Olympic and Paralympic Champions help launch major legacy initiative
The search has officially begun for members of a local taskforce that will ensure the Sunshine Coast maximises benefits from the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Four-time Paralympic swimmer Blake Cochrane OAM and three-time Olympic pole-vaulter Alana Quade nee Boyd have thrown their support behind the ambitious initiative by today officially 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 taskforce.
“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,” said Mr O’Brien.
“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,” said Mr O’Brien.
“I am thrilled to also announce Australian sporting legends, Alana Quade and Blake Cochrane OAM, as official 2032 Taskforce Ambassadors.”
One of the Australian Para-swimming team’s most decorated athletes, Blake Cochrane OAM backed Ted’s vision in his first appearance as 2032 Taskforce Ambassador.
The four-time Paralympian with two gold and silver medals to his name said he is proud to be involved with the Sunshine Coast 2032 Taskforce because he understands from experience the powerful effect of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“2032 is going to bring so many opportunities to our region, more than just an Olympic and Paralympic Games.” Mr Cochrane 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.”
Three-time Olympian and back-to-back Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist, Alana Quade said she was delighted to take on the role as 2032 Taskforce Ambassador.
“You can guarantee that the athletes will train hard and put on a show for the world,” Ms Quade 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 is 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.”
Nominations are now open for community members to apply for the 2032 Taskforce which will consist of an overarching management committee and six subcommittees.
All roles on the 2032 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 5pm on the 31st of March.
To find out more, visit www.2032taskforce-sunshinecoast.com.au/
Additional Information
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; and
- Managing and delivering 2032 Taskforce initiatives, programs and events including providing a concierge service for enquiries, organising ‘welcome’ events, organising volunteers and related services.