Commonwealth Games would be a gold medal opportunity for Regional Victoria

Regional Cities Victoria is delighted the Victorian Government has announced it will submit a formal bid for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with a strong focus on holding events in the regions.

“Regional Victoria is ready to welcome the Commonwealth Games”, RCV Chair and Mayor of Shepparton, Cr Kim O’Keeffe, said.

“Our regions are great places to live, work, and play … and to host major events.”

“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.”

Regional Cities Victoria has been in discussions with government and other stakeholders on this proposal for several years, and actively participated in the initial feasibility report.

“Bringing the Games to regional Victoria will not only boost our local economies through tourism and jobs and infrastructure investment; it will support the whole State’s economic recovery post-COVID,” Cr O’Keeffe said.

Regional Cities Victoria comprises the 10 largest regional cities in Victoria – Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Horsham, Latrobe, Mildura, Shepparton, Wangaratta, Warrnambool and Wodonga.

Download the media release here