Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat, Gippsland: Regional Victoria to host Commonwealth Games

Four regional Victorian towns will host the 2026 Commonwealth Games – 16 of which have been confirmed across the state.

Regional Victoria will host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, attracting visitors and greater investment in infrastructure and housing straight to country areas.

The state government estimated Australia’s sixth Games would contribute $3 billion to the Victorian economy.

And although Premier Daniel Andrews did not outline the cost of hosting them, he said the return on investment would be an “absolute net positive” with “obvious” economic gains for the state, including 7500 related jobs — 600 before, 3900 during, and 3000 after the event.

An opening ceremony at the MCG will mark the Games’ beginning, likely in March, but competition in the 16 sports confirmed so far will take place in Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat, and Gippsland, where participants, officials, and fans will be billeted.

Shepparton will also host sporting and cultural events as part of Victoria 2026.

State government marketing will emphasise those parts of the state not directly involved in the games through other events during the year.

The premier confirmed many host stadiums and grounds would receive upgrades before the international showcase, but did not specify the venues themselves, only mentioning Ballarat’s Mars Stadium, where he made his announcement on Tuesday.

Fresh off winning third place in the under 15 beachvolley national teams event, Ellie Jury celebrates news of Commonwealth Games coming to Geelong along with other sports such as swimming, hockey and table tennis. Picture: Alison Wynd

The government will invest in housing to meet the Games’ accommodation requirements, which Mr Andrews said would improve regional housing supply beyond the 2026 competition; there are, however, no current plans to turn athletes’ homes into public housing.

Commonwealth Games Federation president Dame Louise Martin said the federation was “passionately committed to creating a lasting legacy for Victorians”.

“Young people across the state will see the Commonwealth’s best athletes competing right on their doorstep, which will create inspiring moments that will last them a lifetime,” he said.

“Local communities will benefit from brand new initiatives and legacy projects like the houses for the athletes’ villages; local businesses will benefit from tenders and contracts.”

Victoria Tourism Industry Council CEO Felicia Mariani said securing the Commonwealth Games sent a message to the world that “Victoria is back”.

“Today’s announcement that Victoria has secured the right to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games is an unbelievable outcome that reaffirms Victoria’s position as the events capital of Australia and fortifies our trajectory for recovery,” she said.

“This is just the perfect complement to Melbourne’s hosting of the largest crowd in F1 history over the past weekend.”

Ballarat mayor Daniel Moloney called it a “game-changer” for the regional city partly because of the money going towards infrastructure and housing, but particularly for the Games’ inspirational value.

“I think back as a coach of rowers and they [students] go through school rowing programs believing they can represent Australia and become Olympians, and some of them do, quite literally because the ‘56 Olympics were on our lake and they can see the Olympic Rings as they row past every morning,” he said.

“These are the things that two generations [later] still are positive impacts, so I don’t think we can underestimate the multi-generational benefit it has.”

Bendigo Stadium CEO Dennis Bice said he had not received confirmation about which events Bendigo would host, but that stadium was all but ready to hold Commonwealth events thanks to recent renovations.

Bass Coast Shire mayor Michael Whelan welcomed the news and looked forward to showcasing the region’s “natural beauty and facilities” to the world.

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

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the Games would help with Melbourne’s recovery despite most activity being centred in the regions.

“We can’t wait to open the Games in Melbourne and be the gateway for visiting athletes and fans to enter Victoria,” she said.

“The 2026 Games and all the milestones along the way are more good news for city traders who desperately need the visitors that major events bring into Melbourne.”

More sports and possibly more locations will be added to the Games’ schedule later this year.

The venue for the closing ceremony is yet to be announced.