Feedback wanted on Comms Games legacy

STAFF at Victoria’s regional universities are asking for your input regarding sporting legacies in the leadup to the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The feedback takes the form of a collaborative survey created by experts from Federation and La Trobe universities, and Queensland’s Griffith University.

The initiative is spearheaded by staff at Sports Focus, whose business manager Stuart Craig said the survey will provide a local voice for the statewide event.

“The key ingredient to a successful and sustainable 2026 Commonwealth Games legacy plan is acknowledging and respecting the voice of the community,” he said.

“This survey provides the community of Central Victoria with a platform to share their ideas, thoughts and aspirations on what the 2026 Games legacy plan should look like.

“The response data collected and analysed by our collaborating universities will form the foundation of our future work leading up to, during and post the 2026 Games.”

The survey is expected to take about 20 minutes with questions aimed at gauging community ideas and hopes for what the Games will leave behind.

Responses to the survey are set to inform Sports Focus’ priorities in working with regional sporting clubs following the Comm Games’ completion.

One of the creators of the survey, Federation University’s lecturer of international sport management Dr Alana Thomson said the survey will ensure long-term benefits for the region.

“Research from previous large-scale sport events tells us that long-held assumptions about ‘trickle-down effects,’ investing in elite sport to encourage uptake at the grassroots don’t always hold true,” she said.

“If we want those active participation outcomes, we need to carefully plan and resource initiatives around the hosting of an event to engage communities in sport.

“Based on the insights the community shares with us, we will then work up a plan with Sport Focus and the local sport sector to ensure that sport in Bendigo and Central Victoria see benefits beyond the two weeks of elite sport competition.”

The survey is open until Wednesday, 1 March and can be found at bit.ly/3KgsAeb.