The Victorian Government is establishing an expression of interest to gather ideas from communities statewide as part of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Ideas are being sought from local councils, peak bodies, First Nations groups, and businesses to participate.
They will be able to engage with the Commonwealth Games through cultural programs, Indigenous engagement, and hosting sports heats or training.
The EOI callout will also go to creative and cultural organisations to seek concepts and ideas to develop a program to embrace the state’s diversity, uniting Victorian communities and showing the Commonwealth Games value — humanity, equality and destiny.
Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister Martin Pakula said the government wanted everyone to be involved in the games.
“We want every region to have the opportunity to be involved in Victoria 2026 and that’s why we want to hear from local communities about how best to showcase their region,” he said.
It is expected the games will bring more than $3 billion to the economy, create more than 600 jobs pre-games, 3900 jobs during games and a further 3000 jobs after the closing ceremony.
The 2026 games are expected to extend beyond the four major beneficiary towns — Bendigo, Ballarat, Geelong and Gippsland — with the Queen’s Baton Relay, warmup tournaments and training camps to take place across the state.
Regional Development Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said they wanted the games’ benefits to extend well beyond the four major “host” locations.
“We will ensure the benefits of Victoria 2026 extend far beyond our four regional hubs and create lasting impacts for towns and cities across regional Victoria,” she said.
An extensive cultural program with an emphasis on First Nations peoples and culture, live sites and “activations” are also set to be involved.
The EOI for First Nations groups is already under way in an effort to celebrate and recognise Aboriginal history and culture, while giving these communities meaningful opportunities.
It is hoped the process will also collect ideas from industry leaders to deliver the Commonwealth Games with a low environmental impact.
For more information about the EOI and the process, visit https://www.vic.gov.au/victoria-2026-commonwealth-games