind of my area of expertise and where I would be involved,” Ms Lea said.
“We had signed up and we had completed the process and we were accepted.
“I think it’s a level of frustration because what people don’t understand is that events and projects like this take years — years for development and a huge investment of time and energy. To have it cancelled is unfortunate.”
Ms Lea said she had received a response from the government but “nothing too significant”.
“Nobody’s invited myself or my business to directly communicate on a larger scale,” she said.
“I kind of expected or anticipated an opportunity to continue the conversation or take it to the next level.”
Though Ms Lea agreed with the reasons behind the cancellation, she emphasised the importance of continuing to spotlight regional Victoria.
“The main point and purpose is facilitating the positive exposure for the region and continuing to shine a spotlight on the specialised skills and talent of regional Victoria who are working on their business to develop our towns and our communities,” she said.
“What we need is to support organisations and businesses, and leverage off the energy and continuity with hard cash. Injecting funds into those spaces.”
Her letter detailed her concern over the significant impact on small businesses in regional Victoria and the opportunity missed for exposure and economic benefits.
While acknowledging the complexity of the decision, the letter emphasised the importance of regional investment, urging increased support for Greater Shepparton’s regional arts, events and community.
The letter concluded: “By empowering the organisations and businesses already on the ground working in a meaningful way to grow and develop the Goulburn Valley, we can overcome current economic challenges and emerge stronger as a community. Your consideration and support are highly appreciated, and I eagerly await your response.”