Melbourne’s place at the forefront of global athletics is locked in until 2029.
The Victorian Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC, Equality and Sport Steve Dimopoulos has announced the Maurie Plant Meet Melbourne will continue to be held at Melbourne’s Lakeside Stadium in 2027, 2028 and 2029.
The event is one of the premier events on the Australian athletics calendar, attracting elite, local and international competitors and giving Victorian fans the opportunity to see some of the world’s best track and field athletes compete on home soil.
The Minister was speaking alongside Australian Athletics CEO Simon Hollingsworth and Melbourne based athlete Mia Gross at Lakeside Stadium, to officially announce the news.
“What we are announcing today is very, very special,” the Minister said.
“The Maurie Plant Meet – Melbourne, is the most prestigious athletics event in Australia,” he said.
“We are very lucky to have this event.
“We are proud of the partnership with Australian Athletics to secure the event for another three years.”
The event, which is part of the Chemist Warehouse Summer Series of events across Australia, will take place on February 27 in 2027.
The event over the years has attracted track and field superstars from around the world with the 2026 edition having included the likes of Lachlan Kennedy, Gout Gout, Nicola Olyslagers, Nina Kenendy, Matt Denny, Peter Bol and Claudia Hollingsworth.
More than 1.14 million people tuned in to watch the 2026 event, while global media coverage reached 2.6 billion people, showcasing Melbourne and Australia’s athletes to audiences around the world.
“We couldn’t be more excited to secure the only World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meet in Oceania for the next three years,” said Australian Athletics CEO Simon Hollingsworth.
“We thank the Victorian Government for its continued support of the event, which has become an important part of Victoria’s major sporting events calendar.
“Off the back of fantastic results for the Australian teams at the recent Commonwealth Games and World Athletics U20 Championships, the sport is in a great place, and today’s announcement will only add to that momentum.”
Melbourne based athlete Mia Gross, who runs in the 200m, 400m and relay events, said having the event secured for three years was the perfect outcome for Australian athletes.
“It’s nice to know the event is locked in for three years,” she said.
“Having the security and knowing the event is here and knowing it’s here is so important leading into the LA Olympics in two years, and also the Brisbane Olympics in 2032.”
The event is supported through the Victorian Government’s Significant Sporting Events Program, highlighting the state’s commitment to fostering world-class sporting opportunities.
More than 1,150 events have been secured through the program since 2010, with more than half held in regional Victoria, keeping local businesses busy, hotels and shopping strips bustling and our local economies strong, and giving sporting fans a chance to see the very best right here in Victoria.
Further details on athlete participation, ticketing and event programming will be announced later in the year.
By Luke Dennehy, Australian Athletics
Posted 1/09/2026
