The road to Victoria 2026 and a uniquely regional Commonwealth Games has reached a major milestone.
Today marks 1000 days until the Games kick-off, and Shepparton’s Cooper Bromley, 22, was among the regional athletes representing his sport to mark the occasion.
Shepparton will host cycling events, including the road time trial and the BMX racing competition, during Victoria 2026 and Mr Bromley — who has been racing BMX bikes since he was six — is excited.
“It’s a dream come true to have the Commonwealth Games in Shepparton at the track I grew up at,” he said.
“After travelling a lot of the world it’s pretty special to see it at my home track where I’ve spent a lot of time preparing the track and being around the facilities. It’s pretty special.
“BMX is new in the Commonwealth Games and it’s exciting because the athletes get to show their hard work at a world-class level.
“It’s a dream come true to have my heroes come to Shepparton, seeing them race and compete and getting to watch them succeed.”
Australian Chef de Mission Petria Thomas detailed the planning progress which had already been made for Victoria 2026.
“If the Games were a relay, we’d be at the first change with three legs to go,” she said.
“We’ve now visited each of the host cities and intend to formalise our delivery plans for the Australian team across the course of this year.
“The multi-city model presents us with a new challenge and we’re tackling it head-on to ensure the best high-performance environment and overall experience for Australia’s team members.”
Mrs Thomas encouraged the nation to get behind the Games, with the countdown now on in earnest.
“We’re more enthusiastic than ever for Victoria 2026,” she said.
“A home Games always presents a memorable opportunity for Australian athletes to compete in front of family and friends, but the enthusiasm we’ve encountered during our visits across the state highlights how much the locals are looking forward to getting behind the green and gold, too.
“There are 1000 days to go and the countdown to the opening ceremony has begun.
“Our team will be ready and we’re confident the host communities in Victoria and sports fans across Australia are looking forward to cheering us on.”
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali called for local business owners to put their respective hats in the ring for government contracts related to the Games.
“In 1000 days we will welcome athletes, officials and visitors to Greater Shepparton for the 2026 Commonwealth Games,” he said.
“Council is excited by the opportunities the event will bring to Greater Shepparton.
“The Games provide a chance for local businesses to tender for several state government contracts from security to catering, to medical services and cleaning.
“I would encourage any local services to register on the state government’s procurement website and register as a supplier.
“The influx of 200-plus athletes and support staff as well as spectators will boost our local economy with a demand for accommodation, hospitality and other services.
“Everyone in our community can become involved in the Games, either as volunteers or attending the cultural festivals, the sporting events or welcoming athletes from around the world.
“We look forward to working with local businesses and the community to put Greater Shepparton in the world spotlight in 2026.”
Australia intends to field athletes in all sports at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
At the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, Australia was represented by 429 athletes, with the team topping the medal tally with 67 gold, 57 silver and 54 bronze medals.
Local services could register on the state government’s procurement website and register as a supplier at www.tenders.vic.gov.au/register