Melbourne Withdraws Bid for 2030 Gay Games
Melbourne has withdrawn its bid to host the 2030 Gay Games, citing a lack of financial commitment from the state government. The decision has left many LGBTQ+ advocates and athletes feeling disappointed and frustrated.
Justine Dalla Riva, who led Victoria's bid advisory committee, explained that the government's "lack of a firm commitment" to funding the event made it difficult to proceed. She estimated that government support in the "low millions" would have been necessary.
Bid committee member Julie Williams expressed her disappointment, stating that she was "shattered" by the decision. She highlighted the potential economic benefits of hosting the event, which could have attracted around 10,000 participants and generated significant revenue for the city.
Despite the government's decision, some believe that the Gay Games could have been a profitable venture for Melbourne with minimal financial risk. Malcolm Campbell, president of LGBTQ+ running group Melbourne Frontrunners, argued that the event is primarily funded by athletes themselves, requiring only a small investment from the government.
The Federation of Gay Games confirmed that Visit Victoria had withdrawn Melbourne from the running, acknowledging that securing local government funding can be a challenge for bid cities. However, the exact reason for Melbourne's withdrawal remains unclear.
Victoria's Deputy Premier Ben Carroll defended the decision, emphasizing the state's existing support for the LGBTQ+ community through events like the Midsumma Festival and Pride March. He also pointed to the "full calendar of events" already taking place in Melbourne.
With Melbourne out of the running, Perth remains one of three finalists alongside Auckland and Denver. The final decision on the host city for the 2030 Gay Games is expected to be announced in the coming months.