The city has hosted the Goldfields Open for three years but the contract between the state government and organisers is set to end. 

Event manager Stewart Cameron said meetings were being held to discuss the event’s future. “We would love to come back to Bendigo,” he said. 

“If funding for the event continues and the government sees it as a viable option then I am positive it will return to Bendigo.

“A final decision will be made later this year.”

The Goldfields Open, which started on Monday at the Bendigo Stadium and finishes tomorrow, is being beamed to 60 countries across the world – showing off Bendigo to the world. 

Ten of the top 16 players in the world took part in the event, including Australian world number one, Neil Robertson. 

Mr Cameron said the people of Bendigo had welcomed players, staff and commentators with open arms. “We have really been welcomed by the locals,” he said. 

“There are a few snooker clubs in Bendigo which is good; it is part of the reason why it was chosen to host the event in the first place, ahead of places like Ballarat and Shepparton in particular.”

Minister for Tourism and Major Events Louise Asher said the state government was proud to have secured the international sporting event for Bendigo for the past three years. 

“With this week’s tournament signalling the end of the agreement, the government is now reviewing the performance of this major event and Victorian Major Events Company is in discussion with the organisers regarding the future of the event,” she said. 

“Bendigo has been an excellent host city for the Australian Goldfields Open and is an outstanding venue for international events.’’ 

City of Greater Bendigo major events manager Terry Karamaloudis said Bendigo was clearly capable of hosting the event. 

“This event puts Bendigo on the map,” he said. 

“It gives us international exposure in China, the UK and in Europe. “This is invaluable for Bendigo, a tremendous feat.”

Mr Karamaloudis said the economic impact was also significant. 

“Last year 4000 tickets were sold for the event, that is an increase on the previous year,” he said. 

“For most of those people they would have travelled to see the event. 

“They might stay overnight with restaurants, cafes and bars all getting a piece of the pie.”