Voices Of Victoria: Locals’ thoughts on Birmingham Commonwealth Games
It’s one of the biggest sporting events of the year and Australia’s athletes are set to dominate. But will Victorians be tuning in and embracing the Commonwealth Games?
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It only comes along every four years, and our homegrown athletes are set to win a swag of medals.
But are Victorians going to tune in and watch the Commonwealth Games?
After last being held a bit closer to home on the Gold Coast in 2018, this year’s games have headed back to the UK and are being held in its second biggest city, Birmingham.
Leader and Geelong Advertiser reporters hit the streets this week to find out if locals are really interested in the games, or if they’re going to be more excited when they are held in regional Victoria in March 2026.
We’ve asked what sports they’ll be watching and why, or if they’re going to stick to their usual TV diet of watching other sports and shows.
See if you can spot someone you know, and let us know your thoughts on the Games by commenting below.
Megan Chandler, Dromana
“I’m excited! I can’t wait to watch the netball.
I saw the ads for it on TV last night and I think we’re going to do really well.”
Nicole Street, Flowerdale
“I am, I’ll be watching it. I was a bit of a swimmer when I was younger so I do enjoy watching the swimming.
“I just like watching all the Aussies and cheering all the Aussies on, because we usually do quite well in the swimming.
“And I like watching the gymnastics, the floor gymnastics, just because I just like the movement.”
Robert Hee, Bass Coast
On the rainy streets of Phillip Island, Robert Hee said he can’t wait for the upcoming Commonwealth Games.
“I love watching it,” Mr Hee said.
“I particularly like watching the darts but I don’t much like watching golf, that has never appealed to me.”
“I also love watching the cricket.”
Mr Hee’s favourite sport however is not included in the Commonwealth Games.
“My favourite sport is AFL,” he said.
Steph Ng, Albury
Albury’s Steph Ng said as a footballer herself, she was most looking forward to the women’s rugby 7s.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing the women’s rugby 7s compete, the women are really impressive and athletic, it’s an exciting competition.
“I’ll probably turn on the TV and watch some athletics and maybe the netball.
“I like being able to watch lots of sport when it’s on and also a variety of sports.”
Eddie Kwong, Footscray
Footscray resident Eddie Kwong said he doesn’t usually follow sporting events like the Commonwealth Games or Olympics but he thinks the camaraderie among countries is important.
“I don’t much follow sports but I like seeing how excited people are,” he said.
“It‘s good to have something to be excited about.”
He’s not sure which sports he’d like to see but will make an effort to watch some of the event coverage over the next two weeks.
Milo Baird, Geelong
Geelong resident Milo Baird, 19, said he was excited to watch the swimming.
“I am looking forward to the swimming. It is a physically underrated sport. It takes requires a lot of mental and bodily effort.”
Mae West, Geelong
Geelong’s Mae West, 18, was also looking forward to watching water sports.
“Diving. It is really beautiful and my sister and my mum love watching it. I’ll end up watching it with them.”
Julie Roadknight, Geelong
Julie Roadknight said she wasn’t excited for the Commonwealth Games.
“Not really, because there hasn’t been much promotion of them – just in the last couple of days. I guess it’s a good thing for Australia.”
Braham Trytell, Geelong
Braham Trytell said he was also not looking forward to the event.
“No, I don’t have any interest. I’m older, don’t have any interest.”
Belinda Palviainen, Boronia
“Yes, I normally follow the swimming, gymnastics and netball and basketball.
“It’s good (the games) because young kids in sport have someone to look up to.
“I think we should still embrace them especially when they come to Melbourne and Victoria in 2026. Anything that will bring to Melbourne and regional Victoria will benefit the towns and the community.”
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