Push for more ‘big ticket’ events

THE City of Greater Bendigo will continue to stake its claim for an AFL match to be played at Queen Elizabeth Oval, according to Cr Matthew Evans.

With all but one game played in Victoria last weekend due to COVID restrictions in New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia, the question was raised regarding Bendigo’s capability of holding a big-ticket event.

“I thought it was just a good opportunity, perhaps a great opportunity to play an AFL game,” Cr Evans said.

“It’s rewarding the regions for what they’ve actually been through during COVID, but also to help generate that activity and boost our local economy.

“When we can’t have international tourists, or at this stage even interstate visitors, we really need to boost our economy by having some form of activity.”

Cr Evans said Bendigo is proud of its football heritage, with the Selwood brothers growing up here, Dustin Martin playing for the Bendigo Pioneers, and former Sydney and Carlton legend Greg ‘Diesel’ Williams playing for Cr Evans’ own club, Golden Square, in the 70s.

While he conceded the chance of a game being played for premiership points at QEO was small, Cr Evans said the City’s long-term goal should involve investment into the oval to potentially hold future games.

QEO last year hosted an AFLW match between Richmond and Geelong and has previously held pre-season AFL matches, and Cr Evans said the surface was fantastic for footy.

“From a surface view the ground is actually in pretty good condition probably one of the best regional grounds in the state, or anywhere for that matter,” he said.

Another focus for the City will be hosting more Super Netball and NBL games at Bendigo Stadium.

Earlier in the year Collingwood faced GWS Giants in a pre-season netball game, and Cr Evans said feedback from when NBL champions Melbourne United have played at the stadium has been positive.

“The Bendigo Stadium is actually very well placed to host the Super Netball and my understanding is the City has very much put its case forward to potentially host a Super Netball game or two,” he said.

“Melbourne United’s comment was, outside of Melbourne, the Bendigo Stadium facilities are the best.”

With local tourism currently supported by Awaken in Rosalind Park, the Mary Quant exhibition and the City’s nomination as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, a large-scale event could be the perfect drawcard to the region.

“If we’ve got this sort of event that draws people into the CBD… before and after they can experience what View Street has to offer, have a meal or just tour around the region offer and that’s what it’s really all about,” Cr Evans said.