In 2026, Australia is set to host the Commonwealth Games for the fifth time. In an exciting world-first, these Games will feature a multi-city regional model with Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and Gippsland taking centre stage. The Games are estimated to add over $3 billion to Victoria’s economy, creating jobs before, during and after the event.
This is all good news for Victoria’s regions, which have been growing with a steady stream of new residents since the COVID lockdowns. Year-on-year growth in many regional centres has been double their annual averages since 2020.
Today, four years out from the 2026 Commonwealth Games, it’s time for Victoria’s decision-makers to consider exciting, ambitious and future focused ideas that will shape the next evolution of this event. This could include creating legacy infrastructure for improved social housing. Or it could mean planning the world’s first Indigenous-hosted Commonwealth Games.
There are many options to bring to the table. So, how can we make these Games the most inclusive in history? What should Games organisers be considering at this stage – four years out from the event? To discuss these questions and potential opportunities, we sat down with three WSP leaders to get their thoughts.
Investment that is pragmatic and inspired
For each region, the Commonwealth Games will be the largest event they’ve ever hosted. Graeme Steverson , WSP’s Technical Director of Planning and Mobility, estimates that some days could see 40,000 people travelling to each of the regional centres. So, there is a need for investments in transport, the visitor economy, public spaces, and of course sporting infrastructure.
To start with, Graeme says, “At this moment, Victoria should be focusing on local schemes that are targeted, pragmatic and practical, especially given the relatively short timeframe we have to achieve great outcomes for the community.” We also have to revisit transport movements as the focus during the Games will be movements to the regions from Melbourne and other places in peak periods which is not how the network currently operates”.
This sentiment is reflected in Victoria putting out the call for ideas. And the regions themselves are taking leadership in this space. Ballarat has outlined how the Games infrastructure could potentially fit with their community priorities and masterplans. Notably, they are looking to upgrade transport networks and sporting infrastructure. The goal being to provide long-term liveability and greater well-being for residents.
Graeme adds that, “While we do need to be practical, this is also a fantastic opportunity for us to push the envelope a little with Future ReadyTM ideas that progress inclusivity, liveability and Indigenous engagement across our regions.”
Listen first, then start planning
The next question is how do we turn these strategies and masterplans into good decision-making? How do we make choices that help people and places prosper? One approach is to start with what the community actually wants and needs. Lucy Burgmann , our National Executive of Social Strategy and Outcomes, describes how this is an essential first step for governing bodies. “At this stage of the planning process, we need to be engaging with communities directly – what do they want to experience at these Games? What do they hope the Games will create for the future of their communities?
“At WSP we use our Social Outcomes Framework to help craft the project vision and focus on community priorities. It allows us to identify all the ways a project can help deliver outcomes which matter to the community. And in turn, it also means we are all accountable to the community for action.”
As well as listening out for opportunities to increase diversity, Commonwealth Games planners can highlight shared priorities and needs.
For example, we know that Geelong Council’s first strategic priority is improving the health and safety of its residents. As part of this, they identified the need to provide more social and affordable housing. Each year, there are approximately 4,500 people in Geelong who access homelessness services. And distressingly, 20% of those using these services are under 15-years-old. Ballarat has also identified that its potential athletes’ village could accommodate up to 2,000 people, an investment that could help support its 2,550-person long waitlist for social housing after the Games.
Commonwealth Games planners can look at stats like these and tailor their infrastructure decisions accordingly. Lucy urges decision makers to be bold about legacy outcomes.
“What if we flip the script, and see this not as a chance to deliver the best Games, but a chance to solve the housing crisis in these regions? There are opportunities to partner with local not-for-profit housing developers to build enough affordable housing for the community, creating valuable local employment, and of course in the short term it’s available for the athletes to use. That way we start to create a legacy that has a real impact, particularly for vulnerable members who don’t always have a voice at the table.”
Growing the connection to Country
The time is now for ambitious ideas that close the gap for First Nations people. In fact, it’s long overdue. Like all events in Australia, the Commonwealth Games will take place on Country, with the Traditional Owners of these regions being the Braiakaulung, Wadawurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung peoples. Michael Hromek, a Budawang man and WSP’s Technical Executive for Indigenous Design, Architecture and Knowledge, says these Games could be a chance for Australia to take a bold step on its path to reconciliation.
“Australia could show leadership that goes far beyond the Welcome to Country. Why not consider an Indigenous-hosted Games? It’s an idea that would embed inclusion and diversity at the very heart of the event.
“There is power in an institution like the Commonwealth Games being hosted by First Nations people.
“And in terms of the history of sport in this country, Aboriginal people have been hosting and competing in sporting events on these lands for thousands of years. Just near Ballarat, bora rings have been found. The biggest one is on the same site as the modern-day Gabba, a stadium that will be centre stage for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
“Aboriginal people want to share their culture. We want to share our knowledge. It is one way we can keep the culture alive, and it can be a driving factor in inspiring the next generation.”
Beyond hosting the Games, Indigenous participation could also be fostered by engaging First Nations businesses as suppliers and hiring Traditional Owners in the planning and delivery of the Games.
“And when we get to the heart of the matter, it really is about transforming the Games into an event for everyone,” concludes Lucy. “If we fast forward 10 or 20 years down the track, we want to be able to say our decisions activated these regions for greater social outcomes and greater inclusion.”
Interested in learning more about our expertise? Contact Graeme Steverson, Major Events, Mobility and Precincts, Michael Hromek, Indigenous Specialist Services, or Lucy Greig, Social Strategy and Outcomes.
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