COVID commander to lead Com Games

FORMER Victorian COVID-19 response commander Jeroen Weimar has been appointed chief executive of the 2026 Commonwealth Games organising committee.

The veteran bureaucrat oversaw Victoria’s COVID-19 Response unit from July 2020 to April this year and became a regular fixture of daily press conferences during the pandemic.

He was immediately linked to the Commonwealth Games CEO role after stepping down, and the Victorian government confirmed his appointment to the position last week.

Under his guidance, the organising committee will lead the delivery of the Commonwealth Games in regional Victoria and manage venues, services, logistics, partnerships, media, broadcasting and communications.

“Jeroen has significant experience in senior public and private sector roles and will bring important skills to ensure the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games proudly showcases our state to the world,” State sports minister Martin Pakula said in a statement.

Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong and Gippsland will each host an athletes’ village and sport programs during the games, including athletics, swimming and T20 cricket, while the opening ceremony will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Victoria earmarked $2.6 billion in the May state budget to prepare for the games, which are expected to create 7500 total jobs before, during and after the multi-sport event.

– BY AAP