Melbourne was the host city of the Commonwealth Games in March, 2006.
Ninety-two per cent of the events took place within the City of Melbourne municipality, and an estimated 1.9 million people passed through the parkland precinct linking the sports venues to the CBD.
The success of the Games was a direct result of the partnership between the three organising bodies responsible for the delivery of the Games:
-
The City of Melbourne
Supported the planning and delivery of the Games to maximise the benefit for Melbourne.
-
Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Corporation (M2006)
Responsible for the overall delivery of the Games program and associated activities.
-
Office of Commonwealth Games Coordination (OCGC)
A State Government body established to help Victoria benefit from hosting the Games by building better infrastructure, stronger communities and a healthier environment.
City of Melbourne involvement
The City of Melbourne provided a $3m grant to deliver the Commonwealth Games River Show. The River Show was a major celebration on the Yarra River which enabled a greater number of Melburnians and visitors to experience the Games first hand.
The City of Melbourne was also a strong supporter the official Games cultural program – Festival Melbourne 2006. The festival brought together performers and artists from across the globe in a program that was free to all during the Commonwealth Games.
Other involvement included sponsoring the five city Live Sites that broadcast the Games, free public Indian festival, and delivering the Queen’s Baton Relay celebration.
Long-term benefits to the city included:
- improved sporting facilities
- the establishment of the Melbourne Mobility Centre
- the Commonwealth Games Village which has become a housing estate in Parkville
- the development of the Royal Park Wetland (link to wetland)
- installation of 117 new recycling bins in the CBD and parks
- increased access for people with limited mobility
- Melbourne’s enhanced global reputation as a destination for tourism and business.
For more information on the 2006 Commonwealth Games: