The Andrews Labor Government is on track to deliver the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Bendigo.
Two new sports will be added to Bendigo's impressive sports program, with Track Cycling and Para Track Cycling and 3X3 Basketball and 3X3 Wheelchair Basketball newly added.
This means six sports will be staged in the region for Victoria 2026, with Lawn Bowls and Para Lawn Bowls, Table Tennis and Para Table Tennis, Netball and Squash rounding out Bendigo's schedule.
A Games village expected to house more than 1600 athletes and officials will also be established at Flora Hill.
The Games village will be designed in consultation with Traditional Owners, local business and the community and deliver a legacy that includes affordable and social housing.
Bendigo will also host a major cultural festival, making the most of the region's love of food, arts and culture. The city is already known for White Night Bendigo and the Easter Fair, with the Games placing the city on show once more - celebrating world-class institutions like the Bendigo Art Gallery and the Golden Dragon Museum.
Victoria 2026 will be held between 17-29 March 2026, with a bumper 12 days of competition between the Commonwealth's best athletes across regional Victoria allowing our regions to shine on the world stage.
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 they start, 3,900 jobs during the Games and a further 3,000 jobs after the Closing Ceremony.
For more information about the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games, visit vic.gov.au/victoria2026External Link.
As stated by Minister for Commonwealth Games Delivery and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan
"It's fantastic to see track cycling will be here in Bendigo, especially with its strong support in our local community."
"3X3 Basketball is such an action-packed game and Australia did so well when it debuted in Birmingham, so I'm thrilled it will be staged here in Bendigo."
As stated by Minister for Commonwealth Legacy Shaun Leane
"Victoria 2026 is just over three years' away and we are leaving no stone unturned to deliver a world class Games on and off the field to Bendigo.''
As stated by Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
"We will build a home away from home for athletes and officials at Flora Hill, where they will experience an inviting blend of everything that makes Bendigo one of Victoria's most iconic regions."
Quote attributable CEO Commonwealth Games Australia to Craig Phillips
"We've delivered six sports for Bendigo, and we look forward to locals cheering on the Commonwealth's best cyclists in the temporary velodrome here at Bendigo Showgrounds."
FULL LIST OF BENDIGO SPORTS
3X3 Basketball and 3X3 Wheelchair Basketball
Lawn Bowls and Para Lawn Bowls
Netball
Squash
Table Tennis and Para Table Tennis
Track Cycling and Para Track Cycling
