The world class Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium could be utilised for a range of indoor sports at the Commonwealth Games. Photograph Getty Images.
Latrobe City Council has welcomed Premier Daniel Andrew’s announcement today that regional Victoria will host the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Gippsland is ready to host a range of events, making the most of its many world class sporting and cultural facilities.
Mayor of Latrobe City Cr Kellie O’Callaghan acknowledged the Victorian Government’s ongoing support of the region.
“This announcement means so much to Gippsland and will provide a significant boost to our economy, raising our profile locally, nationally and internationally” Cr O’Callaghan said.
“It will build on the Victorian Government’s significant funding support of major sport and recreation projects such as the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium, which has set the stage for this international sporting event.
“Our community has the expertise, passion and enthusiasm for sport and major events and we can’t wait to showcase Gippsland to an international audience.
“Hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games will build on our reputation as the home of major sporting events in eastern Victoria.”
Cr O’Callaghan welcomed the opportunity for further investment by the Victorian Government with a focus on community infrastructure along with enhancements to modern sporting infrastructure.
Gippsland will host Rugby Sevens, T20 Cricket, badminton and road cycling, drawing thousands of visitors throughout the duration of the games.
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, 3,900 jobs during and a further 3,000 jobs after the event.
As a Gippsland’s regional hub, Latrobe City Council will work closely to support business to make the most of the opportunities that will present, through hosting the athletes, their support staff and visitors.
Victoria 2026 will be held across multiple regions, creating a new multi-city model for the Commonwealth Games.
Four regional hubs will be established in Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland, each with their own athletes’ village and sport program. The regional hubs will host athletes, officials and fans following an Opening Ceremony at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, using Melbourne as the gateway to regional Victoria.