The Victorian Government has entered talks to bring the Commonwealth Games to the state in 2026.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews made the announcement on Wednesday, February 16, that the state would be bidding for the games, and if successful would spread events all across the state.
The state will make a submission to the Commonwealth Games Federation showing how events could be held across Victoria.
Cities such as Bendigo, Ballarat, Shepparton and more could be in line to host events and national sides.
Mr Andrews said a regionally focused Commonwealth Games would expand the capacity of Victorian regional cities for major events, tourism, arts, culture and sport, as well as provide economic opportunities for host cities.
“We would hope to have the majority of events in our regional cities — to display the best of Victoria, create jobs and housing and infrastructure that will deliver for the long term,” Mr Andrews said.
Victorian Regional Development Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said being able to watch some of the world’s best athletes close to home would be a win for the state.
“It will create lasting benefits for decades to come, with more jobs and support for businesses," she said.
Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria Danielle Green, when she visited Shepparton last week, said there was “no doubt” the investment put into sporting facilities in regional areas would mean teams would be able to be hosted in places such as Shepparton, Mildura, the Latrobe Valley and more.
“They’ve all had great investment in high-class sporting facilities,” she said.
“In the past specific countries have chosen areas to locate themselves as training bases ahead of the games and there would no doubt be opportunities there.”
Shepparton mayor Kim O’Keeffe, who is also the chair of Regional Cities Victoria, said she was “absolutely thrilled” with the news the Commonwealth Games would be spread across the state.
“A Victorian Commonwealth Games in 2026, hosted across the state, will be an event to remember, and will show the world what Victoria has to offer,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
Greater Shepparton City Council chief executive Peter Harriott said “while we are fortunate to have some world class infrastructure in our region, we also welcome investment towards new and updated facilities”.
“We understand that this is a big expenditure for the state and we look forward to working closely with the government to make this happen,” said Mr Harriott.