What’s happening?
The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee (Brisbane 2032) has confirmed the founding members of four initial advisory groups to support the Board in its decisions and implementation. The announcement took place during the Brisbane 2032 Board’s two-day visit to Toowoomba, where members toured the Toowoomba Showgrounds and met with local community members, businesses, young athletes and Council representatives.
The advisory groups are: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Group, chaired by Patrick Johnson OLY; Athlete and Sport, chaired by Susie O’Neill OLY; Commercial, chaired by Brisbane 2032 President Andrew Liveris; and Host Mayors, chaired by Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner.
Among the appointed members are Australian basketball legend Patrick Mills AM OLY and four-time Paralympian and Para canoeist Curtis McGrath OAM PLY. Advisory group roles are not remunerated and will meet regularly each year.
Why it matters
Brisbane 2032 President Andrew Liveris said the advisory groups bring together “an incredible depth of expertise across their membership” and will play a key role in delivering the biggest sporting event in Queensland’s history.
“Hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032 provides the ultimate opportunity to globally showcase our picturesque regions and the welcoming warmth of our regional communities,” he said.
Federal Minister for Sport, the Hon. Anika Wells MP, said the Games will “encourage even greater participation and inclusion in sport, driving social cohesion,” adding that it was “a generational opportunity to inspire young girls and boys to dream big and achieve their dreams.”
Queensland Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Hon. Tim Mander MP, said it was essential to seek advice from “athletes, business and community leaders who can help deliver an unforgettable event that truly captures our Queensland sporting spirit and First Nations culture.”
Local impact
Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald said it was an honour to host the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee. “Their visit was an opportunity to not only showcase what we have but to share who we are, a proud, ambitious region ready to play our part in delivering an unforgettable Games for Queensland, Australia and the world,” he said.
He highlighted the region’s strengths, describing Toowoomba as “the fresh food hub of Queensland,” producing 85 per cent of the state’s eggs, 90 per cent of its pork, 65 per cent of Australia’s beef feed-lotting and nearly 1,000 hectares of fruit and vegetables. He added that the Toowoomba Wellcamp International Airport connects the region to 50 per cent of the world’s population and to 85 per cent of Australia within 24 hours.
“The Toowoomba Equestrian Centre will be a lasting legacy, doubling the number of events, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year and leaving Queensland with a permanent, world-class Olympic-standard venue,” Cr McDonald said.
By the numbers:
• Four advisory groups formed – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Athlete and Sport, Commercial, and Host Mayors.
• Toowoomba produces 85 per cent of Queensland’s eggs and 90 per cent of its pork.
• The region contributes 65 per cent of Australia’s beef feed-lotting and grows nearly 1,000 hectares of fruit and vegetables.
• The Toowoomba racing industry adds $23 million to the local economy each year.
• The region is home to 36 townships and 180,000 residents..
Zoom in
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group Chair Patrick Johnson said, “From ancient waters to sacred lands, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have shaped Brisbane’s 2032 story.” He added that the group will “honour, embed and amplify the voices of Traditional Owners,” ensuring the Games “are celebrated and respected for generations to come.”
Athletes and Sport Advisory Group Chair Susie O’Neill said, “Brisbane 2032 has always said the athletes’ voice would be at the heart of these Games, and the establishment of this Advisory Group puts this commitment into practice.” She added that the group’s members share “36 Olympic and Paralympic medals” and have attended “a cumulative total of 15 Games.”
Zoom out
Lord Mayor of Brisbane and Chair of the Host Mayors Advisory Group, Cr Adrian Schrinner, said, “The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase our city, our region and our state to the world.” He said councils would play a vital role in ensuring the Games experience is a positive one for “athletes, visitors and residents.”
Brisbane 2032 President Andrew Liveris also confirmed he will chair the Commercial Advisory Group, responsible for providing advice on the self-funded Organising Committee’s commercial program. “We do not take a dollar from the taxpayer, so successful delivery of our commercial program is of the utmost importance,” he said.
What to look for next?
The advisory groups will meet regularly to support Brisbane 2032’s Board in planning and delivering the Games, while regional communities like Toowoomba continue to play a vital role in shaping Queensland’s Olympic legacy.
