Find out how to be part of the Comm Games

AT least one hundred thousand people from outside the Geelong region are expected to visit during the Commonwealth Games in 2026.

With the carnival only three years away, the next Bannockburn and District Chamber of Commerce meeting on Tuesday, 23 May will focus on how local businesses can make the most of the event.

Chamber secretary Samantha Ramsey from the Ramsey Property Group said there will be benefits for enterprises and contractors not just during the games, but in the lead-up, and afterwards.

“A lot of people think it’s just the cafes or the hotels that will benefit from the two weeks of the games, but it’s not, there’s a whole lot of government contracts out now that businesses should be getting involved in and benefit from,” she said.

“This ties into what we’re doing as part of the G21 Geelong Region Alliance, trying to secure grants and contracts that are happening now and get those other jobs and contracts that lead to it, which involve different types of businesses to those that might enjoy the tourism side of things.

“We’ve got amazing businesses like Meredith goats cheese, and beautiful wineries, so we want to promote that side of our area as well.”

An overview of plans for games infrastructure will be given at the meeting, alongside information on the potential for people and enterprises across the Shire to capitalise on visitation, how they can be part of preparations, be more accessible now, during the games, and into the future.

How local business premises and community facilities can be more inclusive and attractive to new customers will also be covered.

The meeting will be held at Bannockburn Cultural Centre on Tuesday,23 May from 5.30pm to 7.30pm with finger food provided. Register by Friday, 19 May at [email protected] or by calling 5220 7102.

Further information about business benefit from the games will be provided at future Chamber meetings.