Please note: this is an archived news article release

This article was published on Wednesday, 5 October, 2022. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

GAME ON: Shepparton locked in for Victoria 2026

The Commonwealth Games Federation, the Victorian Government and Commonwealth Games Australia unveiled the full Sport Program for the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games, featuring 20 sports and 26 disciplines, including nine fully integrated Para sports.

Shepparton will host a suite of cycling events – staging both men’s and women’s time trials for the road race, as well as the BMX Racing competition, with the full program of event locations to be announced in the coming weeks.

More than 100 athletes will be competing alongside hundreds of support staff, coaches and event organisers across the action-packed BMX racing competition along with thousands of spectators from across Australia and around the world.

Shepparton will also welcome a major festival alongside the sports program, an exciting array of events, experiences and exhibitions will tap into the region’s vibrant cultural scene, making the most of live theatre, craft and galleries – including the world-class Shepparton Art Museum.

Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali said this was an extremely exciting announcement not only for the State but for Greater Shepparton.

“Who would have thought five years ago, when Shepparton launched an ambitious regional Victoria Commonwealth Games concept that we’d be celebrating this incredible announcement today, I am proud of the work that has been done advocating our region, as we know, we are a leading sporting and events destination of regional Australia,” Cr Sali said.

“To now be recognised as the fifth hosting city is a significant coup for the region, helping position ourselves as an enviable regional destination on a global stage and making us a more attractive place to live, work, invest, visit and play.

“This is a massive achievement which will greatly benefit not only the state but our local community. The economic stimulus this will provide for our community will greatly benefit our visitor economy industries providing services for accommodation, hospitality and retail as we welcome an influx of visitors to the region for the Games.

“We now look forward to working closely with the 2026 Commonwealth Games organising committee to leverage this opportunity for local businesses and our community to leave legacies for generations to come.”

It is estimated the Games will contribute more than $3 billion to Victoria’s economy, creating more than 600 full time equivalent jobs before the Games, 3,900 jobs during the Games and a further 3,000 jobs beyond the Closing Ceremony.

The State announced additional events have been added to the already impressive sports line-up with Golf, 3x3 Basketball, 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball, Coastal Rowing, Shooting, Shooting Para Sport, BMX Racing, Mountain Bike Cross Country, Track Cycling and Para Cycling Track, while Coastal Rowing, Golf, and BMX will make a Commonwealth Games debut.

Victoria 2026 is also proposing to add in Para disciplines in Golf, Coastal Rowing and the Road Race and will work with the Commonwealth Games Federation and relevant international sporting federations to determine if this is possible.

For more information about the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games, visit vic.gov.au/victoria2026.