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Latrobe City in Gippsland ready to host 2026 Commonwealth Games events and get economic and tourism boost

Premier's announcing Latrobe City as host city to the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

By news@gippsland - 12th April 2022 - Back to News

Latrobe City Council has welcomed Premier Daniel Andrew's announcement today that regional Victoria will host the 2026 Commonwealth Games. As Gippsland's regional city, Latrobe City is ready to host events, making the most of the range of sporting and cultural facilities available.

Gippsland's regional hub, Latrobe City Council will work closely to support business making the most of opportunities that will present, through hosting the athletes, support staff and visitors

Building significant funding

Mayor of Latrobe City Cr Kellie O'Callaghan acknowledged the Victorian government's ongoing support. "This announcement means so much to Latrobe City and will provide a significant boost to our economy, raising the profile of Latrobe City, the wider Gippsland region and beyond," Cr O'Callaghan said.

"It will build on the Victorian government's significant funding support of major sport and recreation projects such as the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium, which has set the stage for this international sporting event."

"Our community has the expertise, passion and enthusiasm for sport and major events and we can't wait to showcase Latrobe City to an international audience. Hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games will build on our reputation as the home of major sporting events in eastern Victoria." Cr O'Callaghan continued.

Opportunity for further investment

Cr O'Callaghan welcomed the opportunity for further investment by the Victorian government with a focus on community infrastructure along with enhancements to modern sporting infrastructure. Latrobe City will host:

• Rugby sevens
• T20 cricket
• Badminton
• Road cycling

Events will be drawing thousands of visitors to the region throughout the games. 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 in the build-up, 3,900 jobs during and a further 3,000 jobs after the closing ceremony.

Establishment of regional hubs

Victoria 2026 will be held across multiple regions, creating a new multi-city model for the event. Four regional hubs will be established in:

• Geelong
• Bendigo
• Ballarat
• Gippsland

Each with their own athletes' village and sport program. The regional hubs will host athletes, officials and fans following an opening ceremony at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, using Melbourne as the gateway to regional Victoria.

Pictures from Gippsport Facebook page

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com