Local communities across the state will be asked for ideas to showcase their region as part of the 2026 Commonwealth Games through the cultural program, indigenous engagement or hosting sporting heats and training.
A new Expression of Interest (EOI) process will be established to capture ideas from local councils, peak bodies, Traditional Owner, cultural organisations and businesses – ensuring every part of Victoria can benefit from the Commonwealth Games.
Victoria 2026 will extend far beyond sporting competition, with the Queen’s Baton Relay, warm-up tournaments and training camps, an extensive cultural program, live sites and activations to be in towns and cities across the state.
Engagement with First Nations groups is underway and the EOI process will help to harness ideas to develop a platform for the Games that recognises and celebrates Aboriginal history and culture and delivers meaningful opportunities for Aboriginal Australians and their communities.
The EOI call out is also going to creative and cultural organisations for ideas and concepts to develop Victoria 2026’s cultural program that embraces the state’s diversity. Victoria 2026’s cultural program will aim to unite Victorian communities, bringing to life the values of the Commonwealth Games – humanity, equality and destiny.
With four regional hubs – Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland – officially confirmed for the Games, there is now the opportunity for more regions to play a role in Victoria 2026.
Victoria 2026 has a commitment to driving sustainable practises across the event and the EOI process will help capture ideas from industry leaders on how to deliver an event with low environmental impact.
It is estimated the 2026 Commonwealth Games will contribute more than $3 billion 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.
The Andrews Labor Government and Commonwealth Games Australia are getting on with plans to deliver this global sporting event and to ensure every part of regional Victoria benefits.
For more information on the EOI process and to get involved, visit vic.gov.au/victoria2026.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula
“We want every region to have the opportunity to be involved in Victoria 2026 and that’s why we want to hear from local communities about how best to showcase their region.”
As stated by Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas
“We will ensure the benefits of Victoria 2026 extend far beyond our four regional hubs and create lasting impacts for towns and cities across regional Victoria.”
