Victoria to host 2026 Commonwealth Games

Victoria’s bid to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games has been confirmed, according to Premier Daniel Andrews.

Mr Andrews confirmed the news on Twitter on Tuesday morning, saying the games will have a distinctly regional focus.

“It’s official: the 2026 Commonwealth Games will be the Regional Victoria games,” he wrote.

Four regional hubs will be exjmtzywstablished in Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland, each with an athlete’s village.

Shepparton will also host events, and the MCG will host the opening ceremony.

The event is expected to create thousands of jobs, including 600 before the start date, 3,900 during the games, and 3,000 beyond the closing ceremony.