The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee (Brisbane 2032) Board has assembled in Cairns for the first meeting since the Paris 2024 Games, to share learnings and hear local ambitions on what it means for Cairns to be a Co-Host City in 2032.
During a two-day visit, the Board will meet with a range of clubs and businesses, participate in a sporting program led by the Australian Olympic Committee and Paralympics Australia and visit local destinations that will benefit from hosting the Games across Queensland’s own backyard.
Brisbane 2032 President, Andrew Liveris said the visit continued a commitment by the Board to meet with local communities across Queensland that would be part of the Games’ overall success, including in the lead up to 2032 and beyond.
“Cairns is a proud Co-Host City and I’m delighted to be in tropical north Queensland for our first Board meeting following the Paris 2024 Games,” Mr Liveris said.
“This region has produced some inspiring Olympians and Paralympians over the years, including Brisbane 2032 Board Director Patrick Johnson, Matilda’s star Mary Fowler and a crowd favourite in recent weeks, Paralympian Grant ‘Scooter’ Patterson.
“There’s lots to digest following the Games, with the Board now focused on integrating and prioritising the learnings from all of our stakeholders into our local context.
“I look forward to meeting with the community in Cairns to hear their aspirations for a Games that we will all share in and benefit from in 2032.”
Cairns is expected to host preliminary football matches at a renovated Barlow Park as part of the Olympic Games in 2032, with members of Brisbane 2032’s Board touring the facility during their visit.
“This region has so much to look forward to and offer – from tourism and sport, to business and natural beauty. Cairns will certainly be a sought after destination as part of our Games journey,” Mr Liveris said.
Cairns Mayor, Amy Eden said she was thrilled to welcome and host the first Cairns meeting of the Brisbane 2032 Board.
“The fact it's happening here so soon after the incredible success of our Olympians and Paralympians at Paris 2024 makes the Board's visit even more special.
“Cairns Regional Council is working closely with all levels of government and local sporting organisations to maximise our role as a proud Co-Host city for Brisbane 2032.
“Together, we're going to make the most of the exciting Barlow Park upgrades.
“These upgrades are a game-changer for Cairns. It's about more than just increasing capacity – we’re making sure Cairns is ready to shine when the world’s eyes are on us in 2032.
“It also furthers our vision to become the premier destination for women’s sports in Australia, a place where athletes don’t just compete, but excel."
For imagery from the Board visit, click here.
For a VNR from the Board visit, click here.
“Our regional areas do the heavy lifting for athletes often producing more Australian representatives than their city cousins and we must do more to harness their exceptional abilities in the lead up to Brisbane 2032.
“Cairns is an epicentre for talent, from Jakara Anthony to Mary Fowler, brilliance emerges frequently from the far north and we are determined to ensure one of the great Queensland cities is a major part of Brisbane 2032.
“The Brisbane 2032 Games are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to deliver a lasting legacy for Brisbane and Queensland.
“It doesn’t matter where in Queensland you live, the Olympic and Paralympic Games have always been about making our city, our region and our state a better place for everyone.
“By working together, we can deliver a legacy that benefits residents right across our state today, during the Games and beyond.”
“Our Olympians captivated and inspired the nation with their performances in Paris. From Cairns to Coolangatta, communities right around Australia experienced the power of Olympic sport to bring people together and encourage our next generation to aspire to achieve their own goals.
“With only one Summer Games between now and Brisbane 2032, I’m excited for communities around the country to get involved in the opportunities of hosting a home Games.”
"With the finish of the Paris Paralympic Games, we move a step closer to the Games in 2032. I'm very much looking forward to reconvening with my Board colleagues in Cairns and discussing initial reflections on Paris 2024, in particular observations around the Paralympics.
"It will be a wonderful opportunity to spend time with members of the local community to hear their thoughts and aspirations for the exciting lead into our Home Games and Paralympics Australia looks forward to working with the local community to develop our Para-athletes of the future.”
ENDS
We recognise it is our collective efforts and responsibility as individuals, communities and governments to ensure equality, recognition and advancement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples across all aspects of society and everyday life, including sport. We are committed to building a deeper connection with First Nations Peoples through meaningful listening and authentic engagement. We celebrate and honour all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Olympians and Paralympians past and present and we are committed to honouring their unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and seas and the rich contribution they have made and continue to make to society and sport.
