Ms ADDISON (Wendouree) (19:02): My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Commonwealth Games Legacy in the other place. I would like to invite the minister to visit my electorate of Wendouree and the great city of Ballarat to discuss with members of my community how we may be involved to maximise the benefits and legacy that hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games will bring to Ballarat and regional Victoria.

I am beyond excited that Ballarat will be a regional hub alongside Geelong, Bendigo and Gippsland in hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games. It is estimated the Commonwealth Games will contribute more than $3 billion to the state’s economy, creating more than 600 full-time jobs before the games, 3900 during the games and a further 3000 jobs beyond the closing ceremony. Ballarat is expected to benefit significantly from the games, including with the creation of additional housing and jobs.

As a proud Ballarat local, I know that hosting the Commonwealth Games in regional Victoria will be an excellent opportunity to showcase our state and my beautiful city of Ballarat to the world. The games will be held between 17 and 29 March 2026, with an incredible 12 days of competition between the commonwealth’s best athletes, in regional Victoria, allowing Ballarat to welcome athletes, officials, media and supporters from across the commonwealth.

Unlike some Melbourne-centric types, I strongly believe that Ballarat is an outstanding location to stage the athletics as well as the boxing and cricket. The upgrades to Mars Stadium to host a crowd of 30 000 spectators will make an electric venue to watch the best commonwealth athletes competing for gold in 2026 as well as provide my community of Ballarat with a world-class venue for events for generations to come. The Ballarat athletes village will also create a housing legacy for Victoria that will extend well beyond the competition period. I am pleased to hear that the planning is underway for infrastructure upgrades, transport, housing and all aspects of the games.

Last week’s closing ceremony in Birmingham included a celebration of Victoria. I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the contribution of Wadawurrung traditional owners Aunty Joy Oldaker and Macaylah Johnson, who were among the contingent of Australian dignitaries representing Victoria at the closing ceremony of the Birmingham games on 8 August.

Thank you for representing Ballarat in Birmingham. Now the Commonwealth Games baton has been passed to Victoria 2026, the countdown is on. It is only 1308 days until the games begin and it is Ballarat’s time to shine on the world stage. I thank the minister for his strong support of Ballarat and welcome the opportunity to host him in my electorate of Wendouree.

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