Please note: this is an archived news article release
This article was published on Wednesday, 16 February, 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 The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate.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.
Posted on Wednesday 16th of February, 2022,
Greater Shepparton City Council is seeing the culmination of more than five years work come to fruition with the announcement from the Victorian State Government this morning that they will bid for a regional cities 2026 Commonwealth Games.
“Regional Victoria is ready to welcome the Commonwealth Games”, Regional Cities Victoria Chair and Mayor of Greater Shepparton, Cr Kim O’Keeffe, said. “I am absolutely thrilled for our region and for all of Victoria.”
“We have been involved in the development of a regional cities model for a number of years with a pre-feasibility study completed in early 2020. This was contributed to by the State Government and several regional councils including Shepparton, Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo,” said Cr O’Keeffe. “We set up a Commonwealth Games Working Group, chaired by Adem Karafili, which has worked tirelessly on the bid for a regional games.”
“The Melbourne Commonwealth Games in 2006 was a great success. A Victorian Commonwealth Games in 2026, hosted across the state, will be an event to remember, and will show the world what Victoria has to offer.”
Mayor, Cr Kim O’Keeffe said the news was absolutely fantastic for Greater Shepparton. “This will be the economic boost that our region and many regional areas need after two years of pandemic impact.”
Regional cities are well placed to support such an event with the potential to create significant economic and social opportunities for local businesses and the community.
The regional model is a good one with great facilities and infrastructure already available. Shepparton has a proven track record of hosting successful large scale international events such as the 2020 UCI BMX Supercross World Cup. Shepparton’s Victoria Park Lake also hosted the 2017 and 2018 World Tour Beach Volleyball events along with several international standard Triathlons, with the ability to host bigger events in the future.
Greater Shepparton City Council CEO Peter Harriott said “while we are fortunate to have some world class infrastructure in our region, we also welcome investment towards new and updated facilities.”
“We understand that this is a big expenditure for the state and we look forward to working closely with the government to make this happen,” said Mr Harriott.
More News from Greater Shepparton
Friday 12th of September,
Planning the future of play: KidsTown consultation begins
Greater Shepparton City Council is inviting residents to take part in consultation opportunities for the revitalisation of the region’s much-loved and iconic KidsTown Adventure Playground. Following significant flood damage in 2022 and the ageing condition… Read more
Thursday 11th of September,
Young performers shine at Talent Show
Greater Shepparton City Council celebrated the creativity and skills of local young people at the recent Youth Talent Show, which brought colour, music and energy to the Winter City Market on Saturday 30 August at the Maude Street Precinct in Shepparton.… Read more
Wednesday 10th of September,
Growth surge opportunity for Greater Shepparton region
Greater Shepparton has recorded one of the most dramatic population shifts in the country, with a 229 per cent year-on-year increase in net internal relocations, driven largely by people moving from capital cities. Read more
Wednesday 10th of September,
Greater Shepparton celebrates Seniors Festival 2025 this October
Victoria’s largest Seniors Festival returns in October 2025 and Greater Shepparton City Council is encouraging older residents to get involved. Read more
Tuesday 9th of September,
Greater Shepparton on the world stage at Asia Fruit Logistica
Greater Shepparton, the Fruit Capital of Australia, was on show at Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong last week, the premier trade event for fresh produce across the Asia-Pacific. Read more
Monday 8th of September,
Youth Fest 2025 kicks off across Greater Shepparton with plenty more still to come
Greater Shepparton City Council is excited to announce that Youth Fest 2025 is officially underway, bringing a vibrant line-up of free and low-cost events to young people throughout the month of September. Read more
See All News
Want to get the latest news and events in your Facebook feed?
Just go to our Facebook page and click the Like button.
More Events in Greater Shepparton
Wednesday 17th of September,
Craft & Coffee at Shepparton Library - Fabric Coffee Cup Sleeve
Get your creative juices flowing and come and make a Fabric Coffee Sleeve! Read more
Saturday 20th of September,
Nature’s Mini Canvas
Create Your Own Forest Friend! Read more
Saturday 20th of September, – to Sunday 21st of September,
Young Picasso Art Competition- Shepparton South Rotary Club
Shepparton South Rotary Club's Young Picasso Art Competition, is an exciting new opportunity for students from primary and secondary schools in the area. Prizes awarded to winning students. Read more
Sunday 21st of September,
Orienteering
Calling all adventurers! Read more
Wednesday 17th of September,
Puff Walk
Puff Walks are more than just steps – they’re connections. Read more
Thursday 18th of September,
Grahamvale Primary School Concert - Years 3-6 - Better Together, Waste Less Forever
View on Riverlinks
See All Events