Jobs push ahead of Comm Games

THE State government has launched what’s being called a “jobs pipeline” to kickstart preparation for the Commonwealth Games which is less than three years away.

Jacinta Allan, Minister for Commonwealth Games Delivery, visited the 2026 Netball Venue at Red Energy Arena in Bendigo last Friday to make the announcement.

It will include more than 1200 job opportunities for local businesses and people.

“We’re delivering the first-ever regional Games, creating thousands of opportunities for local workers and businesses and cementing Victoria’s status as the major events capital of Australia,” Ms Allan said.

“There’s going to be many exciting opportunities ahead for community sports, for the community and for local regional areas to be part of the games in just three years’ time.”

There will be a range of openings available including those related to sporting equipment, medals, transport, security, catering, temporary infrastructure, marketing, telecommunications and more.

“Everything from gold medals to golf balls, all these sorts of goods and services need to precured over the next three years as part of the games,” Ms Allan said.

“We want regional businesses, we want Victorian businesses, to be part of the activity.”

Victoria 2026 will be held over five cities: Bendigo, Ballarat, Geelong, Gippsland and Shepparton and it will be the biggest event ever held in regional Victoria with one million tickets to be sold.

Events include 20 sports and nine para-sports along with festival programs related to sport, art and culture.

It is estimated the games will attract around 300,000 visitors to the host cities and towns including more than 50,000 to Bendigo.

Those visitors, along with the jobs pipeline are predicted to contribute more than $3 million to the economy and create 7500 jobs.

Member for Bendigo West, Maree Edwards, said the pipeline will create a boost for the region.

“The unveiling of the goods and services procurement pipeline presents exciting opportunities for local businesses, and further economic growth for our region,” she said.

“I encourage businesses and organisations across our region to take a look and see how they can get involved.”