July 21, 2022 | By Bronwen Largier
The state government has extended the deadline for its “Call for Ideas” for the major international event, set to be held primarily in regional Victoria in less than four years.
The ideas submission process is open to all Victorians, from individuals to businesses, creative and cultural organisations, Traditional Owner and Aboriginal organisations, local councils and peak bodies and will now close on August 12.
“We’re working closely with a number of different community groups to ensure the 2026 Victoria Games showcase the very best regional Victoria has to offer,” said the state’s Minister for Commonwealth Games Delivery, Jacinta Allan.
The event is expected to have an economic impact for Victoria of around $3 billion and create thousands of jobs during its lifecycle, including 3,000 beyond the closing ceremony.
With the athlete’s village set to be converted to affordable and social housing following the event, the government is focussing strongly on the legacy the Games will leave behind in the state, including through its “Call for Ideas”.
As specialists in event outcomes, the current request for ideas may provide an opportunity for industry to get on the radar for the Games, although the government has made it clear that this is not a call to commission work for the event, which may come later.