Mitch Catlin: Regional Victoria is set to strike gold
SPREADING the 2030 Commonwealth Games among 11 regional centres has the potential to change the face of Victoria, writes Mitch Catlin.
Opinion
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BEFORE October 2016, I hadn’t visited Shepparton for more than 20 years and I have to admit my memories are a little hazy because of too many champagnes at a hot country wedding.
Today I am very proud to be popping the corks with the people of Shepparton and, while it’s only step one in a long journey, it’s a celebration that should extend right across this great state of Victoria.
DURBAN STRIPPED OF 2022 COMMONWEALTH GAMES
While we are more than four years from the deadline for an official bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, today is day one of the future for greater Victoria.
We are on the verge of something — taking the Commonwealth Games to 11 regional Victorian cities — that I believe will literally transform the face of our state.
We all need to get behind this — politicians, businesses, the media, and of course each and every one of us, the people of Victoria.
I have to confess that even I didn’t think my concept of “the People’s Games” would gain the kind of momentum it has so far. But with people such as the extraordinarily generous philanthropist Heloise Pratt, Visit Victoria board member and Crown casino’s Peter Crinis and my former Swisse Wellness bosses and friends, Radek Sali and Adem Karafili, plus great Australian sporting stars Lauren Jackson and my friend John Steffensen, among the power players to join an initial working group, I knew we were on to something special. I am very thankful that everyone involved believes in this dream.
The countless hours of lobbying and work that lie ahead are a little daunting, but we all know that we can make a difference and leave a legacy that we can all be proud of.
This is, after all, the People’s Games and the people can win it and own it. It’s the people in towns like Shepparton, whom I have got to know so well since I first pitched this “crazy” idea more than six months ago, I am the happiest for. They deserve it.
The wonderful team received a round of applause from the entire staff when everyone was informed about this secret plan late last night. As you know, rounds of applause aren’t won easily.
Even with the ongoing challenges in today’s society, regional Victorians continue to be the engine room of our state in so many areas and today is a pat on the back for everyone involved. Politicians of all persuasions have been talking for years about revitalising country areas via jobs and investment, and supporting this idea would be the ideal first step for Premier Daniel Andrews and Opposition Leader Matthew Guy.
We all know that a successful Games is more than just a few months of excitement around athletics and swimming and opening and closing ceremonies.
A successful bid is unquestionably a change that will bring with it jobs, millions in business investment and growth in regional tourism like we have never seen before. The wonderful regions of this state will be on show for the world to see and can offer the sporting stars something unique first-hand.
BUILDING important infrastructure during the process, such as the long-awaited improved rail link between Melbourne and Shepparton, which has been on the cards for more than a decade, suddenly looks like it could be a reality. Road and rail developments, along with other infrastructure, will be the main drivers to improve the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of Victorians. In Melbourne we are spoiled and forget simple things like that.
We know from a recent report that virtually all of Victoria’s growth is driven from Melbourne and in many cases major regional towns are going backwards. A successful Games bid will certainly help to change that.
But this change will come about only with the buy-in from all of us. It’s the People’s Games in every sense of the word.
Yes, it’s a bold plan and, yes, it is a big ask — but if any state in Australia can pull this off, it’s Victoria.
Our concept of a decentralised model is already gaining momentum. With Durban stripped of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, it appears that England may pick up the event but share it across multiple cities.
And the United States, Canada and Mexico announced this week a joint bid for soccer’s World Cup. Spreading the love clearly is the way forward.
This “first of its kind” satellite approach could only work in Victoria because of the size of the state and our track record at staging major national and international events in our country towns. I have experienced first-hand the wave of support that this bid has generated so far.
Please show your support at @2030peoplesgames on Instagram and 2030peoplegames on Twitter, with the hashtags #peoplesgames #GV2030 #greatervic #greatthingshappenhere.
I am delighted to be an adopted regional Victorian, and I am now going with my mum to spend Easter in Yarrawonga — hopefully the home of Commonwealth Games sailing in 13 years.
Mitch Catlin is a member of the Commonwealth Games 2030 Committee
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