Chance to capitalise

The 2022 Commonwealth Games have come to a close in Birmingham, UK, with attention turning to the opportunities for the March 2026 instalment in regional Victoria.

Victoria 2026 introduces a new model to host the Games. It will spread events across the regional hubs of Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong and Gippsland to deliver a multi-city model across almost two weeks.

Regional leaders – including those statewide, and living and working with and among these areas – have been developing concepts and plans for the infrastructure and personnel needs required to host such an event for some time.

It poses a fantastic opportunity for longawaited and, in many aspects, much-needed transformational investment and growth that will leave a lasting legacy, and lasting benefits, for current and future residents and those living in nearby localities.

The exposure of our state’s regional cities to the world has immense potential.

Then there’s the opportunities for the

Wimmera and Mallee. While our region won’t host events, it’s exciting to consider what our communities can do to attract visitors and exposure from people and groups who might be uninitiated to our wonderful part of the world.

There’s the Grampians, Gariwerd, and Mt Arapiles, Dyurrite – often our region’s headlining drawcards renowned worldwide for rockclimbing, bushwalking and hikes including the 13-day Grampians Peaks Trail and the deep history and heritage of Indigenous rock art.

The Silo Art Trail has been synonymous with our region in recent times and continues to grow, offering visitors and locals a road trip and outdoor immersive art experience in various small towns and districts.

Nature-based tourism utilising parks and waterways and appreciating animals and other wildlife are also fantastic options – particularly while the weather is warm.

Then there’s our people and a laidback, country community lifestyle.

What other known, or hidden, gems can you add to the list?

Of course, residents of the Wimmera and Mallee will indirectly benefit from the infrastructure wins of our near cousins as we visit for health, education, leisure and other pursuits and access transport and other connections to Melbourne and beyond.

It shouldn’t take events and opportunities such as Commonwealth Games to address infrastructure shortfalls – particularly opportunities such as athletes villages that could later offer housing solutions.

It would be remiss not to acknowledge that our region must retain and grow its own infrastructure funding pools, too.

But it’s also worth considering the breath of alternative ways we can secure a slice of the pie.