Sunshine Coast sporting champions have thrown their support behind a special taskforce being assembled to ensure the region makes the most of the 2032 Games.
Four-time Paralympic swimmer Blake Cochrane and three-time Olympic pole vaulter Alana Quade (nee Boyd) have backed the initiative by accepting roles as 2032 Taskforce Ambassadors.
Member for Fairfax and Special Envoy for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Ted O’Brien, has led the process of establishing the group.
“The purpose of the taskforce is to ensure the Sunshine Coast and Noosa region maximises opportunities in the lead up to, during and after, the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” he said.
“It will provide a platform for grassroots involvement across a range of areas where our region can accrue benefits from the Games – including sport and recreation, business and tourism, community and volunteers, environment and sustainability, arts and culture and infrastructure.
“Nominations are now open for people to join the taskforce.”
Sunshine Coast sports champions Alana Quade and Blake Cochrane have joined the initiative as taskforce ambassadors.
Four-time Paralympian Blake, who boasts two gold and silver medals, said he was proud to be involved because he knew how powerful the Games could be.
“2032 is going to bring so many opportunities to our region, more than just an Olympic and Paralympic Games,” he said.
“It’s going to bring opportunities for young people that are going to be in the peak of their career in 10 years’ time and it’s also going to bring different communities together to operate as one, with the shared goal of seeing Australia succeed on the international stage.
“Early planning is essential to these things, as 10 years will go by in a flash.
“So, the most important thing for us is to start now, plan now and really encompass and work with the people who are passionate in this field to start moving in the right direction.”
Alana, a three-time Olympian and back-to-back Commonwealth Games gold medallist, said she was delighted to take on the role as taskforce ambassador.
“You can guarantee that the athletes will train hard and put on a show for the world,” she said.
“So, as a region hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games, our job is to showcase our people, our culture, our facilities and our beautiful landscape and beaches.
“The benefits of hosting a Games will reach far beyond sport.
“There is nothing quite like the buzz of an Olympic and Paralympic city. We will be lucky enough to feel that buzz in our great region in 10 years’ time. Just blink and it will be here.
“It is so important that a broad cross section of the community are involved in the decisions that will allow the Sunshine Coast to make the most of a home Games and deliver a legacy that suits the Sunshine Coast.”
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Nominations are open for community members to apply for the taskforce, which will consist of an overarching management committee and six subcommittees.
All roles on the taskforce are voluntary and unpaid and will be selected through an independent process managed by recruiting firm HRM Contracting and Consulting.
The EOI process closes at 5pm, March 31.
To find out more, visit Sunshine Coast 2032 Taskforce.
Taskforce purpose
The purpose of the 2032 Taskforce is to ensure the Sunshine Coast and Noosa region maximises opportunities in the lead up to, during and after, the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The terms of reference for the 2032 Taskforce include:
• Engaging with, and giving voice to, the local community on a broad range of issues that will affect them as a result of the Brisbane 2032 Games – from sport, community and infrastructure to social and economic issues – to qualifying ideas, projects and programs identified by organisations and individuals and advocating on behalf of local businesses, community organisations and residents.
• Engaging all three tiers of government, the Brisbane Operating Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (BOCOG) and other organisations to identify opportunities across a range of areas – from business procurement to sport training and camps – with a view to becoming a conduit for sharing information with, and providing support to, local businesses, community and sporting organisations in the lead up to the Games.
• Collaborating with all three tiers of governments, the BOCOG and other organisations such as sport to help deliver community-led initiatives, programs and events across a selected range of activities including auditing facilities, attracting investment, regional branding and marketing.
• Managing and delivering 2032 Taskforce initiatives, programs and events including providing a concierge service for enquiries, organising ‘welcome’ events, organising volunteers and related services.
