THE state of Victoria has been announced as the host of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with the state’s regional cities set to shine on the world stage.
The announcement by the Commonwealth Games Federation comes after a period of exclusive negotiations, with Commonwealth Games Australia and the Government last month submitting a delivery concept for consideration.
It is estimated the 2026 Commonwealth Games will contribute more than $3B to Victoria’s economy, creating more than 600 full-time equivalent jobs before the Games, 3,900 jobs during the Games and a further 3,000 jobs beyond the Closing Ceremony.
Four regional hubs will be established in Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland, each with their own athletes’ village and sport program.
The regional hubs will host athletes, officials and fans following an Opening Ceremony at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, using Melbourne as the gateway to regional Victoria.
Shepparton will also host sporting and cultural events as part of Victoria 2026. There will also be a strong para sport program, with six sports already locked in.
Further work is being done with the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth GamesAustralia to determine if additional sports will be included in the Victoria 2026 program, which may open opportunities for other locations to host events.
A Victoria-wide program of live sites and activations will ensure visitors are welcomed in every corner of the state, with the Queen’s Baton Relay to traverse the regions in the weeks leading up to the Opening Ceremony.
For more information, and to express interest in being involved, visit vic.gov.au/victoria2026.
