Victoria 2026 HQ in Geelong to double in size

THE Geelong-based headquarters of the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games are expanding considerably to meet the efforts to come.Last week, the state government announced organisers has brought forward plans their plans to double the floorspace and at least triple the number of desks at the the Broughham Street premises to prepare for a growing local workforce.

More than 50 people already work in the office, including Games executives who have made the move to the Geelong region from the United Kingdom.

The office expansion works, which are presently under way and are due for completion by mid-year, will deliver a workspace that will accommodate for 180 people.

Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chief executive officer Jeroen Weimar is based in the Geelong office.

“The whole Victoria 2026 team is delighted to be up and running in Geelong, focusing on bringing the Commonwealth Games into our regional communities,” he said.

“We are working closely with our many local partners and colleagues across the state to make the most of the exciting opportunities that these Games represent.”

Mr Weimar was appointed in June 2022 to head the committee, which will lead the delivery of the Games, managing venues and services, logistics, partnerships and engagement, as well as media, broadcasting and communications.

The Organising Committee is working alongside with the state-based Office of the Commonwealth Games to liaise with stakeholders including regional councils, Commonwealth Games Australia and global organisation the Commonwealth Games Federation.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Commonwealth Games Darren Cheeseman and Geelong MP Christine Couzens visited the office lasr week to inspect the works.

“The Commonwealth Games isn’t just about bringing world-class sport to the city, it’s also about creating local jobs and it’s great to see the headquarters expanding,” Mr Cheeseman said.

“We’re almost three years away from the 2026 Commonwealth Games and I’m looking forward to seeing local communities benefit from local jobs, new infrastructure and thousands of visitors coming to watch,” Ms Couzens added.