Melbourne has been shortlisted as one of seven cities vying to host the 2030 Gay Games, the world’s largest LGBTQ+ sports and culture event.
This follows the state’s controversial exit from the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which Premier Daniel Andrews abandoned last July after costs soared from an estimated $2.6 billion to nearly $7 billion. The withdrawal cost taxpayers $589 million.
Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport, and Events, Steve Dimopoulos, clarified that the Gay Games approached Victoria, rather than the state initiating the bid. “The Gay Games have curated a list of interested cities, and we are in the early stages of this process,” Dimopoulos said.
The Gay Games span ten days and feature sports, culture, and entertainment open to all, regardless of gender or sexuality.
Melbourne is competing with Perth, Auckland, Cape Town, Denver, Edmonton, and Taipei for the 2030 event.
Dimopoulos emphasised that the Gay Games are a different opportunity compared to the canceled Commonwealth Games, highlighting Melbourne’s strong venues, skilled workforce, and vibrant arts and culture scene. He also pointed out that Melbourne leads Australia in LGBTQ+ social policy reforms, setting it apart from other cities, including Sydney.
3AW morning host Tom Elliott slammed the state government for their “ridiculous” bid for the 2030 Gay Games, after the Commonwealth Games “debacle” last year stating “are they taking us for fools?”
“Jacinta Allan is not a dumb person, but if she thinks we have forgotten the debacle of the Commonwealth Games, she is sadly mistaken.”
