This week Latrobe City Council hosted a round table discussion as part of planning for the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The discussion provided members of the Victoria 2026 Organising Committee, including Chief Executive Officer Jeroen Weimar, with an opportunity to learn more about the region's reputation in delivering major sporting and cultural events, and to consider the opportunities to create a lasting legacy for Gippsland.
Latrobe City Council Mayor, Councillor Kellie O'Callaghan said it was an incredible opportunity to host not only members of the organising committee, but to welcome Minister for Commonwealth Games Legacy Shaun Leane and Dame Louise Martin, President of the Commonwealth Games Federation to the region.
"The forum was part of the transfer of knowledge program designed to ensure that learnings from one Commonwealth Games event are passed on to the next Games' host," said Cr O'Callaghan.
"It was a valuable opportunity to explore the learnings from the Birmingham 2022, Commonwealth Games Organising Committee with Ian Reid, Chief Executive Officer insightful in offering his guidance and first-hand experience of the opportunities the Games will provide across Victoria and the team's experience in planning and delivering the games in Birmingham.
"We are conscious that while the Games are primarily a sporting event, there are significant opportunities that hosting elements of the two-week event will present. An enhanced regional visitor experience is among those opportunities, with cultural tourism and immersion in a cultural program that celebrates First Nations people representing the country on which these Games are held."
With its strong commitment to legacy, Council will work to ensure our communities' priorities are advanced both in the way the event is presented, and, in the benefits, it delivers over the longer term.
Council look forward to continuing to work in collaboration with our partners in the lead up to 2026 and beyond.
