- Published:
- Saturday 29 October 2022
Geelong is set to take centre stage as the host of a brand-new athletes’ village, nine sports, and the Closing Ceremony for the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The Andrews Labor Government is investing up to $292 million in purpose-built sporting infrastructure in Waurn Ponds and Armstrong Creek, that will be converted into community infrastructure for these growing communities after the final medals are won.
The aquatics centre in Armstrong Creek will host swimmers, para swimmers and divers while the Commonwealth’s best gymnasts, weightlifters and Para powerlifters will aim for gold in Waurn Ponds.
After the Games, the aquatics centre will become a community pool facility, with multi-purpose courts and green open space preserved.
The artistic gymnastics and weightlifting venue in Waurn Ponds will become seven multi-sport courts, a dance studio, and a regional-level gymnastics centre.
Two Commonwealth Games-first sports will be hosted in the region with Golf teeing off on the Bellarine Peninsula and Coastal Rowing making its debut in Torquay, the gateway to the iconic Great Ocean Road.
The Games village location is now also confirmed, with the Waurn Ponds Station Precinct to become a home-away-from-home for about 2,500 athletes and officials in March 2026.
The village will be designed in consultation with the local community and Traditional Owners, celebrating the rich culture of the Wadawurrung people and showcasing the lifestyle of Geelong, the Bellarine and the Surf Coast.
Kardinia Park will host the Closing Ceremony, welcoming 40,000 spectators and a potential global audience of more than one billion. It will be a fitting send-off to Victoria 2026, bringing athletes, volunteers and fans together for a night of celebration that highlights the best of our regions and our people.
The final for the T20 Cricket will also be held at Kardinia Park, so tens of thousands of fans can see the Southern Stars defend their Gold medal won at Birmingham 2022.
We are already investing $142 million in a redevelopment at Kardinia Park to be completed in mid-2023, ensuring the venue’s ability to host everything from footy to the Foo Fighters.
During Victoria 2026, Geelong will also be home to a program of live sites including music, performance and art, showcasing some of its iconic locations such as Geelong’s spectacular waterfront and the Arts Precinct.
Geelong will be home to nine sports for the 2026 Commonwealth Games: Aquatics (swimming and diving) and Para Swimming, Triathlon and Para Triathlon, Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting, Beach Volleyball, Coastal Rowing, Cricket T20, Golf, Artistic Gymnastics and Hockey.
For more information about the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games, visit vic.gov.au/victoria2026.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Commonwealth Games Delivery Jacinta Allan
“Tens of thousands of people will come to Geelong for Victoria 2026, and we’re investing in the world-class housing and sporting infrastructure that will benefit not only Games delivery but the community for years to come.”
“What a win for Torquay to see a new Commonwealth sport get underway at one of the world’s finest beaches, as a centrepiece of our regional Games.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Commonwealth Games Legacy Shaun Leane
“Armstrong Creek and Waurn Ponds are booming and the Andrews Labor Government is not only delivering a global sporting event in their backyard, but providing facilities that residents will love for generations.”
Quote attributable to Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman
“We’re proud that hosting a Commonwealth Games enables significant contributions to the broader community, through much needed legacy housing such as the Waurn Ponds village project.”
Quote attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
“Kardinia Park is the premier sporting facility in regional Victoria, and it’s the perfect place to host the Closing Ceremony for Victoria 2026.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville
“Millions will tune in to watch the Games and the spectacular sights and tastes of the Bellarine will be on show to the world – this is just part of the legacy of Victoria 2026.”
Quote attributable to Member for Lara John Eren
“Victoria 2026 will see the Commonwealth’s best hockey players battle it out at Stead Park, and I’m looking forward to see Geelong and Lara communities benefit from the thousands of visitors who will come to watch.”
Quote attributable to Commonwealth Games Australia CEO Craig Phillips AM
“Aquatics and gymnastics are highlights at any Commonwealth Games and these new facilities at Waurn Ponds and Armstrong Creek will be terrific for hosting the Commonwealth’s best athletes.”