Are the Comm Games heading our way?

Bass Coast Shire Council has welcomed the announcement that Victoria will host the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Last week, the state government announced that four regional hubs, including one in Gippsland, will be established, each with their own athletes’ village and sports program.

The council hopes to secure some events for the region.

Mayor Cr Michael Whelan said with one of the fastest growing regional populations in the state, Bass Coast Shire looked forward to showcasing its natural beauty and facilities to the rest of Australia and the world.

"Road cycling would look amazing along our coast, but we are also keen to explore other opportunities with the state government for other sports we specialise in such as surfing if it is chosen by Games organisers,'' Cr Whelan said.

"With sports spread across Gippsland it makes sense to ensure the area with the fastest-growing population according to the Bureau of Statistics is well catered for. Bass Coast residents are passionate sport lovers and we're all keen to get out and proudly fly the Australian flag.

"Bass Coast Shire will also be fighting for our fair share of the community infrastructure funding and business opportunities that the Games will present."

Games

The state government is currently working with the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia to determine which additional sports will be included in the 2026 program.

The Victorian games’ proposal included a new multi-city model, with four regional hubs to be established in Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland.

The government said the regional hubs will host athletes, officials and fans following an opening ceremony at the MCG.

Announcing the games last week, Premier Daniel Andrews said Victoria 2026 will invest in community infrastructure, including housing and world-class sports facilities.

He said this would leave a legacy of affordable housing and modern sports infrastructure for the regions.

The initial program has badminton, cricket T20, cycling and rugby sevens allocated for Gippsland.

Geelong is the proposed location for aquatics including swimming, para swimming and diving, with athletics at Ballarat.

The event will also include 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.

Cultural community

The government is calling on Expressions of Interest (EOI) from councils, peak bodies, Traditional Owner, cultural organisations and businesses for cultural events around the Games.

The government said the EOI call out is also going to creative and cultural organisations for ideas and concepts to develop Victoria 2026’s cultural program.

“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,” said Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula.