The next Commonwealth Games could be coming to regional Victoria in 2026, including in the state’s west, with the state government announcing it will submit a formal bid for the games.
The state government signed a Heads of Agreement on February 16 with the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia to enter exclusive negotiations to bring the games to the state.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister Martin Pakula confirmed that, if awarded, the 2026 Commonwealth Games would return to Victoria. However, this competition would be hosted across the state, unlike the event in Melbourne in 2006.
The state government and Commonwealth Games Australia will develop Victoria’s 2026 Commonwealth Games Submission which will assess the viability of hosting the event.
The submission will have a large focus on holding events in the regions.
“Victoria is Australia’s sporting state, and, if awarded, the 2026 Commonwealth Games would demonstrate to the world a new way to deliver the competition,” Mr Andrews said.
“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.”
Regional Cities Victoria chair and mayor of Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe, said regional Victoria is ready to welcome the Commonwealth Games.
“Our regions are great places to live, work, and play … and to host major events,” he said.
“The Melbourne Commonwealth Games in 2006 was a great success.
A Victorian Commonwealth Games in 2026, that is hosted across the state, would truly be an event to remember, and will show the world what Victoria has to offer.”
