Former Commonwealth Games medallist Steve Moneghetti has been appointed Mayor of the Commonwealth Games Village for the 2006 Games in Melbourne, Australia.

Moneghetti’s role will include being involved in ceremonial and promotional activities and hosting and escorting visiting dignitaries.

The gold, silver and two-times bronze medal-winning distance runner will be supported by retired army officer Peter Haddad, who takes on the role of deputy mayor.

The Premier of the state of Victoria, Steve Bracks, said: “Securing a prominent sportsman with such a distinguished competition record is sure to have a positive impact on the thousands of athletes and officials based in the village during the Games.”

Both Moneghetti and Haddad will live at the Village for the duration of the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games, which take place on 15-26 March next year.

More than 435,000 tickets for the Games went on sale this month and can be purchased all over the world by telephone and online or at Ticketmaster outlets throughout Australia.

A further 800,000 commemorative tickets will also be distributed through a ticket ballot. Details: www.melbourne2006.com.au

Photograph: Elle Macpherson and Catherine Freeman began the Queen’s Baton relay for the Melbourne 2006 Comonwealth Games in London last March