City of Ballarat to play a major role in 2026 Commonwealth Games

Ballarat will play a major role in the 2026 Commonwealth Games following Tuesday’s announcement by the Premier of Victoria, The Hon. Daniel Andrews and Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, The Hon. Martin Pakula.

Ballarat, alongside Geelong, Bendigo and Gippsland, will host the majority of sporting events for the Commonwealth Games, with Ballarat named as the host city for athletics, para athletics, boxing and cricket T20.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Daniel Moloney said a regionally focused Commonwealth Games would deliver endless opportunities and economic benefits for Ballarat.

“Ballarat has a long standing history and a strong track record of being able to host national and international level events,” he said.

“Dating back to rowing at Lake Wendouree for the 1956 Olympics all the way through to present day hosting the National Road Cycling Championships, AFL, A-League soccer and international and national level basketball – we are confident our city can deliver a world class event.

“We are incredibly excited at this once in a generation opportunity for the City of Ballarat to build legacy infrastructure, both sporting, transport and housing. It will fast track and deliver on some of our key priorities.

“We thank the State Government for recognising Ballarat as a cornerstone of these games and are very much looking forward to working with the State Government and our regional neighbours in the next four years as we all get prepared.”