On track (and field) for games success

Editorial: Danielle Ford

Photography: Jesse Wray-McCann

The opening ceremony might still be three years away, but Victoria Police is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the 2026 Commonwealth Games is a secure and safe event.

Late last year, the organisation established a Commonwealth Games Command, which will oversee the planning and management of Victoria Police’s safety and security role in the games.

For the first time, the 2026 games will be held in multiple cities: Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat, Shepparton and Gippsland.

Sporting hubs and athlete’s villages will be set up in all five regions for the 13-day sporting bonanza in March, which Commonwealth Games Command Assistant Commissioner Cindy Millen said created some unique policing challenges.

“The logistics of having the five regional hubs will require a risk assessment for each location, which is a more complex project than we’ve done before,” AC Millen said.

“Along with the planning and management at the five regional hubs, significant planning and management in Melbourne will also be required as the opening ceremony is being held at the MCG.

“Providing security, traffic management and community safety for such a large-scale event across six different hubs, including Melbourne, will require a huge operation from Victoria Police.”

Assistant Commissioner Cindy Millen and Deputy Commissioner Wendy Steendam are leading Victoria Police's planning for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Photo: Jesse Wray-McCann

As part of the command’s preparations, representatives took part in a Police Observation Program at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, where they were exposed firsthand to the many complexities involved with planning and putting on a games event.

“The last time Victoria Police was involved in a Commonwealth Games event was in 2006 and things have changed quite significantly since then,” AC Millen said.

“With Birmingham being the most recent games, it was a great opportunity to see the logistics involved with putting on an event in contemporary times.”

The games will run from 17-29 March 2026 and the command will continue to recruit staff from across Victoria Police over the next few years to draw on the extensive and varied expertise of employees.

The Commonwealth Games Command team is also working closely with the Commonwealth Games Federation and the Office of the Commonwealth Games to ensure clarity of roles and responsibilities.

“I’ve spent a lot of my career working in regional Victoria and I know firsthand how great these areas are,” AC Millen said.

“These games are an exciting opportunity for regional Victoria to be showcased on the world stage and our members will play a key part in putting together a safe event for everyone to enjoy.”

For the latest police news visit police.vic.gov.au/news