Bendigo is set to shine on the world sporting stage in 2026, with the city being confirmed as one of the four regional hubs to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The announcement by the Commonwealth Games Federation comes after a period of exclusive dialogue, with Commonwealth Games Australia and the Victorian Government last month submitting a delivery concept for consideration.
Victoria 2026 will be held across multiple regions, creating a new multi-city model for the Commonwealth Games.
Bendigo will host an athletes’ village with a capacity for up to 1,300 people. Alongside Bendigo, three additional regional hubs will be based in Geelong, Ballarat and Gippsland, each with their own athlete village and sport program.
Bendigo is set to host a packed sports program as a regional hub including cricket (T20), lawn bowls, netball, squash and weightlifting.
The wider area around Bendigo will also enjoy the Queen’s Baton Relay, warm-up tournaments, live sites activations as well as an extensive cultural program boosting communities across the region.
As a regional hub for Victoria 2026, Bendigo will benefit from major infrastructure investment, with high quality community infrastructure providing a lasting legacy beyond the Games.
This will include including housing and world-class sports facilities across Bendigo, leaving a legacy of affordable housing for the region and state-of-the art sports infrastructure to attract future major events.
It is estimated that the 2026 Commonwealth Games will contribute more than $3 billion to the state’s economy, creating almost 600 full-time equivalent jobs before the Games, 3,900 during the Games and a further 3,000 beyond the Closing Ceremony.
For more information, and to express interest in being involved, visit vic.gov.au/victoria2026.
Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan
“Being a regional hub for the 2026 Commonwealth Games will help drive investment in Bendigo, leaving a legacy that will exist long after the Games have wrapped up.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
“Our region is excited to welcome the Commonwealth and the world to Bendigo as a chosen regional hub for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.”